Chef’s Assistant (Full-Time!)

Creating a warm, welcoming customer experience is your top priority. You don’t just greet your customers with a smile, you take time to learn about who they are. You thrive in dynamic environments, effortlessly switching between tasks and solving problems on the fly. If building relationships through food, teamwork, and exceptional service excites you, then Asempe Kitchen may be the perfect place for you.

Asempe Kitchen is more than just a restaurant—we’re a community-driven space in the heart of Ithaca, NY where food, culture, and connection come together. Founded by Chef Kuukua, a Ghanaian chef whose journey began with sharing homemade meals in dorm rooms and farmers' markets, Asempe Kitchen is built on a spirit of adventure. Every dish tells a story, inviting our customers to explore the rich flavors of West Africa while experiencing warmth and hospitality.

If you want to join a new adventure and help our customers be a part of something special, let’s connect!

Responsibilities:

▪ Creating a welcoming atmosphere, sharing the Asempe Kitchen story, and describing the menu to customers to enhance their experience.

▪ Greet incoming customers, seat them, and take orders at the register.

▪ Prep the front-of-house area for the day, setting out cutlery, drinks, and other items.

▪ Support kitchen staff by picking up items at the store, running food to tables, and assisting with food prep as needed.

▪ Train employees in restaurant processes and manage employee schedules.

▪ Assist with catering and pop-up events, including event set up, food prep and transportation, serving, and clean up.

▪ Take care of additional responsibilities as assigned, such as splitting employee tips and running errands.

Qualifications:

▪ 1-2 years of experience working in customer service (face-to-face preferred but not required)

▪ Food service experience is preferred but not required

▪ Able to work a full-time schedule with flexible availability across weekdays and weekends

▪ Willingness to receive communication about the restaurant outside of scheduled hours

▪ Must have a Valid Driver’s License

What we bring to the table:

▪ An opportunity to help create an experience and develop a community through food.

▪ A Free Meal on Every Shift!

▪ Free Take-Home Meals at End of Shift

▪ Discounts on Other Meals

▪ Pooled Tips with the Team

What you bring to the table:

▪ Flexibility: Switching gears comes naturally to you. You have no problem jumping from one task to another to make sure they get done.

▪ Engaging Conversation: Greeting customers and establishing relationships with regulars is something you LOVE. You thrive on creating an experience.

▪ Initiative & Humility: Once you understand the purpose behind your work and what’s important to your leader, you’re willing and able to make things happen. You don’t get stuck since you naturally know what needs to be done AND you know that seeking help when needed is a strength, especially to get the job done right.

Ready to Make Every Customer Feel Like Family?

Apply now or call 315.546.4545