Photograph of a cook garnishing a dish: zesting citrus over green vegetables, on a white plate with yellow oil, in a kitchen setting with fresh yellow lemons in the background.
Apply

Cook

We’re looking for a thoughtful, dependable Cook who wants to be an active contributor to a small, collaborative team. This role is for someone who takes pride in consistency and service, enjoys bringing ideas to the table and helping shape the kitchen culture.

D F W is a lounge, not a traditional restaurant. Our food program is intentionally focused: a carefully edited selection that sits between tapas and entrées: approachable, surprising, nourishing, and designed to complement the rhythm of the space.

Our team brings their interests, knowledge, imagination, and perspective into their work. There is room to develop and pitch dishes, seasonal offerings, collaborations, special projects, and other culinary ideas that feel true to your strengths and align with the D F W brand. We’re interested in someone who wants a voice in that process and a platform for their own talent–someone who is comfortable saying, “What if we tried this?” and equally comfortable working across kitchen fundamentals.

As part of the opening team, you’ll take an active role in prep, line work, plating, organization, and service execution while helping establish the systems and standards that keep the kitchen running smoothly. A well-managed kitchen is what makes creativity and spontaneity possible, and you’ll help build that foundation from the beginning.

We value talented and kind people who communicate directly, share knowledge, and take ownership of their work. You don’t need to fit a traditional kitchen hierarchy to thrive here—you need to be curious, capable, generous, and excited to contribute.

Job Purpose: Support daily kitchen operations and service execution through thoughtful preparation, consistency, teamwork, and attentive hospitality.
Reports to: Culinary Lead, Owner
Status: Part and full-time availability, includes days, nights, weekends and holidays. We believe in a work and life balance and making schedules reflect this whenever possible.
Start Date: September/October 2026
Location: Margaretville, NY

Duties and Responsibilities
Including but not limited to:

Operations & Daily Overview
Show up on time, in clean uniform, ready to work: set up, execute service, break down, clean up.
Participate in opening and closing responsibilities as scheduled.
Receive and break down deliveries. Rotate product. Label and date everything.
Prep with intention. Sharp knife work, clean cuts, accurate yields. Prioritize quality.
Keep your station(s) spotless and organized and work across stations as needed. 
Maintain mise en place.
Cook to spec, every plate, every shift. Plating, portioning, temperatures, timing.
Maintain cleanliness, organization, and sanitation standards throughout the kitchen in full compliance with NY Department of Health regulations. 
Communicate clearly with kitchen and FOH teams to support smooth service flow

What We’re Looking For
1+ years of line/prep cook experience in a quality-driven kitchen but the right attitude matters more.
Food Protection Certificate (Food Handler’s License) preferred—we’ll help you get it if you don’t have one.
Interest in seasonal ingredients, local agriculture, and food culture.
Comfortable on at least one station and eager to learn the others. We’ll cross-train you.
Solid knife skills and a good understanding of the basics: stocks, sauces, proteins, vegetables.
You work clean and can keep up. Fast-paced service doesn’t shake you.
You take feedback well and give it constructively. Ego stays out of the kitchen.
Experience or interest in butchery, charcuterie, fermentation, or baking is a bonus.

Required Qualifications
Kind, dependable, and team-oriented demeanor.
Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
Strong attention to detail, cleanliness, and organization.
Ability to remain calm and focused during service.
Willingness to take direction, learn, and grow within a collaborative environment.
Flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays as required.
English fluency.

Physical & Operational Requirements
Ability to stand for extended periods during shifts.
Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50+ pounds as needed.
Ability to safely and effectively use kitchen tools and equipment.
Ability to move efficiently through tight or fast-paced kitchen environments while maintaining safety and awareness.

Compensation & Benefits
$22 - $28/hr, commensurate with experience
Meaningful opportunity for growth
Eligibility for metric-based quarterly bonus
Eligibility for paid reset week off in March

Email dfw@dfwnewyork.com to apply.

D F W is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, pregnancy, military status or any other category protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

D F W  expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of D F W’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.