Kitchen Lead

Canyon Coffee opened the doors to our first cafe in Echo Park in August 2022 and it has been off to a great start, allowing us the exciting opportunity to expand to Brooklyn for our second cafe. We’ve built a culture and team at the company which we are very proud of for our hospitality, skill and passion for quality coffee, food, and service.

The shop has a full espresso + house-made beverage menu complemented by pastries from local makers/bakers, and a simple, but thoughtful made-to-order toasts and sandwich menu. We care about quality in all of our ingredients, sourcing produce from the local farmers markets and direct from farmers, in addition to the certified organic coffees we roast at a premier warehouse & roasting facility in Los Angeles.

Our kitchen lead will be the point person for ensuring standards and expectations regarding our in-house food program are met, assisting with quality control and training among the cafe team. This role will work directly with the Cafe Manager to ensure the kitchen runs smoothly, efficiently and safely, following all necessary best practices of a food environment. Hands-on work will be balanced with administrative and operational tasks such as inventory, waste reduction, ordering, all while maintaining the organizational skills and positive attitude required of our cafe and team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise kitchen operations with oversight from Cafe Manager: prep, service, ordering, sanitation, organization
• Maintain consistent execution and quality of cafe food menu – attention to detail, observation, palate
• Help build recipes, prep lists, pars, and clear kitchen systems/SOPs
• Ensure that all dishes are prepared according to recipes and guidelines
• Maintain a clean, organized (and labeled) workspace, ensuring food safety and sanitation standards are met at all times
• Keep track of inventory levels and place orders for ingredients and supplies as needed (with management oversight)
• Implement strategies to minimize waste and maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
• Conduct regular inspections and address any issues or concerns promptly.
• Work and lead by example, helping train on any food equipment, best practice, proper use and sanitation
• Work closely with leadership to provide general food/kitchen training and support, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment
• Communicate effectively with the management team to identify areas for improvement and implement solutions.
• Prioritize, address and troubleshoot any kitchen issues with timeliness
• Prioritize, address and communicate any interpersonal / HR issues with discretion and timeliness
• Ensure compliance with NYC DOH standards and food safety best practices
• Collaborate with FOH/leadership to improve flow, timing, and guest experience as needed

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• 3+ years of professional, industry kitchen experience with at least 1+ years in a BOH leadership role
• Experience in/familiarity with quick-service/fast-casual setting and pace preferred
• Knowledge of food costing, inventory, ordering
• Attention to detail including quality control and cleanliness
• Calm leadership / composure under pressure; excellent communication
• NYC DOH / Food Protection Certificate preferred (or ability to obtain)
• Ability to lead by example and successfully supervise, coach, train team members and hold employees accountable
• Ability to adapt and pivot within a lively cafe environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequent standing, walking; majority of work will be on your feet
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or use equipment following proper safety protocols
• Frequent bending at the waist, reaching, grabbing, potential squatting, kneeling
• Frequent moving / working indoor in enclosed kitchen and outdoor (back and forth to basement using steep steps) throughout seasons
• Exposure to generally bustling/loud cafe & kitchen environments, operating equipment, music, guest chatter, street noises, etc.

BENEFITS

• Health Insurance for FT employees
• 401k
• Company Discounts
• Work/Life Balance
• Professional Growth and Earning Potential
• Professional, Respectful and Supportive Environment with continued education and review

Canyon Coffee is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all employees. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws (including the NYC Human Rights Law).