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Appetizer Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pantry Cook

Pikesville, MD · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

... hot appetizer ingredients, condiments, garnishes, equipment, plateware and smallwares to ensure sufficient quantity for the demands of the business. Communicates any discrepancies to the Chef.

Pantry Cook

Atlantic City, NJ · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

... hot appetizer ingredients, condiments, garnishes, equipment, plateware and smallwares to ensure sufficient quantity for the demands of the business. Communicates any discrepancies to the Chef.

Pantry Cook

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

... hot appetizer ingredients, condiments, garnishes, equipment, plateware and smallwares to ensure sufficient quantity for the demands of the business. Communicates any discrepancies to the Chef.

Pantry Cook

Cary, NC · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

... hot appetizer ingredients, condiments, garnishes, equipment, plateware and smallwares to ensure sufficient quantity for the demands of the business. Communicates any discrepancies to the Chef.

Pantry Cook

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

... hot appetizer ingredients, condiments, garnishes, equipment, plateware and smallwares to ensure sufficient quantity for the demands of the business. Communicates any discrepancies to the Chef.

Pantry Cook

Wilmington, NC · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

... hot appetizer ingredients, condiments, garnishes, equipment, plateware and smallwares to ensure sufficient quantity for the demands of the business. Communicates any discrepancies to the Chef.

Pantry Cook

Durham, NC · On-site

$12 - $15/hr

... hot appetizer ingredients, condiments, garnishes, equipment, plateware and smallwares to ensure sufficient quantity for the demands of the business. Communicates any discrepancies to the Chef.

Pantry Cook

Cary, NC · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

... hot appetizer ingredients, condiments, garnishes, equipment, plateware and smallwares to ensure sufficient quantity for the demands of the business. Communicates any discrepancies to the Chef.

Pantry Cook

Wilmington, NC · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

... hot appetizer ingredients, condiments, garnishes, equipment, plateware and smallwares to ensure sufficient quantity for the demands of the business. Communicates any discrepancies to the Chef.

Pantry Cook

Durham, NC · On-site

$12 - $15/hr

... hot appetizer ingredients, condiments, garnishes, equipment, plateware and smallwares to ensure sufficient quantity for the demands of the business. Communicates any discrepancies to the Chef.

Pantry Cook

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

... hot appetizer ingredients, condiments, garnishes, equipment, plateware and smallwares to ensure sufficient quantity for the demands of the business. Communicates any discrepancies to the Chef.

Pantry Cook

Atlantic City, NJ · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

... hot appetizer ingredients, condiments, garnishes, equipment, plateware and smallwares to ensure sufficient quantity for the demands of the business. Communicates any discrepancies to the Chef.

Line Cook

New York, NY · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Saucier, Hot appetizer, Rôtisseur, Garde-manger, Entremétier, Poissonnier, or Soupe. During service the cook must be able to f ollow instructions from the Executive Chef, Sous Chef and Chef de ...

Line Cooks

Laurel, MD · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

... appetizer ingredients, condiments, garnishes, equipment, plate ware and smallware to ensure sufficient quantity for the demands of the business. Communicates any discrepancies to the Chef/Sous Chef.

Line Cooks

Laurel, MD · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

... appetizer ingredients, condiments, garnishes, equipment, plate ware and smallware to ensure sufficient quantity for the demands of the business. Communicates any discrepancies to the Chef/Sous Chef.

Garde Manger

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Communicating with the chef, expo, and other stations throughout service * Maintaining speed and ... Previous experience independently working a pantry, garde manger, appetizer, or similar service ...

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Showing results 1-20

Appetizer Chef information

See salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do appetizer chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for appetizer chef in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Appetizer Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectAppetizer ChefSous Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree or equivalent experienceCulinary degree or extensive kitchen experience
Work EnvironmentSpecializes in preparing appetizers and small dishesOversees kitchen operations, including all stations
Industry UsageCommonly found in restaurants focusing on diverse menu coursesSupports head chef, manages kitchen staff

The Appetizer Chef focuses on preparing and presenting appetizers, often working in specific sections of a kitchen. The Sous Chef has a broader supervisory role, overseeing kitchen operations and supporting the head chef. While both roles require culinary skills and experience, the Appetizer Chef specializes in a specific menu segment, whereas the Sous Chef has managerial responsibilities across the kitchen.

What is an Appetizer Chef?

An Appetizer Chef, also known as a Garde Manger or Starter Chef, is a culinary professional responsible for preparing and presenting appetizers and cold dishes at a restaurant or food establishment. They specialize in creating a variety of small plates, salads, and hors d'oeuvres that are served before the main course. The Appetizer Chef ensures that these dishes are visually appealing and prepared to the highest standards of taste and hygiene. Their role often requires creativity, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of flavor combinations.

