Culinary Lead - New Braunfels, TX

CAVA is a dynamic and rapidly growing fast-casual restaurant brand known for its fresh Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and vibrant dining experience. With a strong commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and team development, CAVA fosters an inclusive and supportive work environment where every team member’s contribution is valued. The company embraces a culture built on five core values: Positivity, Transparency, Humility, Fanaticism, and Thoughtfulness. These values not only guide CAVA’s operations but also inspire every employee to deliver excellence and make a positive impact on guests, colleagues, and the community. As a Culinary Lead at CAVA, you will play a crucial role in maintaining the highest standards of food quality and safety while leading and developing a motivated kitchen team. This position is hourly and involves responsibilities that ensure the smooth daily operations of the kitchen. The Culinary Lead acts as a key figure in the kitchen, coaching team members and managing essential kitchen functions such as opening and closing procedures, inventory management, and cross-training staff across various stations. This role offers an opportunity to develop leadership skills within a fast-paced, supportive restaurant environment and to contribute to the growth of a well-respected brand known for its innovative menu and commitment to excellence. As part of the leadership team, Culinary Leads are expected to be hardworking, attentive to detail, and passionate about creating memorable moments for guests through exceptional food preparation and team performance. The role requires capability in overseeing grill and prep teams, supporting Special Operations trainers, and maintaining efficient communication throughout the restaurant. Physical stamina and comfort working in a kitchen setting with varying temperatures, open flames, and active environments are essential for success in this role. Additionally, this position allows for hands-on experience with ordering and organizing inventory, offering a comprehensive understanding of kitchen operations from both culinary and managerial perspectives. Joining CAVA as a Culinary Lead means becoming part of a company that values employee growth and development. Team members enjoy a range of competitive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, telemedicine services, pet insurance, 401(k) contributions, paid leave, and free meals during shifts. CAVA also offers a career growth path with opportunities to advance within the company, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about food, leadership, and continuous improvement. The Culinary Lead position is open to both part-time and full-time applicants, fostering diversity and inclusion in all aspects of hiring and employment practices.

• Must be able to bend and reach overhead often
• Must possess dexterity to handle tongs, pots/pans, and other equipment
• Must be comfortable working in temperatures ranging from hot to cold
• Must be comfortable working near open flames
• May be required to work in tight spaces
• Must maintain near constant communication with multiple people
• Close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision is required
• Must be able to sit, squat and kneel occasionally
• Must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner
• May be required to occasionally work in outdoor weather conditions