Cook - College Cafe

Join Our REAL Food Mission!

Cook - College Cafe | Location: Saratoga, CA 95070

Compensation: $22 per hour| Full-Time

Schedule:  Monday-Thursday, 9am-5:30pm

Job Summary

Bring your passion for scratch cooking to a team that values fresh ingredients, flavorful meals, and making a daily difference. As a Cook, you’ll help craft delicious, nourishing dishes in a fast-paced kitchen where quality and care come first. You’ll work in a collaborative kitchen environment, preparing nutritious meals while following safety standards and bringing care and attention to every dish. Your role helps create a warm, welcoming experience through food that makes a difference.

What You'll Do

• Review menus and assemble all items needed for preparation. 
• Follow standard recipes and production sheets to achieve nutritious, high-quality, cost-effective meals. 
• Evaluate food preparation and recommends changes to improve operations.  
• Follow kitchen opening/closing procedures and handle food and equipment following sanitation and safety practices.  
• Assist with training new Food Service personnel. 
• Report repairs and maintenance needs to the Supervisor. 
• Meet time deadlines for tray line, cafeteria service, and catering. 
• Utilize progressive cooking procedures to ensure optimum quality products. 
• Utilize appropriate garnishing and food presentation techniques to ensure optimum quality. 
• Follow daily prep and pull schedules as indicated in guidelines. 
• Weigh and measure ingredients for the following day's production, keeping food refrigerated as needed and using proper thawing procedures. 
• Document supply acquisitions appropriately, both when ordering and removing items from the storeroom.
• Rotate supplies and maintain an orderly inventory at a minimum per level. 
• Ensure the safety of food prepared by following safe sanitary food handling practices—hot food hot and cold food cold. 
• Follow specified cleaning procedures for all cooking equipment. Utilize proper food storage practices—cover, label, and date. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

What You Will Bring

• ServSafe® Certification and State Food Handlers Card 
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug screen
• High School Diploma/GED 

Physical and Sensory Requirements

• This job involves regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and a kitchen environment with fumes, airborne particles, and moderate noise. Employees must have the physical stamina to stand for long periods, lift trays, and perform repetitive tasks. Occasional exposure to wet or humid conditions, extreme temperatures, and vibration may occur. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

At Thomas Cuisine, our people are purposeful. They care about food and quality and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our healthcare community.

What We Offer!

Life/Work Integration

• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Baby Bonding Leave
• Paid Elder Care Leave
• Paid Time Off (Accrued)
• Holiday Premium Pay

Health & Wellness

• 3 Medical Plans (Blue Cross)
• Prescription, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Reimbursed Wellness Massages (Portion of cost)
• Voluntary HSA with Company Match
• Voluntary FSA
• Free Employee Assistance Program (Behavioral Health Support)
• Access to Wellness Initiatives (Fitness Memberships, etc.)

Financial Wellness

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Company-Paid Basic Life Insurance
• Company-Paid Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Policy
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• Voluntary Employee, Spouse, and/or child(ren) Life Insurance, with AD&D

Plus

• A supportive, collaborative work environment
• Opportunities for growth

Who We Are 

Founded in 1986, Thomas Cuisine is an award-winning, privately held contract food service company. We advocate the healing power of whole foods and believe in preparing scratch-made cuisine fresh each day. Our people are purposeful, they care about food and quality, and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish, but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our growing community.

Our Commitment To You 

At Thomas Cuisine, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and where every individual feels a sense of belonging. We know that this commitment is an ongoing journey, and we will strive to improve and adapt as we grow. Our DEIB commitment is not just a statement but a living part of our company culture.

REAL Food | Genuine Service | Enduring Relationships