Job Description
Job description:
Job Title: Cook (Heritage-Inspired Menu)
Location: Yaya's Kitchen / Café
Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
About Us
Yaya's Kitchen / Café is a cultural and culinary hub located in London, Ontario, celebrating African, Caribbean, and global foodways through creative, heritage-rich menus. We serve guests through a café, curated dining events, catering, and retail offerings that reflect the rich tapestry of the global Black experience.
About the Role
We're looking for a dependable, creative, and detail-oriented Cook to join our kitchen team. This is not a traditional line cook job—it's an opportunity to expand your culinary horizons and contribute to a kitchen that values curiosity, collaboration, and respect for diverse food traditions.
The ideal candidate may not have experience with African or Caribbean cuisines but must be open and eager to learn. You'll work across multiple areas of the kitchen, help with food prep and execution, and support our pastry and catering teams as needed. An understanding of food margins, costing, and portioning is essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute daily food prep and service across café and catering operations
- Collaborate on dishes that showcase ingredients and techniques from Africa, the Caribbean, and the global South
- Support the development and testing of new recipes in collaboration with the culinary and pastry teams
- Track and manage food inventory and maintain consistent portioning
- Monitor and maintain food quality, safety, and cleanliness to health code standards
- Assist in receiving deliveries, labeling and organizing stock
- Communicate effectively with front-of-house and kitchen team members
Qualifications
- Minimum 2–3 years professional cooking experience in a fast-paced kitchen
- Experience with food prep, execution, and safe handling of diverse ingredients
- Working knowledge of food margins, portion control, and pricing
- A willingness to learn about new cuisines and ingredients, especially from African, Caribbean, and other global culinary traditions
- Self-directed and proactive, but also a strong team player
- Ability to stay organised and calm under pressure
Nice to Have (Assets)
- Familiarity with kitchen systems in third-wave cafés or boutique hospitality
- Interest in global food systems, culinary anthropology, or food justice
- Experience with menu planning, costing software, or catering execution
Why Work With Us?
- Be part of a kitchen that celebrates bold flavors, heritage ingredients, and global learning
- Opportunities for culinary development and R&D participation
- A welcoming and inclusive team environment where your ideas are valued
- Competitive compensation and access to unique culinary events
To Apply
Send your resume and a short note about why this role excites you to:
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $17.20-$28.36 per hour
Work Location: In person