Cook

Candela is Alma Cocina Latina’s sister concept, located a block from Penn Station in the Station North Arts District. It is a vibrant, fast‑casual arepa concept built for flavor, community and the joy of eating with your hands. We’re looking for cooks who bring good energy, curiosity, and a team-first spirit to our small but mighty kitchen.

Candela is an energetic, welcoming space where guests can enjoy beautifully crafted arepas, Latin-inspired sides, and a space that feels like a neighborhood hangout from the moment you walk in.  If you love working with great ingredients, supporting your teammates, and creating joyful guest experiences, we’d love to meet you.

Key Responsibilities

• Prep ingredients and keep your station organized and ready
• Assemble arepas, and other dishes with consistency and care
• Jump between stations (prep, assembly, fry, dish, register) as needed
• Maintain Candela’s standards for flavor, freshness, and presentation
• Stay steady and focused during busy rushes
• Follow all food safety and sanitation guidelines
• Communicate clearly and support your teammates so service flows smoothly

What We’re Looking For

• At least 1 year of kitchen experience
• A warm, welcoming presence (hospitality is a language of its own)
• A positive, proactive teammate who jumps in without being asked
• Strong work ethic and the ability to handle pressure with grace
• Receptiveness to feedback — you listen, adjust, and keep growing
• Someone who looks beyond their own task and cares about the whole picture
• Curiosity about Venezuelan flavors and fast‑casual service

Non‑Negotiables

• You are available to work nights and weekends
• You show up for the team — whatever your “100%” looks like that day
• You step in when there’s a gap, no hesitation
• You follow direction, respect the training process, and move at the pace we set
• You take pride in quality and consistency
• You’re aligned with Candela’s values: hospitality, community, warmth, and care

What We Offer

• Competitive pay
• Cross‑training across all stations
• A supportive, collaborative team environment
• Stable scheduling for core cooks (with room for a second job if needed)
• The chance to help shape something new — full of culture, flavor, and neighborhood love

How to Apply

Send your resume, availability, and a short introduction to [email protected].
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Candela team!