Line Cook West Ridge Lanes & Family Fun Center Topeka, KS Job Details Full-time $11 - $18 an hour 23 hours ago Benefits Paid training Employee discount Flexible schedule Qualifications Grilling Pre-cooking preparation Guest relations Kitchen knives Cooking Cash register operations Kitchen stations Food Handler Certification Kitchen organization Full Job Description Position Summary West Ridge Lanes & Family Fun Center is looking for a dependable, energetic Line Cook / Food Service Team Member to join our team. This position is responsible for preparing quality food quickly and consistently while maintaining a clean, safe, and organized kitchen. Our kitchen serves guests throughout the bowling center and family fun center, including open-play customers, league bowlers, birthday parties, group events, tournaments, and private events. Because business can go from quiet to busy quickly, the ideal candidate is someone who can stay organized, work with a sense of urgency, and maintain quality even during a rush. This is a hands-on position. Team members should be comfortable cooking, prepping, cleaning, stocking, washing dishes, and helping wherever needed to keep the operation running smoothly. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Food Preparation & Cooking Prepare and cook menu items according to established recipes, portion sizes, presentation standards, and procedures. Prepare items such as burgers, sandwiches, chicken tenders, fries, pizza, appetizers, weekly specials, and other bowling-center favorites. Use grills, flat-top grills, fryers, ovens, microwaves, food warmers, and other commercial kitchen equipment safely. Complete food preparation including slicing, portioning, assembling, seasoning, cooking, and plating. Follow recipes and portion standards to provide guests with a consistent product while controlling food costs. Prepare food orders accurately and efficiently. Check food for proper appearance, temperature, portion, and quality before serving. Read order tickets carefully and prioritize multiple orders during busy periods. Accommodate reasonable guest requests and dietary needs according to company procedures. Minimize food waste through proper preparation, portioning, storage, and rotation. Guest Service & Teamwork Provide friendly, professional service to guests and coworkers. Communicate clearly with other kitchen, snack bar, bar, customer service, and management team members. Work cooperatively with other employees to ensure orders are completed accurately and on time. Maintain composure and a positive attitude during high-volume periods. Respond quickly when the kitchen becomes busy and assist other team members as needed. Help create an enjoyable experience for guests by taking pride in the quality and presentation of every order. Food Safety & Sanitation Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department requirements. Follow proper handwashing, glove use, cross-contamination prevention, and food-handling procedures. Monitor food temperatures and properly store hot, cold, frozen, and refrigerated products. Follow proper labeling, dating, storage, and FIFO (First In, First Out) procedures. Keep workstations, cooking surfaces, equipment, utensils, floors, sinks, storage areas, and refrigeration areas clean and organized. Complete routine cleaning and sanitation throughout the shift rather than waiting until closing. Properly clean and sanitize kitchen equipment after use. Wash dishes, cookware, utensils, trays, and food preparation equipment as needed. Properly dispose of trash, grease, and food waste. Immediately report food safety concerns, equipment problems, or unsafe conditions to management. Stocking & Inventory Maintain appropriate stock levels at assigned workstations. Restock ingredients, paper products, condiments, and supplies throughout the shift. Notify management when products or supplies are running low. Assist with receiving, organizing, rotating, and storing food deliveries. Monitor products for freshness and expiration dates. Assist with inventory counts when requested. Help reduce waste and unnecessary product loss. Opening & Closing Responsibilities Depending on the scheduled shift, duties may include: Setting up and stocking kitchen stations. Preparing ingredients and products for service. Checking equipment and food temperatures. Cleaning and sanitizing cooking and preparation areas. Breaking down and cleaning kitchen equipment. Properly storing, labeling, and securing food at the end of the shift. Washing dishes and cleaning sinks and dish areas. Sweeping and mopping kitchen floors. Taking out trash. Completing assigned opening or closing checklists. Leaving the kitchen clean, stocked, and ready for the next shift. Qualifications & Skills Preferred Qualifications Previous cooking, restaurant, concession, or food-service experience is preferred. Knowledge of basic food preparation and cooking techniques. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment. Understanding of basic food safety and sanitation practices. Experience working with fryers, grills, flat tops, ovens, and other cooking equipment is beneficial. Basic knife and food preparation skills. Food-handler certification is preferred when applicable. We are willing to train the right person who demonstrates reliability, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn. Skills We're Looking For Successful team members should be able to: Work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Handle several orders or responsibilities at the same time. Follow recipes, portion guidelines, and written procedures. Pay close attention to order accuracy and food quality. Work independently without constant supervision. Communicate effectively with coworkers and managers. Accept direction and constructive feedback professionally. Stay organized during busy periods. Recognize what needs to be done and take initiative. Maintain a clean workstation throughout the shift. Work as part of a team and assist coworkers when needed. Provide dependable and consistent attendance. Arrive on time and ready to work for every scheduled shift. Physical Requirements This position requires regular physical activity.
Employees must be able to:
Stand and walk for extended periods. Bend, reach, twist, and perform repetitive movements. Safely lift and carry food products, supplies, cookware, and equipment. Work around hot cooking equipment, steam, grease, refrigeration, and varying kitchen temperatures. Safely use knives and other food-preparation equipment. Perform cleaning duties including sweeping, mopping, washing dishes, and taking out trash. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals as required by applicable law. Scheduling & Availability West Ridge Lanes is an entertainment business, and many of our busiest times occur when traditional businesses are closed. Applicants should understand that this position may require: Evening shifts Friday and Saturday nights Weekend shifts Holiday and school-break availability Staying later when business levels require it Additional hours during tournaments, parties, special events, and other high-volume periods Reliable attendance and dependable transportation are important requirements of this position. What Makes Someone Successful at West Ridge? We're looking for more than someone who can cook. Our strongest team members are people who show up, work hard, help their coworkers, keep their area clean, and care about the experience our guests receive. You may be a great fit if you: Take pride in doing things correctly. Don't need to be reminded repeatedly to clean or restock. Can move quickly without sacrificing quality. Stay calm when several orders come in at once. Are willing to jump in and help wherever you're needed. Understand that every position contributes to the guest experience. Are dependable when your coworkers are counting on you. Want to learn and improve. About West Ridge Lanes & Family Fun Center West Ridge Lanes & Family Fun Center is a locally operated entertainment destination serving families, league bowlers, groups, parties, and the Topeka community. Our facility offers bowling, food and beverages, arcade entertainment, mini-golf, go-karts, birthday parties, group outings, tournaments, and special events.
Our goal is simple:
provide great experiences for our guests through friendly service, quality products, clean facilities, and a team that works together. Join Our Team If you're dependable, willing to work, enjoy a fast-paced environment, and want to be part of a team where your effort matters, we'd like to hear from you.
Job Type:
Full-time Pay:
$11.00 - $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
Employee discount Flexible schedule Paid training People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply Shift availability: Day Shift (Preferred) Night Shift (Required) Ability to
Commute:
Topeka, KS 66604 (Required) Ability to
Relocate:
Topeka, KS 66604: Relocate before starting work (Required)