Hire Line Cooks

Hire Line Cooks

Hiring a line cook (also known as station chef or chef de partie) is a constant activity for most restaurants. In 2019, a majority of restaurant owners and managers claimed hiring and retaining their staff as their top operational challenge. Finding a great line cook, often the most important member of the kitchen, can be a challenge even during periods of high unemployment.

How to hire line cooks more efficiently

Be clear about the specialization your restaurant location needs from a line cook. Too often, job postings are generalized and applicants can be completely wrong for the task in the kitchen. It doesn’t matter if the incoming line cook has 8 years of experience if that was at an italian restaurant while you’re in fine seafood. Since you expect line cooks to come in with amazing recipes that they have time-tested, the most specific you can get in your listings, the faster the hires will be.

Pay attention to your reputation

The restaurant industry is a small space and word of bad bosses and poor working conditions gets around. While you are looking into the line cook’s history (does he have a new gig every few months? Does she have good references still in the industry?), rest assured they are asking around their circles to learn about your establishment. As many chefs say, it all boils down to respect. The best line cooks won’t work for a restaurant that doesn’t come highly recommended by their peers.

Offer competitive salaries

Check other local listings to see how much they are offering line cooks in your area. Typically, fairly experienced line cooks can earn around $15 to $25 an hour. If they are expected to manage the kitchen, you can offer 10 to 15% more as well. With tips, line cooks can make a good yearly salary and stay loyal to their restaurant.