Cook I

Kitchen Cook / Food Prep (Hot Line & Prep)

The Ground Coffee, Plants & Gifts
📍 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
🕒 Part-Time or Full-Time
💲 $16–$18/hour + tips (based on experience)
📅 Weekend availability required About The Ground

The Ground is a community-rooted café known for great coffee, beautiful plants, and a thoughtful, from-scratch food program. Our kitchen is small, fast-moving, and collaborative—and it only works when everyone shows up for each other. We’re growing our menu and looking for a dependable, skilled kitchen professional who takes pride in their craft and their work ethic.

About the Role

This is a hands-on, all-around kitchen position . You’ll work hot line, prep, light baking, and cleaning—often in the same shift. We need someone with strong knife skills , comfort on a busy sandwich/hot station, and the flexibility to move where the kitchen needs you most.

This role is ideal for someone who takes their kitchen career seriously, values teamwork, and understands that cleanliness, prep, and punctuality are just as important as cooking .

You’ll Be a Great Fit If You:

• Have 2–4 years of professional kitchen experience

• Have solid knife skills and confidence with daily prep (chopping, slicing, batching, sauces, spreads)

• Are comfortable working hot line / cook-to-order , especially breakfast sandwiches

• Can handle a rush while staying calm, organized, and focused

• Show up on time, every time , ready to work and communicate

• Take accountability for your station, your prep, and your mess

• Understand that cleaning is part of the job (floors, dishes, stations, end-of-day resets)

• Are flexible and willing to jump in wherever needed

• Can and will work weekends (this is required, not optional)

What You’ll Do:

• Execute made-to-order sandwiches and hot menu items with speed and consistency

• Complete daily food prep using proper knife technique and portioning

• Assist with light baking and batch prep as needed

• Keep your station stocked, clean, and fully set up for the next shift

• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health code standards

• Help with receiving, labeling, rotating, and storing products

• Support overall kitchen cleanliness, including dishes and deep cleaning

• Work as part of a tight, team-oriented kitchen where everyone contributes

What We Offer:

• Competitive hourly pay plus pooled tips

• Paid sick leave

• Daily staff meals & café drinks

• Discounts on coffee, food, plants, and retail

• A respectful, supportive work environment

• A team that values communication, reliability, and pride in work

Important to Know:

This is not a role for someone who:

• Doesn’t like cleaning

• Doesn’t want to prep

• Struggles with punctuality

• Wants a “clock in, clock out” kitchen job

It is a great role for someone who wants to grow, be trusted, and be part of a kitchen that actually works as a team.

How to Apply:

Send your resume or a short note about your experience via Culinary Agents, or stop by our Rittenhouse location to introduce yourself.