Join Our Team as a Prep Cook at Ryan Brothers Coffee – Barrio Logan!
Are you passionate about food, community, and working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment? Ryan Brothers Coffee in Barrio Logan, San Diego, is looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented Prep Cook to join our team! If you take pride in your craft, thrive under pressure, and want to be part of a family-owned business that values innovation and community, this is the role for you.
About Us
Ryan Brothers Coffee is a San Diego-born, family-owned specialty coffee brand founded in 1994 by brothers Harry, Tom, and Carmine Ryan. We’re more than just a coffee shop — we’re coffee innovators. From our patented Hot Draft nitro beverage system and micro-roasted single-origin blends to handcrafted powders and cold brew programs, everything we do revolves around craft, consistency, and community.
Our Barrio Logan location is at the heart of one of San Diego’s most vibrant and culturally rich neighborhoods. We take pride in being part of this community and are looking for team members who share our commitment to quality, sustainability, and collaboration.
Position Summary
As a Prep Cook at Ryan Brothers Coffee, you’ll play a vital role in executing our breakfast and lunch menu with precision, speed, and care. Working alongside a high-volume coffee bar, you’ll need to stay organized, proactive, and focused, even during the busiest of rushes. This is a hands-on role for someone who values consistency, teamwork, and attention to detail.
Key Responsibilities
Prep & Station Management
- Complete daily prep tasks, including portioning, marinating, cutting, and assembling ingredients according to recipe specifications.
- Set up and break down your station at the start and end of each shift, ensuring it’s ready for the next team member.
- Rotate stock using FIFO principles and label all prepped items accurately.
- Monitor prep levels and communicate stock needs in real time.
Line Cooking & Food Execution
- Cook and assemble menu items like breakfast sandwiches, paninis, acaí bowls, and lunch specials to recipe standards.
- Manage ticket flow efficiently and ensure consistent quality throughout service.
- Perform quality checks on every plate before it leaves your station.
Food Safety & Sanitation
- Follow all California food safety laws and San Diego County health codes.
- Monitor and document food temperatures and take corrective actions when necessary.
- Prevent cross-contamination and maintain a clean, sanitized kitchen at all times.
Team Collaboration & Culture
- Communicate clearly with baristas and front-of-house staff on item status and timing.
- Support teammates across stations when workload allows.
- Maintain a “clean as you go” approach and uphold our non-negotiable kitchen standards.
What We’re Looking For
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Minimum 1 year of kitchen or food prep experience in a commercial setting.
- California Food Handler Card (or ability to obtain before your first shift).
- Knowledge of time/temperature controls and food safety principles.
- Ability to work mornings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Reliable transportation and consistent availability.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain quality under pressure.
- Physical ability to stand for full shifts (4–8 hours) and lift up to 50 lbs.
Preferred Skills & Experience
- Experience in a café or coffee shop kitchen.
- Familiarity with California Retail Food Code and San Diego County DEH requirements.
- High-volume line cooking or catering prep experience.
- Allergen awareness training or ServSafe certification.
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly pay.
- Flexible scheduling across AM and mid shifts.
- Free beverages during every shift.
- Employee pricing on Ryan Brothers Coffee products.
- A supportive and tight-knit kitchen and café team.
- Hands-on training from experienced staff.
- Opportunities for growth into leadership roles.
- A community-focused workplace in the heart of Barrio Logan.
Our Culture and Values
At Ryan Brothers Coffee, we believe in Responsibility, Betterment, and Conservation — our RBC sustainability pledge. We’re Fair Trade Certified and committed to fostering a workplace that values collaboration, creativity, and pride in our craft. When you join our team, you’re not just getting a job. You’re joining a family that’s passionate about coffee, food, and community.
How to Apply
Ready to take the next step? Submit your application below, and we’ll be in touch within 1–4 business days with further instructions. We can’t wait to learn more about you and see if we’re the perfect fit for each other!