Restaurant Cook Assistant

Industry:
Hospitality
Last Updated:
July 18, 2023

Job Description Overview

As a Restaurant Cook Assistant, your job is to assist the head cook in preparing and cooking delicious meals for customers in a restaurant. Your role involves ensuring that ingredients are properly measured and prepped, and that kitchen equipment is properly sanitized and cleaned. You will also help in monitoring food temperatures, ensuring that food is cooked to the right temperature, and that it meets food safety regulations. Additionally, you will work with other kitchen staff to ensure that organization and communication are maintained in a busy kitchen.

A successful Restaurant Cook Assistant should have basic cooking skills, be organized, efficient, and able to work in a fast-paced environment. You should also have excellent communication and time-management skills. A high school diploma or equivalent is required, and prior experience in a similar role is preferred.

If you're looking for a challenging but rewarding career in the hospitality industry, a Restaurant Cook Assistant job description may be just what you need.

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Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Supports head cook in preparing meals for customers
  • Assists in food ordering, receipt, and storage
  • Cleans kitchen surfaces, equipment, and utensils
  • Preps ingredients such as chopping vegetables and meat 
  • Stocks inventory and maintains kitchen supplies
  • Helps in setting up and monitoring various kitchen equipment 
  • Follows hygiene and safety guidelines while working
  • Works in collaboration with other kitchen staff 
  • Takes on additional tasks as assigned by lead cook or manager.

Experience and Education Requirements

To become a restaurant cook assistant, you typically need to have some experience in the kitchen. This can come from working in other restaurants, or even from cooking at home. Many employers also prefer candidates with at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but it's not always required. On-the-job training is usually provided, as you'll learn how to prep ingredients, cook dishes, and keep the kitchen clean and organized. It's important to have good communication skills, be able to work well under pressure, and follow recipes accurately. Though it's an entry-level role, it can be a great first step towards a career as a chef.

Salary Range

A Restaurant Cook Assistant is an entry-level position in the hospitality industry, responsible for assisting the head chef in preparing and cooking food, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring quality control. In the United States, the expected salary range for a Restaurant Cook Assistant is between $23,000 and $32,000 per year. However, this may vary depending on the location, experience, and employer. 

In countries like Canada and Australia, the hourly wage for a Restaurant Cook Assistant ranges from CAD 13 to CAD 18 and AUD 20 to AUD 25, respectively. These figures may also be affected by factors like the state, city, and establishment size.

Sources:

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). Cooks: Pay. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/cooks.htm#tab-5 
  • PayScale. (2021). Average Restaurant Cook Assistant Hourly Pay. https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=RestaurantCookAssistant/Hourly_Rate 
  • Indeed. (2021). Restaurant Cook Salary in Canada. https://ca.indeed.com/salaries/restaurant-cook-Salaries

Career Outlook

Aspiring Restaurant Cook Assistants will be glad to know that the career outlook is positive and growing at a steady pace over the next five years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the hospitality industry, including food preparation and serving, is projected to grow 6 percent from 2019 to 2029. This growth is faster than the average for all occupations, which is a good sign for entry-level professionals like Cook Assistants. Additionally, the National Restaurant Association reports that the restaurant industry is expected to grow by 10% between 2020 and 2030, which will result in a significant increase in employment opportunities for Cook Assistants. Being a Restaurant Cook Assistant requires dedication and hard work, but the future looks bright for those who choose this career path.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What does a Restaurant Cook Assistant do?

A: A Restaurant Cook Assistant helps the head or sous chef in preparing, cooking, and serving meals in a restaurant.

Q: What are the duties of a Restaurant Cook Assistant?

A: Duties include cleaning and preparing ingredients, assisting in cooking, cleaning kitchen tools and equipment, and maintaining a clean kitchen.

Q: What skills are required for a Restaurant Cook Assistant?

A: Basic cooking skills, the ability to follow recipes and instructions, time management skills, and the ability to work in a team are necessary skills for a Restaurant Cook Assistant.

Q: What are the work hours like for a Restaurant Cook Assistant?

A: The work hours for a Restaurant Cook Assistant can vary, but usually include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. They can work part-time or full-time.

Q: What qualities are ideal for a Restaurant Cook Assistant?

A: Ideal qualities include being hardworking, reliable, detail-oriented, adaptable, and having good communication skills. A positive attitude and willingness to learn are also important.


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