Line Cook/Prep Cook

Line Cook/Prep Cook LJ's Lounge Costa Mesa, CA Job Details Part-time From $22 an hour 15 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Paid sick time Qualifications Food production Food handling Food hygiene Cooking Kitchen grills Knife skills Full Job Description Line Cook /

Prep Cook Job Description Location:

LJ's Lounge, Costa Mesa, CA Reports to:

Kitchen Manager Department:

Back of House Operations Position Overview Ignite your culinary fire at Orange County's soul-infused hotspot! LJ's Lounge fuses Southern comfort classics with California coastal vibes in a chic, music-pulsed haven for mature, diverse, and affluent professionals. As Line Cook / Prep Cook, you'll prepare fresh ingredients, execute our signature menu (fried chicken & waffles, shrimp & grits, delicious pizzas, and desserts) with precision and soul, and help craft plates that captivate guests and ensure they leave "better than they arrived." In our fast-paced startup environment, strong communication skills are essential to thrive and support efficient kitchen operations. Protect profitability through 26-28% COGS, waste control, and efficiency in a 4,000 sq ft venue (~120 occupancy). We are committed to an employee experience that equals the guest experience and offer strong opportunities for growth, including increased compensation and greater responsibility, for high performers. We demand integrity, excellence, respect—strong team players ready to over-deliver in this community-rooted concept. Key Responsibilities

• Prepare ingredients and assist with food prep to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
• Cook and plate menu items for all-day dining and events with consistency, quality, speed, and presentation standards.
• Follow recipes, portion controls, and plating standards to minimize waste.
• Maintain station cleanliness, organization, and full compliance with food safety and sanitation procedures.
• Collaborate effectively with kitchen and FOH teams through clear communication for timely service and innovations.
• Assist with inventory, pars, vendor quality checks, and real-time order management via POS/tech. Requirements & Expectations
• 2+ years Line Cook or Prep Cook experience in high-volume kitchens (comfort food preferred).
• Strong communication skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
• Skilled in techniques, knife work, speed, and attention to detail.
• Tech-savvy and flexible with shifts (including weekends and evenings).
• ServSafe or food handler certified.
• Integrity, excellence, respect a must—passionate about soulful, high-quality food. Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly Rate:

  $22/hr. or more based upon experience.
• Bonuses and growth opportunities for low COGS, quality, and strong performance.

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Benefits:

Health coverage eligibility, paid sick days (CA compliant), dining discounts. This position is ideal for motivated culinary professionals eager to grow their career while contributing to a dynamic, soulful team. We welcome applicants with diverse food-service backgrounds who are passionate about delivering exceptional experiences. Join us and be part of something truly special at LJ's Lounge!

Pay:

From $22.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person