Food Services Worker - Couch Restaurants

Couch Restaurants is the University of Oklahoma's largest dining operation, renowned for its impressive variety and quality of food service. Located in Norman, Oklahoma, this establishment features 14 unique restaurant concepts, offering an extensive range of culinary options. From stir fry and barbecue to bold vegan and vegetarian dishes, traditional Mediterranean fare, home cooking, and even the country's only all-you-care-to-eat Chick-fil-A, Couch Restaurants cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. With a vibrant and dynamic dining environment, this venue provides both students and staff with fresh, flavorful meals prepared daily by a skilled culinary team.

The Food Service/Maintenance position at Couch Restaurants plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation and superior quality of food preparation and service. This essential position is part of a service and maintenance team working within a bustling campus setting, where work schedules vary and may require dedication even during campus closures or inclement weather. Employees in this role must be adaptable, reliable, and committed to upholding the highest food safety and sanitation standards.

In this role, staff members prepare food by following detailed recipes and applying individual portion control standards to maintain consistency and quality across all menu items. The job involves the precise measuring, weighing, and combining of ingredients to create simple yet delicious dishes in quantity. Use of various kitchen utensils and equipment such as ovens, knives, peelers, dicers, slicers, mixers, industrial dish machines, stoves, and food carts is a daily part of the job.

Additionally, employees serve food courteously and respectfully, demonstrating sound knowledge of the menu and proper portion control. Handling and transporting hot and cold food items safely and efficiently to customers, serving lines, or dining tables is also a fundamental duty. Maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen area is crucial, including washing, sanitizing, and storing pots, pans, utensils, and other equipment as well as cleaning tables, counters, floors, and serving areas.

Staff also assist with a range of special events held across the university's campuses, which may include high-profile gatherings such as Presidential luncheons, catered events, and student organizational functions. Cooperation and teamwork are encouraged as employees help one another and fill in as needed to maintain high standards of service.

Employees working a five-hour shift are normally provided a free meal, and uniforms are supplied at no cost although staff are responsible for their upkeep. This role requires adherence to specific health and safety certifications, making it a specialized and critical position within the university's vibrant food service community. With a target pay rate of $13.00 per hour, depending on experience, this job offers an excellent opportunity to be part of a respected and diverse dining service environment that values quality, variety, and service excellence.