Lead Line Cook Job Description
Position: Lead Line Cook
About Safta:
Safta, meaning "Grandmother" in Hebrew, is our company-owned restaurant located in the vibrant RiNo neighborhood in Denver. Opened just six months after our flagship restaurant Saba, Safta reflects Chef Alon Shaya's heritage and offers a culinary journey that pays homage to the rich and diverse landscape of Israeli cuisine. Influenced by the flavors of the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa, Safta presents a collection of moments where food and culture intersect. Our menu showcases an ever-evolving cuisine, with wood-fired pita bread baked steps from the table, soaking up the flavors of Bulgaria, Yemen, Syria, Morocco, Turkey, Palestine, and Greece, to name a few.
At Safta, we are committed to sourcing the freshest seafood, meats, and produce from local farms around Denver, CO. These ingredients are transformed into family-style platters that are both comforting and innovative, served in a setting that reflects our deep respect for the cultural intersections that have shaped our menu.
Our Mission & Core Values:
At Safta, we believe in creating a space where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and fulfilled, both professionally and personally. Our mission is to foster an environment where love, mutual respect, and a commitment to equality are at the forefront of everything we do. We stand up for our values, ensuring that our restaurant is a place where all people, regardless of their background, can come together and feel at home.
Our core values guide everything we do and are the foundation of our commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for both our team and our guests. We believe in the power of education and strive to continuously learn and grow. Respect is at the heart of our interactions, ensuring that everyone we encounter feels valued and appreciated. We are committed to fairness in all our practices, treating everyone with equity and integrity. Empowerment is key to our success, as we encourage and support each other to reach our fullest potential. We pride ourselves on being reliable, consistently delivering on our promises and maintaining the highest standards. Passion drives us, fueling our dedication to the craft of hospitality and inspiring us to create memorable experiences. Communication is essential to our teamwork, fostering clear, honest, and open exchanges that keep our operations running smoothly. Finally, we maintain a positive attitude, approaching every challenge with optimism and a can-do spirit, creating an environment where happiness and fulfillment thrive.
Job Overview:
The Lead Line Cook at Safta is responsible for overseeing the kitchen line during service, ensuring that all dishes are prepared to Safta’s high standards and coordinating the efforts of the line cooks. The Lead Line Cook plays a key role in maintaining the flow of the kitchen, ensuring that orders are completed efficiently and accurately. This position also involves training and mentoring line cooks, managing prep work, and assisting the Sous Chef and Executive Chef with kitchen operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Kitchen Leadership:
- Oversee the kitchen line during service, ensuring that dishes are prepared and plated according to Safta’s standards.
- Coordinate the efforts of line cooks to ensure timely preparation and service of food.
- Act as the main point of contact between the kitchen staff and the front-of-house team during service.
- Quality Control:
- Ensure that all dishes leaving the kitchen meet Safta’s quality standards in terms of presentation, taste, and consistency.
- Conduct regular checks on food preparation and cooking techniques to maintain high standards.
- Training and Development:
- Train new line cooks on Safta’s menu, recipes, and kitchen procedures.
- Mentor and provide guidance to line cooks to help them improve their skills and efficiency.
- Assist in the development of training materials and procedures for the kitchen team.
- Prep Work and Inventory Management:
- Oversee daily prep work, ensuring that all ingredients are properly prepared and ready for service.
- Monitor inventory levels and communicate any shortages or needs to the Sous Chef or Executive Chef.
- Assist in ordering and receiving kitchen supplies and ingredients as needed.
- Safety and Sanitation:
- Ensure that all kitchen staff adhere to health, safety, and sanitation guidelines.
- Maintain a clean and organized work environment, including monitoring the cleanliness of the kitchen and equipment.
- Conduct regular inspections of kitchen equipment to ensure it is in proper working order.
- Problem-Solving:
- Address any issues that arise during service, such as equipment malfunctions, ingredient shortages, or staff conflicts.
- Work with the Sous Chef and Executive Chef to resolve problems quickly and efficiently.
Qualifications:
- Previous experience as a line cook, with additional experience in a leadership or supervisory role preferred.
- Strong understanding of cooking techniques, kitchen equipment, and food safety standards.
- Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to work efficiently under pressure.
- Ability to lead and motivate a team, with strong communication skills.
- Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Physical Requirements:
- Standing for extended periods, often for the entire shift.
- Lifting and carrying items such as pots, pans, and trays weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Bending, reaching, and stooping to perform tasks around the kitchen.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with exposure to heat, cold, and humidity.
Joining the Safta team means becoming part of a team that is passionate about food, culture, and creating memorable experiences for our guests. If you share our values and are excited to contribute to a dynamic and supportive team, we invite you to apply and be a part of our story.
