Cook

Busboys and Poets is a restaurant/bar/bookstore/event space/community where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted and a place to take a deliberate pause and feed your mind, body and soul. It is also a space for art, culture and politics to intentionally collide. We believe that by creating such a space we can inspire social change and begin to transform our community and the world.

We are always looking for passionate, hospitality-driven, people-persons! Do you want to serve delicious food in a diverse space where you truly can be yourself? As a server, you will work in a team-oriented, fast-paced, guest-centric environment where we want to see you succeed and ultimately grow, both personally and professionally. If this sounds like the vibe you’re looking for, we hope you will apply!

Job Type: Variable
Pay: $18.50-$22 per hour

Busboys and Poets offers competitive pay and benefits including a wide choice of health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with employer match of 100% of the first 4% and 50% of the next 2%, 1 week sick leave per year, paid parental leave, a company paid life insurance policy, pet insurance and so much more!

81% of our total workforce identifies as a person of color, 45% of our total workforce identifies as female and 5% of our workforce identifies as a person with disabilities. Our executive team also represents gender diversity, ethnic diversity, sexual orientation, and more. Men and women are equally represented as well as various cultural and religious backgrounds. We strive to provide an inclusive workplace where you can bring your authentic self to work.

Over 60% of our managers were promoted from within to their existing role from line staff or from Front-of-House manager to Assistant or General Manager. Our entire Executive Team consists of existing employees who showed promise and were promoted into leadership positions.

Striving to be a leader in our industry, we utilize a broad spectrum of technologies including our tech-forward training program, employee payroll system, a self-managed tip distribution system, an events and catering platform, inventory management system, our POS Toast, and much more!

Busboys and Poets is always looking for the next best way to engage with our staff. This includes raffles, anniversary boxes, an employee dedicated web-based forum and information site, blog and podcast.

• Work well with a team, jumping in where needed (Substitute for or assist other cooks during emergencies or rush periods)
• Prepare food according to the recipes provided
• Turn or stir foods to ensure even cooking
• Observe and test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently, using methods such as tasting, smelling, or piercing them with utensils.
• Weigh, measure, and mix ingredients according to recipes, using various kitchen utensils and equipment.
• Portion, arrange, and garnish food
• Inspect and clean food preparation areas, such as equipment and work surfaces, or serving areas to ensure safe and sanitary food‑handling practices.
• Ensure food is stored and cooked at correct temperature by regulating temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters. Ensure freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality, keeping track of old and new items, and rotating stock.

• Spend time bending or twisting the body
• Spend time lifting heavy weight
• Spend time standing on feet for long hours
• Spend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects/tools

• More than 1 year working in a fast-paced, full-service restaurant preferred
• Must be at least 18 years of age in order to work in the kitchen
• Must work a minimum of 3 shifts per week
• Must be a team player

Busboys and Poets owns and operates 8 multi‑concept restaurant, bar, event and bookstore spaces in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Our locations include: 14th & V, 450K, Anacostia, Brookland, Columbia, Hyattsville, Shirlington and Takoma with more on the horizon!

We use eVerify to confirm U.S. Employment eligibility.