Kitchen Cook, Prepared Foods Service Associate

The Prepared Foods Service Associate (“Delica Associate”) is responsible for preparing, cooking, assembling, packaging, and displaying a variety of Japanese foods for the store’s hot buffet, ready-to-go bento lunch selection, and other prepared-food offerings. This position plays an important role in providing customers with fresh, flavorful, convenient, and high-quality Japanese meals that reflect the store’s commitment to food quality, freshness, cleanliness, and customer satisfaction.

The successful candidate will assist with daily kitchen production, follow established recipes and preparation procedures, maintain food safety and sanitation standards, and ensure that hot buffet items and packaged bento lunches are prepared and presented in a timely manner.

This role is ideal for an individual who enjoys working with food, has an interest in Japanese cuisine, demonstrates attention to detail, and can work efficiently in a fast-paced grocery retail kitchen environment. Experienced Deli Clerks, Line Cooks, and Prep Cooks are Needed!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

A. Japanese Food Preparation and Cooking

• Prepare and cook a variety of Japanese dishes for the hot buffet and prepared-food department, following established recipes, portion standards, and quality guidelines.
• Assist in preparing and packing popular Japanese foods such as teriyaki chicken, karaage, tempura, yakisoba, grilled fish, rice dishes, and seasonal specialties, as assigned.
• Prepare rice, vegetables, proteins, sauces, side dishes, and other ingredients needed for daily production.
• Wash, cut, season, marinate, cook, and portion ingredients using appropriate kitchen equipment and techniques.
• Follow production schedules to ensure sufficient food quantities are available during peak shopping and lunch hours.
• Maintain consistent food quality, taste, appearance, freshness, and portion sizes.
• Assist with new menu items, seasonal offerings, and special food preparation requests as directed by the supervisor.

B. Hot Buffet Production and Merchandising

• Prepare, replenish, and maintain hot buffet items throughout operating hours.
• Ensure buffet dishes are attractively arranged, properly labeled, and presented according to store standards.
• Monitor food temperatures and holding times in accordance with food safety requirements.
• Refill buffet trays as needed while maintaining product quality and an appealing display.
• Rotate products appropriately and remove items that no longer meet freshness or quality standards.
• Maintain clean buffet stations, serving utensils, food pans, and surrounding work areas.
• Communicate low inventory, popular items, and production needs to the supervisor.

C. Ready-to-Go Bento Lunch Preparation

• Assemble and package ready-to-go bento lunches according to daily production plans and presentation standards.
• Prepare balanced bento combinations that may include rice, cooked proteins, vegetables, side dishes, and other designated menu items.
• Ensure proper portion sizes, neat arrangement, secure packaging, and consistent presentation.
• Apply accurate product labels, including item names, pricing, dates, and ingredient or allergen information as required by store procedures.
• Follow applicable time and temperature controls during preparation, cooling, packaging, storage, and display.
• Stock refrigerated or designated ready-to-go displays and rotate products according to established procedures.
• Monitor product availability and assist with restocking during busy periods.
• Remove expired or improperly stored products and report quality concerns promptly.

D. Inventory Control and Product Freshness

• Check expiration dates, best-before dates, packaging conditions, and product quality.
• Rotate inventory using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method to help maintain freshness and minimize waste.
• Identify damaged, expired, leaking, or otherwise unsellable merchandise and report it promptly.
• Follow proper procedures for handling refrigerated, frozen, and temperature-sensitive products.
• Assist with inventory counts, stock checks, and discrepancy reporting.
• Keep backroom storage areas organized and ensure merchandise is stored safely.
• Follow applicable food safety, sanitation, and store handling procedures.

