Kitchen Lead

Experience Required

1 year

Compensation

$20.75 / Hourly

Hours Per Week

40

Number Of Positions

1

Shift

Unspecified

Job Description

Honzu is an elevated take on classic Japanese Kombini-style cuisine, in support of Japanese Tencha (unground Matcha) farmers. Heritage Matcha farmers shade tea bushes using rice straw. This practice, known as Honzu, is becoming commercially extinct. Honzu sourcing includes rice from the same farmers that provide straw for Matcha cultivation.

Serving made-to-order, generously stuffed Ongiri with single-cultivar rice. Classics like Chicken Karaage and Ebi-Fry, batter in-house. The entire Honzu menu is made from scratch, and without compromise. As a mission-driven company, you're excited to deepen your appreciation and mastery of the Japanese culinary arts, and lead our Kitchen.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Training: Training and retraining team members, overseeing their ability to follow recipes and make consistent food items.

• Real-Time Feedback: Observing Kitchen staff while on duty and providing feedback in real time to help them be more successful in their role.

• Team Building & Support: Encouraging the team to stay aligned with Ooika’s mission. Executing team-building exercises and staying sensitive to team morale.

• Reporting: Reporting and documenting, including but not limited to staff feedback, training, and retraining exercises.

• Equipment: Maintain, light repairs, and documentation of all equipment at Honzu, including, but not limited to, air-conditioner, Fryer, Blender, refrigerators, freezers, grease trap, POS system, and related equipment.

• Stock: Assist the Manager with proper inventory taking and management.

• Communication: Proactive and immediate, and frequent over-communication with all members of leadership. Avoid making assumptions about what other leadership members “probably” or even “do” know. Communicate!

• POS: Knowledge of our POS system, including handling complex orders, refunds, creating new menu items, adding or removing points from customer accounts, updating photos on the POS, etc.

• Shop Cleaning & Hygiene: Ensuring the shop is always hygienic, clean, and well-organized according to Ooika standards. Shop operates according to all local health-code regulations.

• Knowledge and ability to make all Ooika recipes including: mochi cakes, cookies, fruit sauces, seasonal special bases, and the drinks themselves.

• Knowledge and ability to make all Honzu recipes including: Onigiri bases, marinades, soups, fried items, sauces, dips, specials, and seasonal items.

• Ability to properly document recipe adjustments and changes into the Honzu recipe handbook.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least one year of experience in kitchen settings with some experience in training or supervision.

• Demonstrated ability to lead a team through a high-pressure, fast-paced rush while maintaining composure and standards.

• High personal standard for cleanliness, food safety, and holding others accountable to the same.

• Emotional intelligence, communication skills, and the ability to maintain professional relationships with co-workers and customers.

• Reliable transportation to Honzu in Princeton, New Jersey.

• Willingness and flexibility to work during our open hours, which may include weekends and holidays.

• Strength to lift at least 60lbs.

• Ability to maneuver efficiently within a confined workspace.

• Comfort working in a confined, high-volume space where incidental physical contact, such as bumping or brushing, may occur between employees, and where guests or production work may occasionally involve brief contact such as a handshake or a tap on the shoulder.

COMPENSATION:

• Competitive hourly pay starting at $20.75, depending on experience, plus tips.

• 401(k) savings plan.

• Mental health paid time off & sick time off.

• Free drinks on and off shift.

• One staff meal on shift.

• Employees and family/friends discounts.

TO APPLY:

• Email your resume, cover letter, and your availability to [email protected].

Place of Work

On-site

Requisition ID

HZ-KL

Job Type

Full Time

Application Email

[email protected]