Line Cook/Prep Cook The Ugly Duckling Dayton Dayton, OH Job Details Part-time | Full-time $16 - $18 an hour 4 hours ago Benefits Snacks provided Employee discount Qualifications Grilling Teamwork Kitchen knives FIFO Attention to detail Kitchen stations Full Job Description

LINE COOK

The Ugly Duckling Dayton 1430 E. 5th St. Dayton, Ohio

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Line Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items accurately, consistently, and efficiently while maintaining a clean, organized, and well-stocked kitchen. The Ugly Duckling is a small, independently operated breakfast and lunch restaurant. We serve breakfast all day in a fast-paced environment where teamwork, communication, consistency, and attention to detail are essential. Your primary responsibility is the kitchen and the food leaving it. That means being prepared for service, keeping your station under control, communicating with the rest of the team, and making sure every plate meets our standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Cooking & Service Prepare and cook menu items according to The Ugly Duckling's recipes, portions, and presentation standards. Work assigned kitchen stations including the grill, flat-top, fryer, prep area, and expo/window as needed. Read tickets carefully and prepare orders accurately, including modifications and special requests. Maintain speed and organization during high-volume breakfast and lunch service. Coordinate timing with other cooks so complete orders reach the window together. Check food for proper preparation, portion, appearance, and quality before it leaves the kitchen. Communicate immediately when an item, ingredient, or station is running low. Prep & Station Readiness Complete assigned prep before and during service. Set up and fully stock your station before service begins. Maintain appropriate backups of commonly used ingredients. Follow proper portioning procedures to maintain consistency and control waste. Properly label, date, rotate, cover, and store food. Follow FIFO practices and notify management of low inventory, spoilage, or product-quality issues. Restock and reset your station for the next shift. Cleanliness & Food Safety Keep your station clean and organized throughout the shift — not only at closing. Follow proper food-handling, cooking, cooling, holding, and storage procedures. Prevent unnecessary cross-contact between ingredients and follow procedures for allergy or dietary requests. Understand that The Ugly Duckling operates a shared kitchen and accurately communicate dietary concerns to management and the service team. Clean and sanitize cooking surfaces, equipment, utensils, prep areas, coolers, floors, and other assigned kitchen areas. Safely operate grills, fryers, knives, ovens, food-preparation equipment, and other kitchen equipment. Immediately report unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, injuries, or food-safety concerns. Teamwork The Ugly Duckling is a small restaurant, so everyone's work affects everyone else.

Line Cooks are expected to:

Communicate clearly with cooks, servers, dish, expo, and management. Help other kitchen stations when your primary station is under control. Assist with dishes, prep, stocking, cleaning, trash, deliveries, and other restaurant tasks when needed. Complete assigned opening, during-shift, side-work, and closing duties. Follow reasonable work-related instructions from managers and upper management. Take initiative instead of waiting to be told that something needs cleaned, stocked, prepped, or handled. Treat coworkers and guests professionally and respectfully. Your role is your primary responsibility — not your only responsibility.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR A

successful Line Cook at The Ugly Duckling is: Dependable and on time. Comfortable working in a fast-paced kitchen. Able to stay organized while handling multiple tickets at once. Consistent with recipes, portions, and presentation. Able to communicate clearly and work as part of a small team. Willing to learn and work multiple stations. Able to receive direction and feedback professionally. Attentive to cleanliness and food safety. Able to recognize what needs to be done and take initiative. Calm and productive during busy service periods. Previous restaurant or line-cook experience is preferred, but we are willing to train the right person who demonstrates reliability, urgency, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires the ability to: Stand and move for extended periods. Work around hot grills, fryers, steam, and other normal commercial-kitchen conditions. Bend, reach, twist, and perform repetitive kitchen tasks. Safely use knives and commercial cooking equipment. Lift, carry, push, or move restaurant supplies and equipment as required for normal kitchen operations. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals as required by applicable law.

THE STANDARD A

good shift isn't just about getting through the tickets. We expect our Line Cooks to leave the kitchen ready for the next service: food prepared correctly, guests taken care of, stations stocked, equipment clean, and the team supported. Take care of our guests. Take care of the restaurant. Take care of each other. Pay attention to the details.

Pay:

$16.00 - $18.00 per hour Expected hours: 30.0 - 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Employee discount

Work Location:

In person