KITCHEN TEAM MEMBER / COOK
DO YOU HAVE “IT”?
We are not looking for just anyone who can stand behind a fryer.
We want someone who brings focus, speed, discipline, and pride into the kitchen.
You stay ready. You move with purpose. You follow the recipe every time. You keep your station clean. You notice what the team needs before someone has to ask. When orders fill the screen, you stay calm and keep producing great food.
That is “IT.”
At Zaxby’s, our cooks do more than prepare meals. They protect the quality of our food. They control the pace of the kitchen. They help determine whether every guest leaves satisfied.
If you work hard, respond well to coaching, and take pride in getting it right, we may be saving a seat for you.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO WIN IN OUR KITCHEN?
Our strongest cooks bring:
- Speed: You move with urgency while protecting quality.
- Focus: You stay locked in during every rush.
- Consistency: You follow the correct process every time.
- Awareness: You watch product levels and prepare for what comes next.
- Ownership: You handle problems instead of waiting for someone else.
- Teamwork: You communicate and support every kitchen station.
- Coachability: You listen, adjust, and improve.
- Dependability: You arrive on time and ready to work.
- Cleanliness: You keep your station safe, stocked, and organized.
- Pride: You refuse to serve food that does not meet our standards.
- Composure: You stay in control when the kitchen gets hot and busy.
- Hunger to grow: You want to learn more and earn greater responsibility.
We can teach you our systems. We can train you on every station.
You must bring the effort, attitude, and discipline.
WHAT WINNING LOOKS LIKE
You are succeeding in this role when:
- Every order is prepared correctly.
- Food is fresh, hot, and served on time.
- Portions meet company standards.
- Your station stays clean and stocked.
- You prepare before the rush begins.
- You communicate clearly with the team.
- You follow food safety standards without shortcuts.
- You spot low product levels before they become a problem.
- Managers can trust you to complete your work.
- You accept feedback and show improvement.
- Your presence makes the entire kitchen stronger.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
As a Kitchen Team Member, you will:
- Complete the Zaxby’s Back-of-House Development Plan.
- Participate in hands-on station training.
- Prepare and cook menu items according to company standards.
- Follow recipes, portions, cook times, and holding procedures.
- Safely operate fryers, grills, knives, and other kitchen equipment.
- Assemble and package guest orders accurately.
- Check food quality before an order leaves the kitchen.
- Maintain proper product levels at your assigned station.
- Prepare for rush periods before immediate needs arise.
- Follow all food safety and sanitation procedures.
- Hold and store food at the proper temperatures.
- Prevent cross-contamination and protect guests from food safety risks.
- Receive, inspect, and stock inventory deliveries.
- Rotate products and follow proper storage procedures.
- Inform management when inventory or supplies are needed.
- Keep coolers, freezers, and storage areas clean and organized.
- Clean and sanitize equipment and work surfaces.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen.
- Report equipment problems or maintenance needs.
- Assist the front-of-house team when needed.
- Complete assigned opening, shift-change, and closing duties.
- Finish all tasks with urgency and attention to detail.
- Support teammates wherever help is needed.
- Complete other duties assigned by restaurant leadership.
THIS ROLE MAY NOT BE FOR YOU IF:
- You need constant reminders to complete basic tasks.
- You take shortcuts when no one is watching.
- You struggle to arrive on time.
- You leave your station dirty or unprepared.
- You ignore recipes, portions, or safety procedures.
- You shut down when the kitchen gets busy.
- You resist coaching or make excuses.
- You avoid helping outside your assigned station.
- You want hours but do not want responsibility.
- You are comfortable serving food that does not meet the standard.
Our guests trust us with every meal. We take that responsibility seriously.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To qualify for this position, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Meet the scheduling needs of the restaurant.
- Be available for the shifts agreed upon during hiring.
- Communicate clearly through speaking, reading, and writing.
- Follow recipes, instructions, and operating procedures.
- Work quickly while protecting food quality and accuracy.
- Respond professionally to coaching.
- Work well with managers and team members.
- Maintain a clean and professional appearance.
- Arrive for every scheduled shift on time and prepared.
- Work safely around hot equipment and sharp tools.
Full-time team members may work between 30 and 40 hours each week. Part-time schedules are also available based on restaurant needs and applicant availability.
Previous kitchen experience is helpful but not required. We will train the right person.
TEAM MEMBER BENEFITS
- 25% off meals while working.
- Full-time and part-time opportunities.
- Flexible scheduling.
- Employee referral bonus.
- Employee of the Month bonus opportunities.
- Team member recognition.
- Hands-on training.
- Opportunities to learn multiple kitchen stations.
- Clear opportunities for growth and advancement.
- A fun, fast-moving workplace where great work gets noticed.
PHYSICAL AND WORK REQUIREMENTS
This position requires the ability to:
- Stand and walk throughout the shift.
- Occasionally sit, stoop, bend, crouch, or climb.
- Safely use ladders when assigned.
- Frequently lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 pounds.
- Lift supplies overhead when needed.
- Use your hands and wrists for repeated movement and fine control.
- Communicate and respond to activity throughout the restaurant.
- Work around hot and cold temperature changes.
- Work around food products and common allergens.
- Safely operate fryers, knives, and other restaurant equipment.
- Follow all workplace safety and food handling procedures.
OUR CORE VALUES
GUEST FOCUSED
Our success depends on satisfied guests. We keep the guest at the center of every decision and every meal.
DEVELOP TALENT
People are our greatest asset. We attract, support, recognize, and develop team members who want to grow.
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
We follow our systems and execute them with excellence. We pursue the highest quality in everything we do.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
We deliver what we promise and work to exceed expectations. We accept change when it helps our team improve.
ARE YOU THE ONE?
We are looking for someone the team can count on.
Someone who stays ready.
Someone who respects the standard.
Someone who works with urgency.
Someone who understands that great food begins with discipline long before it reaches the guest.
If you have “IT,” show us.
Bring your focus. Bring your discipline. Bring your best.
Apply today. Your station may be waiting.
Zaxby's is an American chain of fast casual restaurants offering chicken wings, chicken fingers, sandwiches, and salads. The chain operates primarily in the South, and has more than 900 locations.
Salary
$10.00 - $12.00 per hour
Job Type
Full time