Company description
Cheese Shop 831 is a small, woman-owned specialty cheese shop and grilled-cheese café in Capitola, California. We’re built around one simple idea: food should feel personal. That means a carefully curated selection of cheeses (100+ at any given time), daily tastings, and real conversations that help people discover what they love—whether they’re putting together a show-stopping board or just grabbing something delicious for tonight.
Our kitchen is intentionally focused and quality-driven. We make rotating gourmet grilled cheeses, mac & cheese, tomato soup when it’s on the menu, and a few simple sides—executed with consistency, speed, and pride. Everything we do is rooted in good stewardship: thoughtful sourcing when possible, minimizing waste through smart prep and portioning, and keeping a spotless, food-safe workspace every single shift.
We’re a tight team with high standards and a friendly vibe. If you like fast-paced service, clean systems, and food that makes people genuinely happy, you’ll fit right in at Cheese Shop 831.
Job description
Kitchen Manager & Lead Cook (Fri–Sun Service)
Cheese Shop 831 is a small, woman-owned specialty cheese shop and grilled-cheese café in Capitola. We’re known for an excellent cheese selection, daily tastings, and comfort food that people genuinely crave. This role is for a capable, upbeat kitchen leader who loves a clean station, a smooth rush, and making simple food really, really well.
The best part: the kitchen is open Friday through Sunday only. If you want a consistent weekend schedule with a focused menu and a tight, friendly team, this is that job.
What you’ll do
You’ll be the go-to person for the kitchen on service days: cooking the menu (rotating grilled cheeses and a small set of house-made comfort-food items), keeping tickets moving, and making sure every order is consistent and delicious.
You’ll set the kitchen up for success each day with smart prep, clear pars, and an organized station.
You’ll keep the kitchen clean and food-safe—clean as you go, and a thorough reset at the end of each shift so everything is stocked, labeled, and ready for the next day.
You’ll keep on top of inventory for ingredients and packaging, rotate stock (FIFO), and help keep waste low through thoughtful prep and portioning.
You’ll communicate with front-of-house so service feels smooth for the team and customers, even when it’s busy.
What we’d love in you
You have experience running or leading a small, fast-paced kitchen (sandwich shop/café experience is a big plus).
You’re steady under pressure, friendly with your team, and proud of your work.
You’re organized, reliable, and self-motivated with the ability to complete your work without constant supervision.
You care about consistency, cleanliness, and doing things the right way.
Compensation
Hourly pay + tips (based on experience).
Compensation
this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $18.00 - $22.00
Application instructions
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Deadline
no deadline