How much do you pay a chef per hour?

An appetizer chef typically earns between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the establishment. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the lower end, while experienced chefs or those in high-end restaurants can earn higher wages. Certifications in culinary arts can also influence pay rates.

What are some common challenges faced by an Appetizer Chef in a busy restaurant kitchen?

An Appetizer Chef often manages multiple small dishes simultaneously, requiring strong multitasking and time management skills. Maintaining consistent quality and presentation under pressure, especially during peak service hours, can be challenging. Additionally, coordinating with other kitchen staff to ensure appetizers are ready in sync with main courses is essential for smooth service. Adaptability and clear communication are key to overcoming these challenges and delivering a great dining experience.

What is an appetizer chef called?

An appetizer chef is often referred to as a sous chef or line cook responsible for preparing starters and small dishes. They typically work in a professional kitchen, focusing on creating appealing and flavorful appetizers as part of a restaurant's menu. Knowledge of food presentation and knife skills are important in this role.

What is the highest paid chef job?

The highest paid chef roles are typically executive chefs or head chefs in high-end restaurants, hotels, or private clubs, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. Specialized roles such as culinary directors or executive chefs with extensive experience and management responsibilities tend to earn the highest compensation in the culinary industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Appetizer Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Appetizer Chef, you need strong culinary skills in food preparation, plating, and flavor combinations, typically supported by formal culinary training or relevant kitchen experience. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety certifications, and inventory management systems is often required. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure consistently high-quality appetizers that set the tone for the dining experience and support the kitchen’s overall success.

What is commis 1, 2, and 3?

In the culinary industry, including roles like an appetizer chef, commis 1, 2, and 3 are levels of junior kitchen staff. Commis 1 is typically an entry-level position, while commis 2 and 3 indicate increasing experience and responsibility, often requiring basic culinary skills and knowledge of kitchen operations.
More about Appetizer Chef jobs
What job categories do people searching Appetizer Chef jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Appetizer Chef jobs are:
Infographic showing various Appetizer Chef job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 18% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 23% Temporary, 2% Nights, and 5% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.
Pantry Cook

Pantry Cook

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Pikesville, MD • On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Be an early applicant


Ruth's Chris Steak House rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 86 rated restaurants


Job description

DESCRIPTION:
All BOH positions are expected to report to work as indicated on the work schedule, be in correct uniform, practice positive personal hygiene and cleanliness habits during all work shifts. Each position will obtain their station assignment at the beginning of the shift and perform all opening and closing duties as needed and directed by the Manager on Duty. Each team member will be expected to maintain the highest degree of sanitation and food safety throughout the shifts. They must adhere to all safety guidelines and practices; immediately report any unsafe condition, unsafe act, accidents and/or injuries to the Chef, or other Manager on Duty.
Assists other kitchen personnel in food preparation and sidework as assigned by the Chef. Preps all food product according to the standards and procedures stated on the Ruth’s Chris Steak House recipe cards.
Preps and cooks all food to ensure that all items are prepared according to company specifications, recipes, procedures and quality standards. Ensures our guests have a superior dining experience by correctly timing and serving all food product.
Checks, prior to the start of the shift, the par and stock levels of all potatoes, vegetables, hot appetizer ingredients, condiments, garnishes, equipment, plateware and smallwares to ensure sufficient quantity for the demands of the business. Communicates any discrepancies to the Chef.
Correctly seasons, cooks and plates all side station food products to ensure that all food product is prepared and served up to Ruth’s Chris standards of quality, presentation and timing.
Communicates and coordinates with the broiler cook to ensure that all food product is prepared and ready for service at the correct time.
Restocks all food items, condiments, plateware, smallwares, equipment and supplies throughout the shift to ensure sufficient stock levels for the demands of business.
Accomplishes all job duties while adhering to all safety guidelines and practices throughout the shift. Immediately reports any unsafe conditions, unsafe acts, accidents and/or injuries to the Chef and/or Manager on Duty.
Nights, weekends, and holidays are required shifts.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

We are a franchise group of nine Ruth's Chris Steak Houses. We have locations in North Carolina, Maryland and New Jersey. We are looking for team members that will deliver plus one service to our guests!


What Ruth's Chris Steak House employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our steaks are cooked using a patented broiling method developed by our founder. They’re seasoned to perfection, and then served sizzling on 500-degree plates. Our chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff are among the best in the world. They’re trained to deliver steaks exactly the way Ruth wanted. We’ve combined the finest spirits, service, and steaks with a relaxed, friendly environment to create the best bar experience.

Industry

Food services and drinking places and restaurants

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Winter Park, FL, US