Serious about cooking?

Think you've got what it takes to be part of an A-Team?

At Dessert First, we don't do average.

We run a fast-paced, growing brunch kitchen where the food is made from scratch, the standards are high. We create dishes that people talk about.

We're looking for an experienced Lead Brunch Cook who genuinely loves cooking, takes pride in their craft and knows how to deliver exceptional food when the kitchen is pumping.

We're not looking for someone who just turns up and cooks. We want an A-Player -someone who takes ownership, thinks ahead, works hard, raises the standards of everyone around them and thrives under pressure.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

- Leading the brunch kitchen through extremely busy services.
- Preparing fresh, high-quality brunch dishes from scratch.
- Maintaining exceptional standards of flavour, presentation and consistency.
- Organising preparation and kitchen workflow so the team is ready for the rush.
- Leading by example and keeping the kitchen team focused, effective and motivated.
- Managing multiple orders at speed without compromising quality.
- Maintaining portion control and minimising food waste.
- Keeping the kitchen clean, organised and running like clockwork.
- Training and supporting kitchen staff to consistently perform at a high level.
- Identifying problems early and finding solutions rather than excuses.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We're after someone who:

- Has solid experience in a high-volume kitchen, brunch experience is an advatage.
- Has excellent cooking skills and genuinely enjoys preparing food from scratch.
- Knows how to handle a busy line and maintain speed, accuracy and consistency.
- Has experience leading or directing other cooks during service.
- Understands proper food preparation,



cooking techniques and presentation.
- Is highly organised and always prepared for what's coming next.
- Takes ownership and doesn't need constant direction.
- Works quickly, cleanly and efficiently.
- Holds themselves and their teammates to high standards.
- Has a positive attitude, strong work ethic and genuine team mentality.

We want people who take pride in what they do, push themselves to improve and genuinely care about the success of the whole team and the business. You will fit right in if you:

- Love a challenge and thrive when the kitchen gets busy.
- Take pride in producing beautiful, delicious food every single time.
- See what needs doing and get it done without being asked.
- Take responsibility rather than making excuses.
- Help your teammates rather than saying, "That's not my job."
- Stay calm, focused and productive under pressure.
- Welcome feedback and are always looking to improve.
- Bring positive energy and high standards to every shift.

If you prefer a slow-paced kitchen, shortcuts or just doing the bare minimum, this probably isn't the place for you. But if you love the buzz of a packed café, enjoy cooking real food from scratch and want to work alongside the best and people who care as much as you do - we'd love to meet you.

READY TO STEP UP?

If you're a talented cook with leadership ability, a strong work ethic and the drive to be part of an A-Team, we want to hear from you!

Pay: $22.00-$25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits

- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Store discount
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision care

Experience:
- Cooking: 5 years (required)
- Brunch: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Lead Brunch Cook (Ottawa)
🏢 Dessert First
📍 Ottawa