Teppan Chef

Position Summary:

Responsible for engaging, entertaining, interacting and providing a unique dining experience to guests. Primarily works in front of restaurant while cooking and preparing hot meals on hibachi tables directly in front of guests. Ensures correct food portions are being cooked and maintains the kitchen areas and hibachi tables clean and sanitized. Prepares and sets up food for cooking and side orders.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

In accordance with Benihana’s service and cooking procedures:

• Greets and welcomes guests within 15 minutes of their teppan order(s).
• Performs a cooking show for assigned tables ensuring his/her interaction with guests is appropriate and courteous.
• Readily provides guests with information about Benihana foods as they are being cooked or upon guest inquiries.
• Responds promptly and courteously to guest requests
• Asks guests for cooking preference, as applicable, and follows guest instructions.
• Prepares a variety of meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables and other food items for cooking using a variety of kitchen equipment (including but not limited to broilers, ovens, grills, food processors, blenders and fryers).
• Performs shift opening and closing duties as assigned by the manager such as cleaning of refrigeration units, gaskets, chef carts and floors.
• Maintains kitchen, teppan cooking areas, kitchen equipment and ensure food storage areas are clean, sanitary and organized. Reports any kitchen equipment or maintenance issues to the chief chef or manager on duty (MOD).
• Is knowledgeable about and complies with the Company’s standards on food portioning, cooking methods, quality standards, recipes, storyboards, service cycle, policies and procedures.
• Prepares foods in accordance with the Company’s portions standards and recipe specifications prior to cooking, including battering, breading, seasoning and/or marinating foods.
• Adheres to the Company’s guidelines on proper food presentation and garnishes for all dishes.
• Handles, stores, labels, and rotates foods properly and in accordance with public health safety, state and local laws. Understands and follows FIFO method for food handling.
• Uses knives, hand tools, utensils, and equipment to portion, cut, slice, julienne, whip, beat, maintain holding temperature, chill, freeze or otherwise produce food for the dining room.
• Adheres to Company guidelines on alcoholic beverage service.
• Presents a clean and neat appearance and uses a courteous manner with all guests.
• Immediately notifies MOD when guests are not satisfied with their experience or if an accident occurs.
• Participates and joins restaurant staff in ensuring guest special occasion celebrations are memorable. Upon request or at the direction of the company, may be asked to photograph and/or be photographed with guests.
• Performs other duties as assigned by a supervisor.

Education/Experience:

• Must have a High School diploma or GED.
• Must be able to successfully pass Benihana chef training program
• Previous experience as chef or cook highly desirable