Kitchen Shift Lead

Compensation: $20-$23/hr based on experience

Ecusta Market & Cafe is a neighborhood grocery and café located just outside downtown on the Ecusta Trail in Hendersonville, NC. We focus on high-quality, locally sourced goods and a casual but exceptional café experience. We operate a busy, high-volume, counter-service cafe, some days doing 400-500 covers over three services. Our kitchen team plays a key role in creating delicious food made with care —breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

We are looking for an experienced, thoughtful shift leader for our BOH team. Ideal candidates are reliable, efficient, and motivated to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Previous kitchen experience is required. Nights and weekends (including Sundays) are required. Gratitude, teamwork, and attention to detail are at the heart of everything we do.

• Oversee kitchen line flow and ensure all stations stay stocked and prepped
• Active presence cooking on line, especially in rushes.
• Maintain food quality, consistency, and presentation standards
• Track ticket times and get food sent out in a timely manner
• Communicate clearly with FOH and MOD on 86s and any other notable service issues
• Assign tasks to cooks and dish team as needed throughout the shift
• Monitor food safety, sanitation, temps, and proper storage
• Lead opening or closing procedures depending on shift
• Handle minor customer issues relayed from FOH regarding food quality
• Track prep pars and communicate shortages or overproduction to Kitchen Manager
• Ensure cleanliness of kitchen, equipment, and walk‑ins throughout the shift
• Support training of new cooks and ensure team follows recipe standards
• Communicate maintenance issues or equipment problems immediately
• Make prep lists and assist KM with kitchen ordering
• Uphold health codes and follow all safety procedures
• Set the pace and model professionalism, urgency, and teamwork
• Maintain a positive attitude, even during busy rushes, setting the tone for the rest of the team.

• Good attitude is important.
• Prior kitchen experience required (line cook, prep cook, or similar).
• Ability to multitask and stay focused in a fast-paced environment.
• Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Always available for evenings and weekends. We close at 8:00 and kitchen is generally out by 9:30 latest.

• A fun, supportive, community-focused work environment.
• Employee discounts on market and café goods.
• Opportunities for growth within the café and market team.

Send your resume (or a quick summary of your experience) to and tell us a little bit about why you’d be a good fit.

Ecusta Market & Cafe is an equal opportunity employer.