Culinary Lead - Join the Team!

CAVA is a vibrant and rapidly growing Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant chain dedicated to delivering delicious and wholesome meals inspired by a rich 4,000-year Mediterranean heritage. The company prides itself on making it simple for people to eat well and feel good every day by prioritizing authenticity, curiosity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence across all aspects of its operations. Founded with the commitment to share the joy of Mediterranean flavors and culinary traditions, CAVA fosters a culture that thrives on generosity, continuous learning, agility, positivity, and collective ambition. These core values define the workplace environment and drive the company's mission to create memorable, healthy dining experiences for every guest. The Culinary Lead role at CAVA is a critical and dynamic position for those passionate about leadership in restaurant operations and culinary excellence. This hourly kitchen manager role focuses on leading and developing team members, including grill and prep teams as well as Special Ops trainers, to uphold the highest standards in food quality and safety. A Culinary Lead ensures smooth restaurant operations through effective team coaching, opening or closing responsibilities, and active involvement in food and beverage management, including inventory and ordering processes. This position offers significant opportunities to grow leadership skills, cross-train across various functions within the restaurant, and directly contribute to the guest experience by delivering mouthwatering meals consistently. As a Culinary Lead, employees will be expected to maintain a safe working environment by adhering to food safety protocols and enabling rapid response to operational needs. Physical requirements include standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, working comfortably in hot or cold conditions, and managing tasks near open flames or in tight spaces. Candidates should be ready to engage in fast-paced, team-oriented work that demands excellent communication and keen attention to detail. The role combines the responsibilities of kitchen management with hands-on work on the line, making it ideal for individuals who are devoted to their craft and excited about mentoring others in a thriving culinary environment. CAVA provides competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and growth of its employees. These benefits include health, dental, vision, and pet insurance options, telemedicine services, paid sick and parental leave, community service leave, and a 401(k) plan with company contributions. Additionally, team members enjoy a free meal during every shift, reinforcing the company’s commitment to employee satisfaction. With opportunities for part-time and full-time work, the Culinary Lead position at CAVA appeals to individuals seeking career advancement within a brand that values teamwork, positivity, and continuous improvement. Joining CAVA means embracing a workplace where every team member is empowered to contribute, learn, and grow while delivering exceptional dining experiences inspired by an ancient culinary tradition.

• Must be able to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 pounds
• must be able to bend and reach overhead frequently
• possess dexterity to handle kitchen equipment
• comfortable working in varying temperatures including near open flames
• able to work in tight spaces when necessary
• maintain near constant communication
• close, distance, and peripheral vision required
• able to sit, squat, and kneel occasionally
• maintain alertness and safety at all times
• able to work in outdoor weather conditions occasionally