First Cook Position at Westwood Village Inn Smitty’s Restaurant and Lounge – Join Our Team in Winnipeg

Job Overview

Westwood Village Inn Smitty’s Restaurant and Lounge is seeking a skilled First Cook to join our culinary team in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This is an excellent opportunity for culinary professionals looking to build their career in Canada’s vibrant food service industry. As a First Cook, you will play a crucial role in maintaining the high standards of our establishment while contributing to a welcoming dining experience for our diverse clientele.

Company Information

Westwood Village Inn Smitty’s Restaurant and Lounge is a well-established dining destination in Winnipeg, known for its quality food, friendly atmosphere, and exceptional service. We take pride in our commitment to culinary excellence and customer satisfaction. Our establishment offers a range of dining options and has built a reputation as a go-to spot for both locals and visitors to Winnipeg.

Location Details

Our restaurant is conveniently located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with the specific address at R3K 1G5. Winnipeg is Manitoba’s capital city and offers a diverse cultural landscape, affordable living, and strong employment opportunities in the hospitality sector. The city’s central location in Canada makes it accessible from various parts of the country and internationally.

Position Details

The First Cook position is a permanent, full-time role offering stability and growth opportunities within our culinary team. This position is essential to our operations, with the successful candidate expected to contribute significantly to our kitchen’s daily functions. The role includes competitive compensation, benefits, and the chance to work in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Salary and Benefits

We offer a competitive hourly wage of $16.50 for this position. In addition to the attractive salary, employees enjoy free parking, which is particularly valuable in Winnipeg’s urban environment. This benefit helps save on transportation costs and makes commuting to work more convenient for our team members.

Schedule and Hours

This is a full-time position requiring 35 hours per week. The schedule includes various shifts such as early morning, morning, day, evening, night, weekend, on-call, and flexible hours to accommodate the demands of restaurant operations. The position starts as soon as possible, making it ideal for candidates ready to begin their culinary career in Canada without delay.

Requirements

To be successful in this First Cook position, candidates must meet specific requirements that ensure they can perform the job effectively and maintain our high standards of food quality and safety. Our requirements are designed to identify individuals with the necessary skills, knowledge, and dedication to excel in this role.

Education

A Safe Food Handling certificate is required for this position. This certification demonstrates that the candidate has the knowledge and skills necessary to handle food safely and prevent foodborne illnesses. The certificate ensures that all food preparation meets health and safety standards, which is essential for any professional kitchen environment.

Experience

Canadian experience is required for this position. We are seeking candidates who have practical experience working in a professional kitchen environment, preferably in a similar role. This experience ensures that candidates understand the pace, standards, and expectations of Canadian food service operations.

Language Requirements

While specific language requirements are not explicitly stated for this position, strong communication skills in English are essential for success in this role. Clear communication is necessary for coordinating with kitchen staff, understanding orders, and interacting with team members to ensure smooth kitchen operations.

Responsibilities

The First Cook at Westwood Village Inn Smitty’s Restaurant and Lounge will have a diverse range of responsibilities that encompass various aspects of kitchen operations. These responsibilities require attention to detail, efficiency, and a commitment to culinary excellence. The successful candidate will be expected to perform all duties to the highest standard.

Food Preparation Duties

As a First Cook, you will be responsible for determining the size of food portions and calculating associated costs to ensure profitability while maintaining quality standards. You will prepare and cook complete meals as well as individual dishes and foods according to recipes and specifications. Your attention to detail will ensure that every dish meets our quality expectations.

Specialized Cooking Requirements

A key aspect of this role is preparing dishes for customers with food allergies or intolerances. You will need to have a thorough understanding of various dietary restrictions and be able to modify recipes accordingly. Additionally, you may be required to prepare and cook special meals for patients as instructed by a dietitian or chef, requiring precision and attention to detail.

Kitchen Management

First Cooks are expected to inspect kitchens and food service areas to ensure cleanliness and compliance with health and safety regulations. You will be responsible for ordering supplies and equipment, maintaining inventory and records of food, supplies, and equipment, and organizing buffets and banquets. These management responsibilities contribute to the smooth operation of the kitchen.

Training and Supervision

An important part of this role involves training staff in preparation, cooking, and handling of food. You will supervise kitchen staff and helpers, ensuring that all team members follow proper procedures and maintain our high standards. You will also clean kitchen and work areas to maintain a hygienic environment and manage kitchen operations during your shifts.

Why Apply

This position offers an excellent opportunity for culinary professionals looking to establish themselves in Canada’s food service industry. Westwood Village Inn Smitty’s Restaurant and Lounge provides a supportive work environment where skills are valued and professional growth is encouraged. Winnipeg’s growing hospitality sector offers numerous opportunities for advancement and career development.

Visa Information

The employer is open to hiring international candidates and accepts applications from Canadian citizens, permanent or temporary residents of Canada, as well as other candidates with or without valid Canadian work permits. However, applicants must confirm visa/work permit eligibility directly with the employer. This position represents a potential pathway for skilled cooks looking to immigrate to Canada.

Immigration Support

Winnipeg is known for being immigrant-friendly, with numerous resources available to help newcomers settle successfully in the city. The city offers settlement services, language training programs, and community organizations that support immigrants in establishing their new lives. Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program may also provide additional pathways for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency.

How to Apply

We encourage qualified candidates to apply for this exciting opportunity. The application process is straightforward, and we welcome applications from diverse backgrounds who meet the position requirements. Our team will review all applications carefully and contact qualified candidates for interviews.

Application Instructions

Who can apply for this job? The employer accepts applications from: Canadian citizens and permanent or temporary residents of Canada, as well as other candidates, with or without a valid Canadian work permit. To apply, please submit your resume highlighting your culinary experience, education, and any relevant certifications. Include a cover letter expressing your interest in the position and explaining how your skills align with our requirements.

Westwood Village Inn Smitty’s Restaurant and Lounge is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We value diversity and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. This position represents a great opportunity for culinary professionals seeking to advance their career in Canada’s dynamic hospitality industry while contributing to our team’s success.