Craft Kitchen Cook

About Us

Located on the National Register of Historic Places, the Lost River General Store has served as the commercial and social heart of the Lost River Valley for more than 125 years. Today, we've reimagined this historic gathering place as a destination featuring artisan retail, award-winning Puerto Rican coffee, a scratch-made café, bakery, and Storehouse Evenings, our Friday and Saturday cocktail lounge featuring handcrafted cocktails and shareable small plates.

Everything we serve reflects our commitment to quality. We prepare food from scratch whenever possible, use family recipes, source from local farms and producers, and believe thoughtful hospitality begins in the kitchen.

If you're passionate about cooking, enjoy learning new techniques, and want to be part of a creative, growing food program, we'd love to meet you.

Position Summary

The Craft Kitchen Cook is responsible for preparing and presenting high-quality food for both our daytime café and our evening Storehouse Evenings program. This position is cross-trained throughout the kitchen and participates in breakfast, lunch, bakery support, and evening service.

No two days are exactly alike. One morning you may be preparing breakfast sandwiches, soups, and fresh salads. That evening you may be assembling artisan charcuterie boards, preparing house-made desserts, or plating shareable small plates designed to complement our craft cocktail menu.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, takes pride in presentation, and appreciates cooking with quality ingredients.

Responsibilities

Prepare breakfast and lunch items following established recipes and quality standards.
Assist with preparation and execution of Storehouse Evenings menus, including appetizers, charcuterie boards, desserts, and seasonal features.
Maintain consistency, presentation, and portion control for every dish served.
Prepare ingredients, sauces, dressings, and other components for daily service.
Follow all food safety, sanitation, labeling, rotation, and HACCP procedures.
Receive, inspect, label, and properly store deliveries.
Monitor inventory and communicate ordering needs.
Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen throughout each shift.
Wash dishes, cookware, and kitchen equipment as needed.
Work collaboratively with the kitchen and front-of-house teams to provide an exceptional guest experience.
Contribute ideas for seasonal specials, new menu items, and holiday offerings.
Help maintain the welcoming, hospitality-focused culture that defines the Lost River General Store.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who enjoys cooking and takes genuine pride in their work.

The ideal candidate is:

Passionate about preparing quality food from scratch.
Organized, dependable, and able to work independently.
Calm and efficient in a fast-paced environment.
Detail-oriented with an eye for presentation.
Comfortable learning both café and evening menus.
Flexible and willing to help wherever needed in a small business.
Friendly, professional, and committed to outstanding hospitality.

Professional kitchen experience is valued, but we also welcome talented home cooks and culinary enthusiasts who are eager to learn. We can teach recipes and techniques. We can't teach pride, curiosity, and a passion for hospitality.

Qualifications

One year of restaurant, café, bakery, or comparable food preparation experience preferred.
High school diploma or GED.
Food Handler Certification (or ability to obtain after hire, if permitted by state law).
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
Weekend availability required.
Reliable transportation.
Excellent references.

Why You'll Love Working Here

Unlike many restaurant kitchens, you'll work in a small team where your ideas matter. You'll have opportunities to expand your culinary skills, contribute to seasonal menus, learn both daytime café service and evening small-plate preparation, and help shape one of West Virginia's most distinctive hospitality destinations.

Whether preparing a perfectly toasted breakfast sandwich, plating an elegant charcuterie board, or helping create a memorable evening for our guests, you'll play an important role in preserving a 125-year tradition while helping write its next chapter.

To apply, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter to employment@innatlostriver.com.