Job Overview
Bistro Cook / Food Prep Specialist
Chic Image BistroTampa, Fl food Handler Certification RequiredBilingual English/Spanish Preferred
About the Position
Chic Image Bistro is seeking a dependable, organized, and experienced Bistro Cook / Food Prep Specialist to join our growing hospitality operation.
This is a hands-on position for someone who enjoys preparing fresh, attractive food in a clean, organized environment and understands that presentation, consistency, sanitation, and speed are equally important.
Our Bistro offers a curated menu of freshly prepared foods, wellness-focused beverages, coffee and specialty drinks for on-site guests, pickup, delivery orders, and special events.
This is not a traditional restaurant line-cook position. Our kitchen operates with a streamlined menu and uses ovens, air fryers, and other approved Bistro equipment rather than a traditional commercial grill or fryer line.
Primary Responsibilities
The Bistro Cook / Food Prep Specialist will be responsible for the daily preparation and execution of Bistro food items, including:
- Preparing menu items according to established Chic Image Bistro recipes, portions, and presentation standards
- Preparing breakfast, lunch, light meals, sandwiches, wraps, sliders, toast items, salads, snacks, and other Bistro offerings
- Operating ovens, air fryers, and other approved kitchen equipment safely and efficiently
- Completing daily food preparation before service begins
- Washing, cutting, portioning, seasoning, assembling, and storing ingredients
- Maintaining proper portion sizes to control food costs and ensure consistency
- Preparing orders for dine-in, pickup, and third-party delivery services
- Packaging delivery orders carefully so food arrives fresh, attractive, and properly sealed
- Reading order tickets accurately and preparing multiple orders efficiently
- Monitoring ingredient levels and notifying management when products need to be reordered
- Rotating inventory using FIFO procedures and checking expiration dates
- Labeling and dating prepared foods and ingredients
- Maintaining refrigerators, prep areas, equipment, utensils, and workstations in clean and sanitary condition
- Following proper food-temperature, storage, cross-contamination, and food-safety procedures
- Completing opening, ongoing sanitation, and closing responsibilities
- Assisting with food preparation and service for private events and special Bistro programs when scheduled
- Helping maintain the polished, professional appearance expected throughout Chic Image Bistro
Food Safety Requirements
Applicants must have a current Food Handler Certificate or be able to provide documentation of an acceptable Florida food-handler certification before beginning work.
The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong understanding of:
- Proper food handling and sanitation
- Handwashing and glove procedures
- Prevention of cross-contamination
- Safe food storage
- Temperature control
- Allergen awareness
- Proper cleaning and sanitizing of food-contact surfaces
- Safe operation of kitchen equipment
Experience & Qualifications
Required:
- Previous professional food preparation, café, Bistro, restaurant, catering, or commercial kitchen experience
- Food Handler Certificate
- Ability to follow standardized recipes precisely
- Ability to work independently without constant supervision
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Ability to maintain a clean workstation throughout the shift
- Dependable attendance and punctuality
- Ability to work efficiently during busy service periods
- Professional appearance and attitude
Preferred:
- Bilingual English and Spanish
- Experience in a café, Bistro, wellness café, bakery/café, catering operation, or similar environment
- Experience preparing food for DoorDash or other delivery platforms
- Experience with food presentation and attractive plating
- Experience with inventory, portion control, food-cost awareness, and minimizing waste
- Experience preparing food for events or catering
The Person We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone who takes pride in their work.
You should be the type of person who notices when something isn’t clean, when an order doesn’t look right, or when a plate or delivery package could be presented better—and corrects it without needing to be told.
Because Chic Image Bistro is part of a professional beauty, wellness, education, and hospitality environment, cleanliness and presentation are extremely important to us.
We value team members who are:
Reliable Clean Organized Professional Efficient Detail-Oriented Friendly Accountable
Physical Requirements
This position requires the ability to:
- Stand and work on your feet for extended periods
- Bend, reach, lift, and perform repetitive food-preparation tasks
- Safely lift and carry food products, supplies, and kitchen equipment
- Work around ovens and other heated kitchen equipment
Schedule
Schedule will be based on Bistro operating needs and may include daytime shifts and occasional special events.
Availability and preferred work schedule should be included with your application.
To Apply
Please submit your resume through Indeed and include:
- Your previous food-service or kitchen experience
- Whether you currently hold a Food Handler Certificate
- Your current availability
- Whether you speak English, Spanish, or both
- Your earliest available start date
Please apply only if you have professional food-service experience and are comfortable working in a position where food quality, cleanliness, presentation, consistency, and customer experience are all essential parts of the job.
Experience: Food preparation / commercial kitchen: 1 year preferredCertification: Food Handler Certificate requiredLanguage: English required; Spanish/English bilingual preferred
Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
