Head Cook

HEAD COOK/CAFE DEPARTMENT LEAD | Friske Farm Market, Charlevoix, MI

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Join our passionate team at Friske Farm Market, a Northern Michigan destination dedicated to creating memorable food experiences for every guest. We take pride in our dedication to creativity, drive for excellence, and unwavering commitment to quality. From our family orchards to our market products, we focus on quality products grown and raised in Michigan whenever possible.

We are here to create and engage in a remarkable culture. Our daily goal is to deliver the "Friske Experience" to our guests, partners, vendors, the community and yes, each other too! How do we do this? By allowing our core values to guide our daily decisions and interactions.Why do we do this? One simple reason. We believe in treating others how we ourselves want to be treated.

At Friske's, we work to create a dynamic, fun, inspiring environment where we can be the best version of ourselves while encouraging and challenging each other to grow. As a Friske team member we want you to feel connected, accepted and valued. To have a true sense of belonging to something that's meaningful and fulfilling.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

We are seeking a creative & organized cook to join our team and help elevate our cafe to new heights. The ideal candidate will be a visionary foodie who thrives in a fast-paced environment, possesses an innate drive for perfection, and is dedicated to producing pizza, sandwiches, salads, quiche and soups of the highest quality, adhering to our recipes and standards at all times. This position is full time (35-50 hours per week) May-October, and part time (20-35 hours per week) November-April.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Conceptualize and develop new and innovative menu items that captivate customers and set us apart from the competition.

- Execute the making of recipes and orders with precision and attention to detail, ensuring that all food items meet our standards of quality and taste. This includes, but is not limited to the daily production of pizza dough, pizza, sandwiches, wraps, salads, sides, chili, soup, quiche, and a rotating variety of seasonal features.

- Follow cafe department SOP’s with regard to inventory management, prep schedule, life cycle of product, etc.

- Complete weekly ordering from foodservice vendors for the cafe department.

- Ensure daily & weekly prep targets are met in order to keep the cafe stocked and running smoothly at all times.

- Collaborate with the ownership team to continuously improve existing recipes and processes, incorporating feedback and staying abreast of food industry trends.

- Maintain a clean and organized workspace, adhering to strict hygiene and safety standards at all times.

- Provide remarkable customer service, engaging with patrons to understand their preferences, offer expert recommendations and create memorable experiences.

REQUIREMENTS:

- Verifiable experience in a commercial kitchen

- Expertise in a range of kitchen prep and cooking techniques

- Passion for brainstorming new menu item ideas and possibilities 

- Excellent time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment

- Strong communication skills and a positive attitude, with a customer-centric approach to service

- Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, Saturdays, and holidays as needed. Business is closed on Sundays.

- Reliable attendance, punctuality.

- Able to safely and repeatedly lift 50 lbs, as well as use resources at hand to safely and securely transport items on carts, speed racks, etc to limit spillage and waste.

BENEFITS:

- Competitive salary commensurate with experience, including shared/pooled tips

- Paid time off opportunity after one full season of employment (Busy season blackouts apply)

- Opportunities for career growth and advancement within the company.

- Access to premium ingredients and state-of-the-art equipment to fuel your creativity.

- A supportive and collaborative work environment where your contributions are valued and recognized.

- 40% discount on nearly the entire store, because everyone deserves a little sweetness in their life!

HOW TO APPLY:

If you're ready to unleash your creativity, drive, and passion for quality in a dynamic foodie-loving environment, we'd love to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing why you're the perfect fit for this role to: jeremy@friske.com.