E. Teamwork and Daily Operations

• Receive, unload, sort, and organize incoming merchandise and deliveries.
• Work and communicate collaboratively with store associates, cashiers, department staff, and management.
• Complete assigned preparation, cooking, stocking, cleaning, and merchandising tasks within established timeframes.
• Follow instructions, store policies, and daily operational priorities.
• Communicate product shortages, customer concerns, and operational issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• Assist with other reasonable store duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, STANDARDS & PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Food Safety, Sanitation, and Workplace Safety

• Follow all applicable local health regulations and the store’s food safety, sanitation, and personal hygiene policies.
• Wash hands properly and use gloves, utensils, and protective equipment as required.
• Prevent cross-contamination by using appropriate food handling, storage, and preparation procedures.
• Maintain required food temperatures and follow approved procedures for cooling, reheating, holding, and storing food.
• Clean and sanitize food preparation surfaces, cutting boards, utensils, equipment, and workstations throughout the shift.
• Follow proper procedures for handling raw and cooked ingredients and managing food allergens.
• Use knives, fryers, ovens, rice cookers, grills, and other kitchen equipment safely.
• Keep floors, drains, storage areas, and workstations clean and free of hazards.
• Report equipment malfunctions, unsafe conditions, food quality issues, and potential food safety concerns to the supervisor immediately.

Customer Service and Teamwork

• Support the store’s commitment to friendly, helpful, and respectful customer service.
• Answer basic questions about prepared foods, ingredients, product availability, and preparation methods when appropriate.
• Refer questions regarding allergens, dietary restrictions, or unfamiliar ingredients to a knowledgeable supervisor when necessary.
• Work cooperatively with other associates, grocery team members, and department supervisors.
• Maintains good communication with store management, associates and suppliers/vendors.
• Communicate production needs, shortages, and operational concerns clearly and promptly.
• Assist with related department duties, including restocking, labeling, cleaning, and closing procedures, as assigned.

Required:

• Able to read, write, and do simple math problems. Ability to learn store and department policies and operational procedures.
• Must be 18 years or older to use sharp knives, use ladders, scaffolds or their substitutes above 6 feet in height, and to operate or assist in operating power-driven machinery or equipment.
• Possess a California Food handler certification; or the ability to aquire certification (course provided by the company upon hire).
• Ability to follow recipes, written instructions, food preparation procedures, and portion guidelines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food quality and cleanliness.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced food preparation environment.
• Basic understanding of safe food handling and kitchen sanitation, or willingness to learn through training.
• Reliable attendance, punctuality, and a positive, team-oriented attitude.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers and be able to interpret, understand, and follow instructions.
• Ability to perform repetitive food preparation and packaging tasks while maintaining consistent standards.
• Ability to maintain an organized and clean work area.
• Willingness to learn about Japanese grocery products and store procedures.

Preferred:

• Previous experience in a grocery store deli, restaurant kitchen, food service operation, or prepared-food department.
• Familiarity with Japanese cuisine, including rice preparation, bento assembly, fried foods, noodles, and Japanese side dishes.
• Experience with hot food displays, buffet replenishment, food packaging, labeling, or inventory rotation.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during scheduled shifts.
• Ability to frequently bend, reach, lift, and carry kitchen supplies, food containers, and ingredient packages within the position’s established physical requirements.
• Ability to work in environments with varying temperatures, including hot kitchen areas and refrigerated/freezer storage spaces.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks involving food preparation, packaging, cleaning, and stocking.
• Availability to work scheduled shifts that may include mornings, weekends, holidays, and peak business periods, depending on store needs.
• Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver objects that are 25-50 pounds

Performance Expectations and Success Measures

The Delica Associate will be evaluated on the ability to:

• Prepare Japanese hot buffet dishes and bento lunches consistently according to recipes and quality standards.
• Meet daily production and replenishment schedules.
• Maintain accurate portions, appealing food presentation, and proper packaging.
• Follow food safety, sanitation, labeling, and temperature-control procedures.
• Minimize food waste through appropriate preparation quantities, rotation, and storage practices.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen and display area.
• Demonstrate teamwork, reliability, productivity, and a customer-focused attitude.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A supportive and team-oriented work environment.
• Opportunities to learn about Japanese food products and specialty groceries.
• On-the-job training and development.
• Opportunities for additional responsibilities and advancement based on performance and business needs.
• 10-20% off Employee Discount at all Tokyo Central locations for you and your family
• Tokyo Central store gift certificates – for qualified employees
• Health Care Benefits – Including medical, dental, vision, life and 401k (after 1 year) with employer contributions – for qualified employees

Equal Opportunity Employer: Marukai Tokyo Central is an equal opportunity employer and participates in E-Verify. Employment decisions are made without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable requirements.