CompanyCalabash Bar & Grill
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Schedule: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, evening, weekend and holiday availability required
Compensation: $18.00–$24.44 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.
About Calabash
Calabash Bar & Grill is an upscale Jamaican-inspired restaurant offering Caribbean flavours alongside familiar bar-and-grill favourites. Our goal is to provide guests with high-quality food, warm hospitality and a consistent dining experience throughout breakfast, lunch and dinner service.
We are seeking reliable and motivated Line Cook/Prep Cook team members who are comfortable working in a fast-paced kitchen and supporting multiple areas of food preparation and service.
Position Summary
The Line Cook/Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients, cooking menu items and maintaining a clean, organized and safe kitchen environment.
The successful candidate must be comfortable working a variety of shifts, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. This position requires someone who can follow recipes, work efficiently under pressure and contribute positively to a team-oriented kitchen.
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation
- Prepare meats, vegetables, sauces, marinades, garnishes and other ingredients according to established recipes.
- Complete daily prep lists accurately and within assigned timelines.
- Wash, cut, portion, label, date and store ingredients appropriately.
- Prepare Jamaican and Caribbean-inspired dishes, breakfast items and traditional bar-and-grill menu offerings.
- Follow standardized recipes, portion controls and presentation requirements.
- Assist with receiving, inspecting and storing food deliveries.
- Rotate products using first-in, first-out procedures.
- Monitor ingredient levels and notify the supervisor when products are running low.
- Help reduce food waste through accurate preparation, portioning and storage.
Line Cooking and Service
- Prepare and cook menu items during breakfast, lunch and dinner service.
- Operate assigned stations, which may include grill, fryer, sauté, breakfast, pantry or preparation.
- Cook eggs, breakfast meats, potatoes, sandwiches and other breakfast items accurately and efficiently.
- Prepare lunch and dinner items according to guest orders and restaurant standards.
- Coordinate cooking times so complete orders are prepared and served together.
- Read and follow kitchen tickets accurately.
- Communicate allergies, dietary restrictions and special requests with the kitchen team.
- Maintain quality, consistency and presentation during busy service periods.
- Assist other kitchen stations when operationally required.
- Communicate delays, product shortages and quality concerns promptly.
Cleaning, Sanitation and Food Safety
- Maintain a clean and organized workstation throughout each shift.
- Follow food-safety, sanitation and temperature-control procedures.
- Check and record food, refrigerator and freezer temperatures when assigned.
- Prevent cross-contamination by following proper food-handling procedures.
- Clean and sanitize cutting boards, utensils, equipment and preparation surfaces.
- Complete opening, closing and kitchen-cleaning duties.
- Store food safely and ensure products are labelled and dated.
- Dispose of waste according to restaurant procedures.
- Report unsafe conditions, damaged equipment and maintenance concerns immediately.
- Follow workplace health and safety, WHMIS and restaurant safety procedures.
Required Qualifications
- Previous experience as a line cook, prep cook, breakfast cook or kitchen team member is preferred.
- Comfortable working breakfast, lunch or dinner shifts based on scheduling and operational needs.
- Ability to prepare food accurately while working in a fast-paced environment.
- Basic understanding of food safety, sanitation and safe knife-handling practices.
- Ability to follow recipes, preparation lists and verbal instructions.
- Strong attention to quality, consistency and portion control.
- Dependable, punctual and able to arrive ready for scheduled shifts.
- Ability to communicate respectfully and work effectively as part of a team.
- Legally entitled to work in Canada.
- Flexible availability, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and statutory holidays.
Food Handler Certification
Applicants should have a valid Food Handler Certificate or be willing to complete an approved Food Handler Certification program upon hiring.
Calabash Bar & Grill will cover the cost of the required Food Handler Certification for successful candidates who do not currently hold a valid certificate. Continued employment may be conditional upon completing the certification within the timeline established by the company.
Preferred Qualifications
- At least one year of experience in a restaurant or commercial kitchen.
- Previous breakfast cooking experience.
- Experience working with grills, fryers, sauté stations or commercial kitchen equipment.
- Experience preparing Jamaican, Caribbean or international cuisine.
- Valid Food Handler Certificate. ( Compay will pay for certification if required)
- WHMIS training. ( Company will facilitate training)
- Experience with inventory rotation, food receiving and portion control.
- Culinary education or equivalent practical kitchen experience.
Physical and Work Requirements
- Ability to remain standing and moving for extended periods.
- Ability to work in a hot, fast-paced commercial kitchen.
- Ability to lift and move up to approximately 40 pounds, with reasonable accommodation where required.
- Ability to safely bend, reach, carry, push and pull kitchen supplies and equipment.
- Ability to work around heat, steam, sharp utensils, cleaning products and varying noise levels.
- Ability to perform repetitive food-preparation and cooking tasks safely.
- Ability to work early morning, daytime or evening shifts as scheduled.
What We Offer
- Hourly compensation of $18.00–$24.44, based on experience and qualifications.
- Full-time and part-time opportunities.
- Company-paid Food Handler Certification for eligible employees.
- On-the-job training and menu education.
- Opportunities for additional hours and professional growth.
- A respectful, collaborative and team-oriented workplace.
- Opportunities to advance into senior cook, kitchen supervisor or kitchen management positions as the restaurant grows.
- The opportunity to help build the food and kitchen culture of a new Hamilton restaurant concept.
Calabash Bar & Grill is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Accommodation is available upon request throughout the recruitment and selection process.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $18.00-$24.44 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
