Urgently hiring people who have experience in food service and/or cooking - Food Handler's certification highly encouraged! We are a kitchen that specializes in sandwiches, wraps, salads, wood-fired oven pizzas, hamburgers, hot dogs, and French fries. Beautiful cliffside and ocean view! Avg pay is $25+/hr(base pay is $18/hr+tips!)
The Cliffhanger Café, located at the Torrey Pines Gliderport, is seeking passionate culinary professionals who take pride in preparing high-quality, delicious meals for our customers. We are currently hiring for full-time and part-time positions.
Ideal candidates have strong knowledge of deli kitchen operations and thrive in a fast-paced environment. We value team members who bring creativity, enthusiasm, teamwork, and a positive spirit to our kitchen every day.
Join us and be part of a dynamic team in one of San Diego’s most scenic locations!
Position Summary:
Prepare ingredients for cooking by chopping and storing food according to recipes, quality, and presentation standards. Operate kitchen equipment, including stoves, grills, pizza ovens, and fryers. Set up and break down workstations efficiently. Maintain cleanliness by washing and disinfecting the kitchen area, dishes, and equipment in accordance with health and safety standards.
Qualifications & Education Requirements
· Minimum of 18 years of age
· 1 year of culinary experience (preferred)
· High school diploma or GED
· Current Food Handler’s Card (ServSafe preferred)
· Prior kitchen/culinary experience in a fast-paced environment is highly preferred but not required
· Ability to remain calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment
· Reliable transportation and strong attendance record
· Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and evenings
· Knowledge of menu items, including preparation methods, ingredients, quality standards, taste, appearance, texture, temperature, garnish, and presentation
· Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills
· Works well with team members, respects differences, and helps create an inclusive and comfortable work environment
· Open to feedback, learns from mistakes, and takes accountability for actions
Essential Job Functions
· Prepare necessary food items for service periods, ensuring all food meets quality standards
· Follow supervisor instructions
· Complete opening and closing duties as assigned
· Assist with receiving, verifying, and properly storing food, beverages, and supplies (ensuring FIFO – “First In, First Out”)
· Ensure kitchen equipment is maintained and operational
· Follow menu recipes accurately to ensure consistency
· Clean and sanitize work surfaces, utensils, and work areas
· Assist with dishwashing and trash removal as part of team responsibilities
· Maintain overall kitchen cleanliness
· Follow proper food safety practices, including consistent glove use during food preparation
· Perform other duties as assigned
Employee Benefits
Our employees average $6-10/hour in tips. We believe every position is important in enhancing the guest experience, and tips are paid out equally.
Company Description
Torrey Pines Gliderport is a Paragliding School located in a tourist area of La Jolla, and we have the Cliffhanger Cafe, a deli that gets pretty busy during summer and holidays.
