Chef de Cuisine

About Us:

Mercado is a lively and busy fast casual restaurant in Upper Montclair, NJ with a focus on hearty staples. The large, hall-like space is inspired by the traditional markets found in city centers of Portugal and Spain, in which patrons gather for a quick bite or coffee in a lively environment. The multitude of options on the menu speak to the food-hall-like experience, with options from a brunch menu, to make-your-own bowls, to specialty sandwiches; all of which include vegan options. At Mercado, customers can also enjoy a full menu of espresso drinks and cold-pressed juices at the barista bar and pair their beverage of choice with a delicious food menu and Portuguese pastries. Fast casual speaks to the informal nature of ordering food at the counter, food-hall style, but at Mercado customers are encouraged to slow down and enjoy delicious food in good company, surrounded by beautiful design, in a beautiful neighborhood.

Chef de Cuisine - Full Time position with excellent work schedule. 

Mercado is looking for a Chef de Cuisine to oversee kitchen operations and run dinner service.

Position Responsibilities:

• Run daily kitchen operations;
• Train kitchen and prep-kitchen staff;
• Maintain and enforce food standards;
• Ensuring that all food meets the highest quality standards and is timely served;
• Planning the menu and designing the plating presentation for each dish;
• Coordinating kitchen staff and assisting them as required;
• Hiring and training staff to prepare and cook all the menu items;
• Stocktaking ingredients and equipment; and placing orders as needed;
• Enforcing best practices for safety and sanitation in the kitchen.

Qualification from a culinary school (a plus); * 5+ years of experience in a similar position; * In-depth knowledge of food principles and best practices; * Passion for creating incredible food that delights and attracts customers; * Excellent communication skills and leadership qualities; * Bilingual (Spanish), a plus.

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