Food Runner/Cook

Food Runner/Cook/Kitchen Apprentice – Soft Bar

Soft Bar is a non-alcoholic bar redefining nightlife through a state-of-the-art, experimental cocktail program. Alongside our beverage program, we serve a focused menu of bar snacks and small plates designed to complement our drinks and create a thoughtful, shareable food experience.

We’re looking for a food runner + cook who thrives in a small, efficient kitchen and takes pride in strong execution. This role is primarily responsible for running the kitchen during service — often independently — while working closely with the front-of-house team to keep food flowing smoothly.

While the overall direction of the food program lives with management, this position plays a key role in executing the menu with consistency and helping bring new ideas to life as the program grows.

This is an hourly position centered around regular service shifts, with additional opportunities to support private events and brand activations.

What You’ll Do

Run the Kitchen During Service

• Execute Soft Bar’s menu of bar snacks and small plates with consistency, speed, and attention to detail.
• Lead the kitchen during service, often working solo while coordinating with servers who assist with food running and light support.
• Maintain strong organization and pacing during service periods.
• Ensure every dish meets presentation and quality standards.
  

Prep & Station Readiness

• Complete daily prep and maintain a clean, organized station.
• Manage prep lists to ensure smooth service across all menu items.
• Maintain clear communication with management around prep needs and product levels.
  

Support an Evolving Food Program

• Execute existing recipes and menu builds developed by management.
• Contribute ideas during R&D as we expand into future offerings like breakfast, lunch, and seasonal menu updates.
• Collaborate with the beverage team to ensure food complements Soft Bar’s cocktail program.

Standards & Food Safety

• Maintain strict adherence to NYC Department of Health standards.
• Ensure kitchen cleanliness, organization, and sanitation throughout prep and service.
• Follow proper allergen awareness and food safety procedures at all times.
  
  

Schedule & Structure
This is a part-time position, with flexibility to evolve into full-time work. Availability to work at least one weekend day required. Weekly hours are subject to change for private events, brand activations, and special programming, which may occur outside regular service hours.

Compensation $20/hour

Who You Are

• 1-2+ years of professional kitchen experience.
• Comfortable running a small kitchen independently during service.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple tickets in a compact workspace.
• Collaborative with front-of-house teams.
• Interested in seasonal, thoughtful, and plant-forward cooking.
• NYC Food Protection Certificate required (or willingness to obtain within 30 days).
• Available evenings and weekends.
  
  

The Energy

Soft Bar is collaborative, creative, and detail-obsessed. Our kitchen is intentionally small and focused — built to support the bar program with food that is thoughtful, balanced, and easy to share.

If you’re someone who enjoys running a tight line, takes pride in consistency, and is excited to help grow a food program alongside an innovative beverage team, we’d love to meet you.