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Appetizer Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JT's Urban Italian

Garde Manger

Buffalo, NY

$20 - $24/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sauté Cook

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or Manager-on-Duty, the Side Cook cooks all potatoes, vegetables and hot appetizer items prepared in the restaurant and accomplishes all food preparation ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sauté Cook

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or Manager-on-Duty, the Side Cook cooks all potatoes, vegetables and hot appetizer items prepared in the restaurant and accomplishes all food preparation ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sauté Cook

Savannah, GA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or Manager-on-Duty, the Side Cook cooks all potatoes, vegetables and hot appetizer items prepared in the restaurant and accomplishes all food preparation ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sauté Cook

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or Manager-on-Duty, the Side Cook cooks all potatoes, vegetables and hot appetizer items prepared in the restaurant and accomplishes all food preparation ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Saute Cook

Indianapolis, IN

$15 - $19/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or Manager-on-Duty, the Side Cook cooks all potatoes, vegetables and hot appetizer items prepared in the restaurant and accomplishes all food preparation ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sauté Cook

Chesterfield, MO · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or Manager-on-Duty, the Side Cook cooks all potatoes, vegetables and hot appetizer items prepared in the restaurant and accomplishes all food preparation ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Saute Cook

Chesterfield, MO · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or Manager-on-Duty, the Side Cook cooks all potatoes, vegetables and hot appetizer items prepared in the restaurant and accomplishes all food preparation ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sauté Cook

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or Manager-on-Duty, the Side Cook cooks all potatoes, vegetables and hot appetizer items prepared in the restaurant and accomplishes all food preparation ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Saute Cook

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or Manager-on-Duty, the Side Cook cooks all potatoes, vegetables and hot appetizer items prepared in the restaurant and accomplishes all food preparation ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sauté Cook

Asheville, NC · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or Manager-on-Duty, the Side Cook cooks all potatoes, vegetables and hot appetizer items prepared in the restaurant and accomplishes all food preparation ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Saute Cook

Savannah, GA

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or Manager-on-Duty, the Side Cook cooks all potatoes, vegetables and hot appetizer items prepared in the restaurant and accomplishes all food preparation ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Saute Cook

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or Manager-on-Duty, the Side Cook cooks all potatoes, vegetables and hot appetizer items prepared in the restaurant and accomplishes all food preparation ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Saute Cook

Asheville, NC · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or Manager-on-Duty, the Side Cook cooks all potatoes, vegetables and hot appetizer items prepared in the restaurant and accomplishes all food preparation ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Saute Cook

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or Manager-on-Duty, the Side Cook cooks all potatoes, vegetables and hot appetizer items prepared in the restaurant and accomplishes all food preparation ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sauté Cook

Indianapolis, IN

$15 - $19/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or Manager-on-Duty, the Side Cook cooks all potatoes, vegetables and hot appetizer items prepared in the restaurant and accomplishes all food preparation ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Saute Cook

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or Manager-on-Duty, the Side Cook cooks all potatoes, vegetables and hot appetizer items prepared in the restaurant and accomplishes all food preparation ...

O'Charley's Team Members

Prep Cooks

Centerville, GA · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... cooking, chef / kitchen experience in a high volume restaurant environment. * *Coupon will be awarded after interview has been completed. Not valid on Combo Appetizer. No additional purchase ...

O'Charley's Team Members

Prep Cooks

Centerville, GA

$12.75 - $16/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... cooking, chef / kitchen experience in a high volume restaurant environment. * *Coupon will be awarded after interview has been completed. Not valid on Combo Appetizer. No additional purchase ...

O'Charley's Team Members

Prep Cooks

Springfield, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... cooking, chef / kitchen experience in a high volume restaurant environment. * *Coupon will be awarded after interview has been completed. Not valid on Combo Appetizer. No additional purchase ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsAppetizer Chef Jobs

Appetizer Chef information

See salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do appetizer chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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 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.

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 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 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.

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:

Appetizer Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Appetizer Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Garde Manger

JT's Urban Italian

Buffalo, NY

$20 - $24/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Experienced Garde Manger / Pantry Cook
JT’s Buffalo is a contemporary Italian fine-dining restaurant located on Elmwood Avenue. As part of a locally owned restaurant group with more than 30 years in Buffalo, we offer the stability of an established company with the standards and attention to detail of an independently operated restaurant.

We’re looking for an experienced, organized Garde Manger who can independently execute a high-volume cold station while maintaining fine-dining standards.

What you will be responsible for

  • Independently setting up, stocking, and operating the garde manger station
  • Preparing and plating cold appetizers, salads, crudo, charcuterie, and station garnishes
  • Executing every dish according to established recipes, portions, and presentation standards
  • Completing daily prep accurately and on schedule
  • Maintaining organized, labeled, dated, and properly rotated mise en place
  • Communicating with the chef, expo, and other stations throughout service
  • Maintaining speed and composure during high-volume dinner service
  • Following all food-safety, sanitation, and closing procedures
  • Monitoring station pars and communicating product needs before shortages occur
  • Helping maintain a clean, respectful, and professional kitchen

What we are looking for

  • At least two years of professional restaurant-kitchen experience
  • Previous experience independently working a pantry, garde manger, appetizer, or similar service station
  • Fine-dining, upscale-casual, or high-volume full-service experience preferred
  • Strong knife skills and cold-preparation fundamentals
  • Excellent organization and time-management skills
  • Consistency, urgency, and attention to detail
  • The ability to follow recipes and reproduce dishes accurately
  • A professional attitude and team-first mentality
  • Dependable transportation and reliable attendance
  • Evening, weekend, and holiday availability

Schedule

  • Full-time position
  • Approximately 35 to 40 hours per week
  • Five shifts per week
  • Weekend availability required

What we offer

  • $20 to $24 + per hour, based on experience
  • A stable position with an established, locally owned restaurant group
  • A professional kitchen with experienced leadership and clearly defined standards
  • The opportunity to work with crudo, charcuterie, composed salads, and contemporary Italian dishes
  • Paid time off
  • 401(k) eligibility
  • Employee dining discounts
  • Referral bonuses
  • Opportunities to cross-train and advance within the restaurant group

To apply

Please submit a current résumé outlining your recent restaurant experience and the stations you have independently worked.

Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

More detail about JT’s Urban Italian part of JT's, 800 Maple, Rocco's Wood Fired Pizza, and Siena, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/171333-JT%25E2%2580%2599s-Urban-Italian