Kitchen Team Lead

The Habit is a well-established and respected fast-casual restaurant chain known for delivering high-quality, made-to-order meals with a focus on fresh, delicious food and exceptional customer service. Over the past 40 years, The Habit has built a strong reputation in the food service industry, being recognized notably as the "Best Tasting Burger in America." The company’s dedication to quality is deeply ingrained in its operations, blending a commitment to excellent food with a stellar guest experience. The Habit’s core philosophy revolves around the principle of the "Habit Difference," which emphasizes the importance of people - both employees and customers - as the foundation of its success. This philosophy fosters a culture where well-trained team members are empowered to respect their roles, their guests, and each other, promoting long-term career development and growth within the organization.

The Habit operates with a culture of continuous training and development, aiming to create leaders through clearly defined career paths that set the industry standard. Their inclusive approach offers robust support and rewards outstanding work by promoting internally, which nurtures a strong sense of community and loyalty among team members. This ethos not only enhances the customer experience but also contributes to the professional and personal growth of their staff.

The role of Kitchen Team Leader at The Habit is a pivotal position within the Back of the House operations. As a Kitchen Team Leader, you are entrusted with setting the example by demonstrating exceptional knowledge in food safety, personal safety, and adherence to all operational procedures and standards. The position requires multifaceted skills, as Team Leaders must be adept in all kitchen stations — including Fryer, Broiler, Make-up, Quarterback, and Lead Cook roles — ensuring smooth and efficient kitchen operations. Effective leadership and communication skills are essential, as the Kitchen Team Leader works closely under management to mentor, train, and develop cooks, control food and labor costs, and meet sales and service goals.

A vital responsibility of the Kitchen Team Leader is to oversee the quality and consistency of food preparation and delivery, ensuring The Habit’s standards are met with every meal served. This role also involves maintaining kitchen cleanliness, safety, and organization, as well as complying with sanitation and hygiene protocols. The Kitchen Team Leader plays a key part in restaurant opening and closing procedures, participates in weekly management meetings, and contributes to strategic discussions aimed at optimizing kitchen operations and profitability.

Compensation for this role ranges from $17.50 to $22 per hour, reflecting the importance of the position and the level of expertise required. The Habit’s commitment to employee well-being is evident through its comprehensive benefits package, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, company-paid life and disability insurance, vacation and sick pay, as well as a 401(k) retirement savings plan. Additional perks such as referral bonuses, free employee meals from a limited menu during shifts, and discounts on all food items further enhance the overall employment experience.