Are you our next TAIYAKI CHEF?

Rice Culture is hiring part time and full-time Taiyaki Chefs to work out of our store in Vienna, VA. Our team members must have availability to work at least three shifts per week. We are looking for self-starters who are easily able to work as a part of a team or alone. The ideal candidate is someone with amazing energy, experience working in a fast paced kitchen environment, and a love for waffles!

Not all Waffles are the same. But once you’ve nailed it, there is a great satisfaction when you see the smile and joy you’ve brought to your customer’s face. That’s what it’s like to work as a Taiyaki Chef in Rice Culture!

In this role, you will shadow an experienced Taiyaki Chef for 6-8 weeks so you can learn all the technical skills required to master your craft and cook the perfect Taiyaki waffle that meets Rice Culture’s standards - crispy, fluffy, and the perfect amount of filling in each bite - head to tail.

If you couldn’t tell, we take our Waffle craft VERY seriously. Are you ready to become our next Taiyaki Chef?

PAY:

Pay starts at $18 an hour plus tips (avg of $5/hour). Pay raises are given based on your performance with a year end bonus that is distributed among the team dependent on store performance.

BENEFITS:

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Energetic team environment with strong leadership and transparency with owners

  • Free Taiyakis and Ice Cream

  • Paid time off starting on your 1 year Anniversary for full-time members

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Maintain comprehensive understanding of the menu, including the ingredients, preparation methods, presentation standards, and any seasonal/special items.

  • Prepare and cook Taiyakis that meet Rice Culture standards in presentation and consistency in the ratio of batter and fillings.

  • Quality control by ensuring products that does not meet Rice Culture standards are not served to guests.

  • Restock batter and fillings while following FIFO (first in first out). Communicate low inventory to Production Manager.

  • Maintain a clean and organized cooking space while following all proper sanitation guidelines.

  • Regularly wipe down Taiyaki Equipment and sanitize cooking utensils throughout the shift

  • Maintain and handle Taiyaki Equipment with care. Communicate and work on any equipment issues with the Production Manager.

  • Deliver excellent guest service to all customers

ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

  • Coachable attitude and ability to take constructive feedback with a mindset to improve and learn everyday to serve our guests the best Taiyakis!

  • Adaptable, flexible, and resilient, able to handle pressure and changing circumstances in a fast paced environment with a positive attitude.

  • Strong attention to detail in following recipes, portion control, and heat control while maintaining high standards of cleanliness

  • Knowledge of health and safety standards and ability to ensure a safe environment for guests and crew.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 2 years Kitchen experience required

  • Flexible availability / must be able to work a minimum of three days of 5-8 hour shifts

    • 15-35 hours per week for part time

    • 35+ hours a week for full time)

  • Must have reliable transportation to the job location 2672D Avenir Pl. Vienna, VA 22180

  • Food handlers certificate a plus

  • Bakery/Pastry experience a plus

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including standing for extended periods, lifting heavy objects, and performing tasks that require strength and stamina, including:

  • Ability to work off hot Taiyaki equipment that sits on counter heights of 36 - 42 inches. Job requires individual to be able to repeatedly reach over hot Taiyaki equipment to pour batter on the farthest Taiyaki mold (about 18-20 in deep)

  • Ability to lift/push/pull up to 40 lbs., 10-20 is typical.

  • Ability to reach up to 6 feet, 2-4 is typical.

  • Able to work in a fast-paced environment

  • Able to stand for prolonged periods of time

APPLY FOR THIS JOB