Culinary Associate

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Culinary Associate in Carlsbad!

Come join our team of Lunatics at Luna Grill! Luna Grill is an expanding fast-casual Mediterranean brand based in the San Diego. We have built a great culture, a fun working environment dedicated to personal and professional development. Each Lunatic is encouraged to be the spark that leads to our next success. We believe in cultivating within and creating those REAL experiences. We trust our Leaders to develop their teams and to mold our future leaders and inspire each other, every day, to be our best self. Join our team and contribute to the growth and success of our growing brand.

Position Summary

The Culinary Associate contributes a key role to in our test kitchen operations. They primarily assist by preparing a variety of menu items for restaurant innovations and tests. This position requires creativity, a passion for food, and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment. In addition to kitchen duties, the role may involve maintaining test kitchen equipment, attending training meetings, and collaborating with different departments. The Culinary Associate reports to the Culinary & Restaurant Excellence Specialist and plays an instrumental role within the culinary team and restaurant operations.

Essential Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations:

· Assists in preparing a variety of menu items consisting of meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, etc., and other food items for cooking in broilers, ovens, grills, fryers,etc., and a variety of other kitchen equipment.

· Understands and can adapt with company standard use of portion sizes, cooking methods, quality standards and kitchen rules, policies, and procedures.

· Always maintain a clean and sanitary workstation, performs closing the test kitchen using the standard closing checklist

· Stocks and maintains sufficient levels of food & paper products in the test kitchen while handling, storing, and rotating all products properly.

· Receives, dates, logs, and puts away all delivered R&D products, and routinely inspects products to ensure quality standards are met.

· Attendance at all scheduled team meetings and trainings and provides suggestions for improvements.

· Performs routine maintenance of test kitchen equipment including freezers, refrigerators, small-wares, fryer, stove-top (all dedicated test kitchen equipment and small-wares); calibrates equipment and thermometers regularly.

· Assist in the preparation of all products for restaurant innovations, showings, and tests.

· Primary source for the culinary team and can schedule and provide details on multiple projects.

· Supports Culinary team with ordering of supplies and maintains a continuous check list of products/supplies needed.

· Assist in the execution of quarterly sampling program by preparing workspace for the sampling to be conducted.

· Assist in preparation of food to help test through incoming samples to mitigate any risk or out of stock ingredients.

Culinary Development Support:

· Assists in food preparation for all Marketing or Training photoshoots.

· Assist the Culinary & Restaurant Excellence Specialist in tracking recipe versions and updates.

· Assists The Culinary & Restaurant Excellence Specialist in testing needs, planning, and delivery.

· Preps & executes Guest Intercepts as needed.

· Assist the Culinary Team with ingredient testing & validation studies. Assist with ingredient testing & packaging when applicable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Strong attention to detail, organization, and record-keeping.

· Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and commitment to upholding the highest food standards.

· Possess and instill high-quality standards for food quality, production, and plate presentation.

· Ability to work productively with minimal supervision.

· Bi-lingual in English and Spanish (preferred)

· Basic skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

· Ability to work effectively with cross-functional departments.

· Capable of engaging with high-level executives in a professional manner.

Education/Experience Requirements

Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the food service industry. High School Diploma or Equivalent Required

Physical Demands/Work Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, bend and twist neck and waist, reach above and below shoulders and squat, use hands, reaching or grasping with hands and arms. Must be able to lift approximately 10-50 pounds.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Must comply with Company’s Appearance and Dress Code standard as set forth in the Team Member Handbook. Works primarily in the kitchen, where air may be moist, warm, and odorous from cooking foods.

Must be able to work within an office, restaurant, and outside environment. Transportation required to conduct competitive shops, market errands and travel between other restaurants and LUNA RSC.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Restaurant type:

• Casual dining restaurant
• Fast casual restaurant

Shift:

• 8 hour shift

Weekly day range:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Can you tell us about any skills or experience you have that might be helpful in this job?

Experience:

• Kitchen: 2 years (Required)
• Kitchen management: 2 years (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Required)

Work Location: In person