Position Overview

The Kitchen Staff / Kitchen Helper is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the café, with primary responsibilities focused on kitchen operations, food preparation, dishwashing, cleaning, sanitation, and maintaining a safe and organized working environment.

The employee is expected to perform all assigned kitchen-related duties efficiently and assist other areas of café operations when required to ensure smooth daily operations and excellent customer service.

2. Primary Job Responsibilities A. Kitchen Operations & Food Preparation

- Assist with preparing and assembling food items, desserts, snacks, and other menu products as per company recipes and standards.
- Follow preparation instructions, portion sizes, presentation standards, and food quality requirements.
- Prepare and organize ingredients required for daily kitchen operations.
- Wash, cut, chop, portion, and store food ingredients as required.
- Ensure food is prepared accurately, hygienically, and within the required preparation time.
- Monitor food quality, freshness, and presentation before serving.
- Follow proper food handling, storage, temperature control, and food safety procedures.
- Ensure proper labelling and rotation of food products using FIFO (First In, First Out).
- Monitor kitchen inventory and inform the supervisor or manager when supplies are running low.
- Assist with receiving deliveries, checking quantities, and storing supplies appropriately.
- Keep kitchen workstations, preparation counters, equipment, and storage areas clean and organized.

B. Dishwashing & Cleaning – Major Responsibility

- Wash, rinse, sanitize, and properly organize all dishes, plates, glasses, cutlery, kitchen utensils, pots, pans, and food preparation equipment.
- Operate commercial dishwashing machines in accordance with operating and sanitation procedures.
- Ensure all dishes and utensils are properly cleaned and sanitized before reuse.
- Maintain a continuous supply of clean dishes and kitchen equipment during operating hours.
- Clean sinks, dishwashing stations, racks, and surrounding areas regularly.
- Remove food waste and dispose of garbage in designated areas.
- Clean kitchen floors, walls, counters, shelves, and other surfaces as required.




- Maintain cleanliness of refrigerators, freezers, storage areas, and other kitchen equipment as assigned.
- Complete assigned daily, weekly, and closing cleaning duties.
- Ensure the kitchen and dishwashing areas are maintained in a clean, hygienic, and protected condition at all times.

C. General Café Operations

In addition to primary kitchen duties, the employee may be required to assist with other café operations, including:

- Assisting with basic dessert preparation and assembly.
- Supporting barista operations and beverage preparation when required and trained.
- Assisting with packing takeout and delivery orders.
- Helping serving staff with order preparation and delivery to designated pickup areas.
- Replenishing supplies, ingredients, packaging materials, and other operational items.
- Assisting with receiving and organizing deliveries.
- Supporting general cleaning and housekeeping throughout the café.
- Assisting with garbage disposal and maintaining cleanliness of customer and staff areas.
- Providing support to other team members during busy operating periods.

D. Opening, Closing & General Maintenance Duties

- Complete assigned opening and closing kitchen duties.
- Ensure all kitchen equipment is cleaned and switched off as per established procedures.
- Properly store all food items and ingredients at the end of each shift.
- Ensure refrigerators and freezers are properly closed and operating within required temperature ranges.
- Clean and organize all workstations before leaving the premises.
- Ensure garbage is removed and designated waste areas are maintained.
- Report any equipment malfunction, damage, maintenance requirements, or safety concerns to the manager.
- Ensure all assigned closing checklists are completed before the end of the shift.

3. Food Safety, Health & Workplace Safety





- Follow all applicable food safety regulations and company policies.
- Maintain proper personal hygiene and wear appropriate uniforms and protective equipment.
- Follow proper handwashing and food handling procedures.
- Prevent cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat food products.
- Use cleaning chemicals and equipment safely and according to instructions.
- Immediately report food safety concerns, workplace hazards, injuries, or unsafe conditions.
- Maintain a clean and safe working environment for all employees and customers.

4. Teamwork & General Expectations

- Work cooperatively with kitchen staff, servers, baristas, supervisors, and management.
- Follow instructions provided by the manager or shift supervisor.
- Be punctual, reliable, and prepared to start work at the scheduled shift time.
- Maintain a positive and professional attitude.
- Work efficiently during busy operating hours and support other team members when needed.
- Demonstrate flexibility in performing different operational duties as assigned.
- Take responsibility for assigned tasks and ensure they are completed properly and on time.
- Maintain respectful communication with colleagues and management.
- Follow company policies, procedures, and operational standards.

5. Important Job Expectations

- Kitchen operations, food preparation, dishwashing, and kitchen cleanliness are the primary responsibilities of this position.
- Dishwashing and cleaning duties are an integral part of the position and must be performed throughout the shift, not only at closing time.
- Employees are expected to assist with other café operational duties whenever required by management.
- No employee is restricted to performing only one specific task or department. Operational flexibility is essential.
- Employees must complete their assigned duties before leaving their shift, subject to approved working hours and management instructions.
- Management reserves the right to assign additional reasonable duties related to café operations, based on business requirements.

Pay: From $17.60 per hour

Expected hours: 20.0 – 30.0 per week

Benefits:

- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking

Work Location: In person

📌 Kitchen Staff (Toronto)
🏢 D Spot Dessert Cafe Yorkdale
📍 Toronto