Sakana Wayne is a new Japanese all-you-can-eat restaurant anticipated to open in late August 2026. We are hiring experienced, dependable, and organized Fry Cooks to join our opening team. The Fry Cook is responsible for preparing tempura, fried appetizers, chicken wings, fries, and other fried menu items according to Sakana's recipes, portions, and presentation standards. This position requires speed, consistency, safe fryer operation, and close coordination with the Line Cook and Expo teams during high-volume service. Paid pre-opening training will be provided. Applicants must be available to attend training before the restaurant opens. Responsibilities Set up the fry station with the correct ingredients, equipment, utensils, sauces, labels, and preparation levels. Prepare tempura, fried appetizers, chicken wings, fries, and other menu items according to Sakana recipes and portion standards. Read orders accurately and prepare multiple items with proper timing. Coordinate with Line Cooks, Sushi Chefs, Expo, Food Runners, and Managers. Maintain correct fryer temperatures and cooking times. Avoid overcooking, undercooking, cross-contact, and unnecessary food waste. Keep fried food fresh, crisp, properly drained, and consistently presented. Follow allergy procedures and use designated equipment when instructed. Communicate allergy orders, shortages, delays, incorrect orders, and refires immediately. Filter and maintain fryer oil according to the restaurant's schedule. Notify a Manager when oil needs to be changed or fryer equipment is not working properly. Safely handle hot oil and follow all fryer, fire-prevention, and workplace-safety procedures. Label, date, rotate, and properly store all ingredients using FIFO procedures. Keep refrigerated products cold and return prepared food to refrigeration promptly. Maintain a clean and sanitized station, including fryers, baskets, filters, walls, floors, sinks, and work surfaces. Complete preparation lists, opening duties, closing duties, waste records, and assigned deep-cleaning tasks. Assist with general kitchen preparation and other stations when needed. Qualifications Previous Fry Cook, Line Cook, or restaurant-kitchen experience is preferred. Experience operating commercial fryers in a high-volume restaurant is strongly preferred. Able to manage multiple fryer baskets and orders while maintaining quality and accuracy. Understanding of safe hot-oil handling, fryer cleaning, oil filtering, food safety, and sanitation. Able to follow written recipes, visual plating guides, portion standards, and Manager instructions. Dependable, punctual, organized, and team-oriented. Able to remain calm and work efficiently during busy service. Evening, weekend, holiday, opening, and closing availability is strongly preferred. Must be available for paid pre-opening training. Able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. English, Spanish, and Chinese speakers are welcome. Team members must be able to communicate safely and clearly at work. Benefits Competitive pay of $19.00-$24.00 per hour Paid pre-opening and position training Full-time and part-time opportunities Earned sick leave in accordance with New Jersey law and Sakana policy Opportunities to learn additional kitchen stations and grow with the Sakana Wayne team Schedule Day, evening, weekend, holiday, opening, and closing shifts may be available. Reliable attendance during paid pre-opening training and the restaurant's late-August opening period is required. Sakana is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without discrimination and provide reasonable accommodations as required by law. Indeed Screening Questions How many years of Fry Cook, Line Cook, or restaurant-kitchen experience do you have? Have you operated commercial fryers in a high-volume restaurant? Are you experienced with filtering fryer oil and safely cleaning commercial fryers? Are you available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and closing shifts? Are you available to attend paid pre-opening training before the restaurant opens in late August 2026? Please list the days and hours you are normally available to work.

Pay:

$19.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount Flexible schedule Paid sick time Paid time off Paid training

Work Location:

In person