Kitchen Lead (Full-Time, M–F, Tips, Day Hours)
We’re a small, independent, owner-operated café located on CU Boulder’s campus, looking for a full-time Kitchen Lead to join our close-knit team.
If you’re looking for a consistent weekday schedule, a supportive environment, and the chance to grow with a business that’s expanding, we’d love to meet you.
As Kitchen Lead, you’ll take charge of daily back-of-house operations, working directly alongside the owners and another kitchen team member. Together, we run a small breakfast lunch café with a creative menu of breakfast sandwiches, burritos, bowls, sandwiches, and salads — all out of a semi-limited but efficient kitchen space (no fryers or range hoods).
This role is designed to grow into a more substantial management position. Our current café will become the support kitchen for a second location opening in Spring 2026, and we’re looking for someone who wants to take on a long-term role in shaping that future.
This position is perfect for a cook who’s organized, reliable, and quick-thinking — someone ready to step into leadership while helping build something bigger. You’ll have the consistency of a weekday schedule, the support of a small, owner-operated team, and the chance to grow into a greater leadership role as we expand into our second location with a vision of growing beyond that
Schedule & Pay
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:00 PM
No nights, weekends, or holidays
Base Pay: $18-20/hr + tips (average $26-28/hr)
Annual Estimate: $42,000–$51,000/year (with opportunity for increased pay as responsibilities grow with the opening of our second location)
Hours per Week: 35–40, with potential for overtime when we expand in 2026
Perks & Benefits
Consistent schedule = real work-life balance
Tips split equally between all employees — when the café thrives, everyone benefits
Closed on all federal holidays including 2 weeks off for Christmas break
Free coffee and daily shift meal
Small team = collaborative, friendly, and supportive environment
Loyal, awesome customer base
Opportunity to help shape future expansion and grow with us
What We’re Looking For
Experience in a commercial kitchen (3–5 years preferred)
Absolute reliability — we’re a small crew with very limited flexibility for callouts or last-minute absences. Emergencies happen, but during the busy school year, we need someone we can count on every day. Planned time off can be coordinated and is even encouraged during slower periods.
Experience managing inventory, prepping workstations, and maintaining proper stock levels.
Knowledge of health department rules and regulations; ability to maintain a safe, clean, and compliant kitchen
Keeps cool under pressure and thinks on their feet; a self-sufficient problem-solver who can adapt in the moment
Ability to maintain recipe and portion consistency while working with the owners to make thoughtful adjustments that improve efficiency, reduce waste, and support quality
Comfortable leading a shift and staying organized during busy service
Positive communicator and teacher who works well with a small team
Ability to adapt to seasonal changes in customer demand (busy semester rush vs. slower breaks)
Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs and work on your feet
Current Food handler’s certification or willingness to obtain one is a plus
Interest in menu development collaboration is a plus
Bilingual (Spanish/English) is a plus