Pastry Chef / Cook - Craft Tampa

CRAFT Tampa Bay is an upscale European-style dining vessel that offers a unique and premium culinary experience in the heart of Tampa Bay. This beautifully designed 121-foot vessel can accommodate up to 150 guests and features inviting indoor and outdoor bar seating options. Conveniently docked near Sparkman Wharf, CRAFT combines the elegance of European dining with the excitement of cruising along the Hillsborough River, passing under low bridges, creating an atmosphere that is both scenic and unforgettable. It stands out as the first dining vessel in the United States to offer an open kitchen concept and the only one cooking entirely with gas equipment. This innovative approach not only allows guests to enjoy a visually engaging dining experience but also enhances the quality and freshness of the meals served on board.

The dining vessel is distinguished by its elevated food menu, featuring a selection of sophisticated dishes and craft cocktails that complement the serene river setting. CRAFT operates brunch and dinner cruises that bring a European flair to Tampa, allowing guests to indulge in gourmet cuisine without needing a passport. The venue’s dedication to excellence ensures that every cruise delivers a memorable culinary journey, making it a premier destination for both locals and visitors seeking something truly special.

The role of Pastry Cook aboard CRAFT Tampa Bay offers an exciting opportunity to join a passionate and energetic team dedicated to creating exceptional guest experiences. Candidates who join the team will be part of a dynamic environment that values growth, fun, and the challenge of delivering culinary excellence. The position emphasizes creativity, precision, and collaboration as key components of the work culture, inviting pastry cooks to contribute to the menu development with new recipes and seasonal items. Working in such a unique setting requires adaptability and attention to detail, as the quality of baked goods is pivotal to the overall dining experience.

Pastry cooks will be responsible for preparing a variety of pastries, desserts, and baked goods according to established recipes and quality standards. This includes measuring and mixing ingredients, rolling and shaping dough, baking items to perfection, and decorating pastries with icing, glazes, and various toppings using techniques like piping and glazing. Monitoring the baking process is essential to ensure each product meets the high standards expected by patrons.

Beyond preparation, the role involves collaboration with the culinary team to innovate and refresh the pastry menu, keeping pace with current trends in baking and desserts. Maintaining a clean and organized workstation while following all sanitation and food safety regulations is critical to this position, ensuring a safe environment and the freshest quality products. Additionally, the pastry cook will assist with inventory management and ordering supplies to support smooth kitchen operations.

This role demands strong attention to detail, creativity, excellent time management, and the ability to work in a fast-paced setting that challenges the culinary skills and fosters professional growth. Candidates must be physically capable of prolonged standing and walking, able to lift and carry products weighing up to 25 pounds, and comfortable working on a vessel away from dock for extended periods. Joining the CRAFT team means gaining access to a range of employee benefits including various insurance options shortly after employment, a company-matched 401k program, complimentary and discounted cruise tickets, and subsidized downtown parking.

Overall, working as a Pastry Cook at CRAFT Tampa Bay is an exceptional opportunity to blend culinary artistry with an extraordinary dining venue, contributing to a standout experience that guests remember and cherish. The position is ideal for those eager to grow in a supportive yet challenging environment where innovation and passion meet in the heart of Tampa's vibrant riverfront dining scene.