We are seeking a Cook to join our team at Thomas Cuisine at Luther Oaks in Bloomington, IL. Prior batch, scratch cooking is required, including prep, grill, fryer, and knife skills experience. You will be engaged in high, fast production work.

Founded in 1986, Thomas Cuisine is an award-winning, privately held contract food service company. We advocate the healing power of whole foods and believe in preparing scratch-made cuisine fresh each day. Every Thomas Cuisine team member is an ambassador, carrying out our mission, reflecting our values, and building relationships while "doing the right thing".

Your impact

Under the guidance and direction of our Executive Chef, in the kitchen of our Senior Living Community, you are a vital part of enhancing the daily lives of our residents. As a Cook, you do more than just prepare meals; you create moments of joy and comfort by preparing delicious food. Your culinary expertise will not only satisfy appetites but will also contribute to the overall well-being of our residents. Each dish you prepare will bring smiles to the faces of those we serve.

Job Specific Duties

• Reviews menus and assembles all items needed for preparation.
• Follows standard recipes and production sheets to achieve nutritious, high-quality, cost-effective meals.
• Evaluates food preparation and recommends changes to improve operations.
• Follows kitchen opening/closing procedures and handles food and equipment according to sanitation and safety practices.
• Assists with training new Food Service personnel.
• Reports repairs and maintenance needs to the Supervisor.
• Meets time deadlines for tray line, cafeteria service, and catering.
• Utilizes progressive cooking procedures to ensure optimum quality products.
• Utilizes appropriate garnishing and food presentation techniques to ensure optimum quality.
• Follows daily prep and pull schedules as indicated in guidelines.
• Weights and measures ingredients for the following day's production, keeping food refrigerated as needed and using proper thawing procedures.
• Documents supply acquisitions appropriately, both when ordering and removing items from the storeroom.
• Rotates supplies and maintains an orderly inventory at a minimum per level.
• Ensures the safety of food prepared by following safe sanitary food handling practices - hot food hot and cold food cold.
• Follows specified cleaning procedures for all cooking equipment.
• Utilizes proper food storage practices - cover, label, and date.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical And Sensory Requirements

This position requires mobility to stand and walk extensively during meal preparation and service, lifting and carrying trays and boxes of up to 25 pounds, and pushing/pulling food hot boxes of up to 50 pounds. It also requires bending and stooping for access to carts, food, trays, and other kitchen equipment, as well as manual dexterity for the use of kitchen utensils and tools. Visual acuity is necessary for reading menus, labels, and directions, and hearing ability is required to respond to verbal communications. Exposure to hot and cold temperatures is expected, along with taste and smell to assess food quality, freshness, and adherence to dietary requirements. The ability to distinguish colors for food presentation is also essential.

At Thomas Cuisine, our people are purposeful. They care about food and quality and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our healthcare community.

Our commitment to you

At Thomas Cuisine, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and where every individual feels a sense of belonging. We know that this commitment is an ongoing journey, and we will strive to improve and adapt as we grow. Our DEIB commitment is not just a statement but a living part of our company culture.

REAL Food | Genuine Service | Enduring Relationships

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits with several plan options.
• Generous Accrued Paid Time Off and Leave programs.
• 401K Retirement Plan with company match.
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability.
• Holiday Pay on worked Holidays.
• Life Insurance.
• Employee Referral Bonus.
• Access to wellness initiatives, financial planning, behavioral health assistance, and more.

• 18 years or older, pending specific state requirements.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Prior experience in a professional kitchen preferred.
• Strong teamwork skills.
• Successful background check and drug screen.
• Health screening and TB tests, state specific.
• ServSafe® Certification and State Food Handlers Card, state specific.
• Ability to read, speak, write, and comprehend English for recipes.
• The ability to work holiday and weekend shift schedules.