Company Description River Café is a long-established restaurant on Prince’s Island in downtown Calgary, known for regional, seasonal Canadian cuisine and a strong commitment to the local food movement. Since 1991, the restaurant has partnered with more than 70 sustainable farms and producers in Alberta and cultivates its own herbs, flowers, and greens in an on-site edible garden. The menu showcases a distinctive “taste of place,” celebrating local geography and the historical significance of Indigenous ingredients.

River

Café has earned numerous awards, including Canada’s Greenest Restaurant and Most Eco-Friendly Restaurant, and high rankings in national “best restaurant” lists. Its dedication to sustainability includes being the first restaurant in Alberta to adopt the Ocean Wise program and helping expand it across the province.

Role Description The Lead Line Cook is a full time, on-site role based at River Café in the Greater Calgary Metropolitan Area. This role is responsible for overseeing a station on the line, preparing and plating dishes to exacting standards, and ensuring consistent quality and presentation during service.

The Lead Line

Cook supports menu execution by organizing mise en place, managing prep tasks, and coordinating timing with other kitchen team members.

Responsibilities include maintaining food safety and sanitation practices,



monitoring inventory needs, and minimizing waste in line with the restaurant’s sustainability values. The role also involves mentoring junior cooks, communicating effectively with the sous chef and head chef, and could include contributing ideas to seasonal menu development. The candidate must have drive and a good sense of urgency to lead by example.

Qualifications

- Strong line cooking skills, including high-volume service experience, precise execution of recipes, and attention to plating and presentation.
- Knowledge of seasonal and regional ingredients, with an interest in sustainable sourcing and local food systems.
- Ability to maintain rigorous food safety, sanitation, and kitchen organization standards.
- Experience leading or mentoring kitchen staff, with collaborative communication skills and a team-focused approach.
- Capacity to work efficiently under pressure, manage time well, and adapt to changing service needs.
- Previous experience as a line cook or lead line cook in a quality-focused restaurant; culinary education or apprenticeship is an asset.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required in a hospitality environment.
- Commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and upholding River Café’s standards for hospitality and sustainability.

📌 Lead Line Cook (Calgary)
🏢 River Cafe
📍 Calgary