Kitchen Apprentice

Description

Since 1993, Stone Creek Coffee has been a Milwaukee staple built on curiosity, craftsmanship, and remarkable care. In 2018, we opened our first hot kitchen with one goal: create food that feels elegant, intentional, and accessible, without sacrificing speed or hospitality.

Today, our culinary program is growing quickly, we are opening our third kitchen in Downtown Milwaukee! Additionally, everything we serve is crafted in-house by a team passionate about food, community, and connection. Guided by our philosophy, Project E.A.T. (Elegant, Accessible, Transparent), we believe cafe food can deliver the detail and care of a fine dining experience in a fast-paced environment.

As a Kitchen Team Member, you’ll work alongside a collaborative Culinary team that values high standards, creativity, and respect for one another. We move with purpose, take pride in our craft, and create remarkable experiences for every guest we serve.

All team members at Stone Creek Coffee begin as an Apprentice. Through our training program within the first six to eight weeks of employment a Kitchen Apprentice will become certified as a Kitchen Scholar. For individuals who join our teams with more kitchen knowledge and experience this may result in achieving that Scholar certification sooner. 

As a certified B Corporation, our commitment to care extends beyond our kitchens, to our employees, customers, community, and environment. If you’re looking for a meaningful culinary career with a growing Milwaukee company, we’d love to meet you.

Role Aspects:

• RUNNING THE LINE – We consistently plate all products including new items, and serve all dishes according to our standards. We proactively write and complete a prep list for the day that prioritizes the correct items leading to an efficient workflow for the week.
• CONNECTION AND APPRECIATION -- Each of us will warmly greet customers upon delivery of food and endeavor to build connections with customers by learning and using their names. 
• CLEANLINESS & ORGANIZATION -- A clean and organized work space is of paramount importance for all Culinary Team Members. We complete all daily, weekly and deep cleaning tasks with a great attitude and adhere to all Food Safety guidelines.
• TEAM SUPPORT -- Culinary Team Members are great at prioritizing tasks. We offer support to both our Kitchen and Cafe coworkers, and communicate our needs clearly while offering feedback to others with grace. We’re also able to accept constructive criticism well, and we recognize feedback as opportunities to learn and improve. 
• WORKS WITH URGENCY AND CARE – We address each order immediately, serve all dishes within the expected time and track tickets carefully using proper tracking methods. We also call out tickets to keep the rest of the team on track.

Requirements

Requirements:

• Team Player, preferred 2+ years experience working on kitchen team or a fast paced environment 
• Skillful in clear, timely communication and working with both urgency and care 
• Ability to multitask effectively and work quickly
• Reliable, keeps commitments 
• Desire to never stop learning and provide remarkable care.
• All Kitchens are open Mon-Sun from 5am - 5pm: minimum availability: 1 week day and 1 weekend shift (shifts are 4 hr minimum) 

Physical Requirements: 

• Able to stand and walk for the majority of an 8 hour shift
• Able to transport up to 50 lbs short distances
• Able to work with kitchen equipment including but not limited to ovens, knives and stoves safely. 
• Occasional exposure to heat and cool temperatures.

Preferred:

• ServSafe Certification
• Food Safety Knowledge
• High Volume Food Service Experience

Skills Gained in This Role:

• Culinary Execution and Workflow Management: Gain experience in high-paced kitchen operations by efficiently prepping, grilling, and serving dishes according to established standards, while maintaining a smooth and organized workflow.
• Customer Interaction and Hospitality: Develop front-facing hospitality skills by warmly engaging with guests during food running and contributing to a personalized dining experience.
• Cleanliness, Food Safety, and Organization: Strengthen your attention to detail by maintaining a clean and well-organized kitchen space, completing daily and deep-cleaning tasks, and adhering to all food safety and sanitation guidelines.
• Collaboration and Team Communication: Enhance team-oriented communication by coordinating with both kitchen and cafe members, gaining feedback constructively, and offering support where needed.
• Urgency, Time Management, and Ticket Tracking: Learn to operate with urgency and precision by managing order flow, tracking tickets, and ensuring each dish is served within the expected time frame to uphold guest satisfaction.
• Adaptability and Problem Solving: Build resilience by adjusting to shifting priorities, unexpected changes, and varying prep needs, while maintaining high standards and a positive attitude.

Compensation Structure: 

This Culinary Team role is an hourly position eligible for Stone Creek Coffee benefits, scaled based on Part Time or Full Time employment status.

We offer a starting base pay of $14.00 an hour plus tips, with the opportunity for compensation increase after training.

At Stone Creek Coffee we conduct Pay and Performance Reviews twice annually which include compensation discussions. All compensation increase conversations are based on demonstrated value added to the team. 

Added perks include:

• Paid Time Off, including Vacation, Mental Health & Sick Days, and Volunteer Time
• BetterHelp Partnership, eight covered individual therapy sessions, annually
• Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) stipend
• Paid working Holidays 
• Complimentary weekly 12 oz bag of coffee
• On the house fuel (i.e coffee beverages) while scheduled
• Employee Discounts (40%)

Stone Creek Coffee strongly encourages people from underrepresented groups to apply. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.