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Cook Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Denny's

Cook

Culver City, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating standards, and food safety ...

Denny's

Cook

Lake Elsinore, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating standards, and food safety ...

Denny's

Cook

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating standards, and food safety ...

Denny's

Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating standards, and food safety ...

The Pantry

Cook

Roseville, CA

$16.90 - $24/hr

Our restaurant is looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and ... Manage food storage, stock, and ingredient orders. Benefits: Competitive Pay Flexible Hours ...

San Diego Rescue Mission

Cook

National City, CA · On-site

$21/hr

Manage and train kitchen staff and volunteers, fostering a positive and efficient work environment ... Requirements * Minimum of 3 years of professional cooking experience. * Special License ...

Denny's

Cook

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating standards, and food safety ...

Denny's

Cook

Ontario, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating standards, and food safety ...

Denny's

Cook

Perris, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating standards, and food safety ...

Denny's

Cook

Riverside, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating standards, and food safety ...

Denny's

Cook

Barstow, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating standards, and food safety ...

Denny's

Cook

La Habra, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating standards, and food safety ...

Denny's

Cook

Claremont, CA · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating standards, and food safety ...

Denny's

Cook

North Palm Springs, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating standards, and food safety ...

Denny's

Cook

Barstow, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating standards, and food safety ...

Denny's

Cook

Fontana, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating standards, and food safety ...

Louka Beverly Hills

Cook

Beverly Hills, CA

$20 - $25/hr

Manage food storage, stock, and ingredient orders. Cook Job Requirements: * Must have prior experience as a cook. * Must be skilled in operating kitchen equipment. * Must be skilled in various ...

IHOP

Cook

Gustine, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $25/hr

Our restaurant is looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and ... Manage food storage, stock, and ingredient orders. Benefits: Competitive Pay Flexible Hours ...

IHOP

Cook

San Jose, CA

$20 - $27/hr

Our restaurant is looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and ... Manage food storage, stock, and ingredient orders. Benefits: Competitive Pay Flexible Hours ...

IHOP

Cook

Salinas, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $26/hr

Our restaurant is looking for an experienced cook to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen staff and ... Manage food storage, stock, and ingredient orders. Benefits: Competitive Pay Flexible Hours ...

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All JobsCook JobsCook Manager JobsCook Manager Jobs in California

Cook Manager information

See California salary details

$12

$27

$37

How much do cook manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook manager in California is $27.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.51 and $33.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cook Manager vs Cook?

AspectCook ManagerCook
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary experienceFood safety certification, culinary experience
Work EnvironmentSupervises kitchen staff, manages kitchen operationsPrepares food, follows recipes, works under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, schools, catering services, restaurantsRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services

The Cook Manager oversees kitchen operations and supervises cooks, focusing on management and coordination. The Cook primarily prepares food according to recipes and standards. While both roles require culinary skills and food safety knowledge, the Cook Manager has additional responsibilities in staff supervision and operational management.

What are some common challenges a Cook Manager faces when balancing kitchen operations and staff management?

As a Cook Manager, one of the main challenges is efficiently coordinating food preparation while also supervising and training kitchen staff. This role requires balancing hands-on cooking duties with administrative tasks like scheduling, inventory management, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Cook Managers must also handle unexpected issues such as staff shortages or equipment malfunctions, all while maintaining a positive kitchen environment. Effective communication and multitasking are essential to successfully manage both the culinary and managerial aspects of the job.

What are Cook Managers?

Cook Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing kitchen operations in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. They supervise cooking staff, plan menus, manage inventory, ensure food safety standards are met, and may also participate in food preparation. Their role blends culinary skills with management duties, requiring strong leadership and organizational abilities. Cook Managers play a key role in maintaining food quality and efficient kitchen workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cook Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cook Manager, you need strong culinary skills, experience in food preparation, and a background in kitchen management, often supported by a food safety certification. Familiarity with inventory management systems, point-of-sale (POS) software, and commercial kitchen equipment is typically required. Leadership, time management, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for supervising staff and maintaining kitchen efficiency. These abilities are important to ensure high-quality food service, regulatory compliance, and smooth kitchen operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in California? The most popular types of Cook jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Cook Manager jobs in California? For Cook Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cook Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cook Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cook Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Cook Manager job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Cook Manager jobs in CA? For Cook Manager jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Cook Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook Manager job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,174 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
Cook

Cook

Denny's

Culver City, CA • On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 16 days ago

Denny's rating

4.6

Company rating: 4.6 out of 10

Based on 243 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 86 rated restaurants

Job description

Listed wages are based on company-wide ranges. Actual earnings will vary based on factors such as: restaurant brand, experience, education, geography, applicable minimum wage, unit volume(s), hours worked & potential overtime pay.
Position: Cook
Brand: Denny's
Reports To: Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty
Job Overview
The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating standards, and food safety requirements. This position plays a key role in delivering consistent, high-quality meals while supporting a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen operation in a full-service restaurant environment.
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation & Cooking
  • Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu items according to Denny's recipes and specifications.
  • Ensure food quality, portion accuracy, temperature, and presentation meet brand standards.
  • Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
  • Properly handle, store, label, and rotate food products.

Kitchen Operations
  • Operate grills, fryers, ovens, sauté stations, and other kitchen equipment safely.
  • Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, prep areas, and cooking stations.
  • Coordinate with servers and kitchen team members to support timely order execution.
  • Monitor food inventory and communicate needs or issues to management.

Teamwork & Guest Focus
  • Work collaboratively with other cooks, servers, and restaurant staff.
  • Follow direction from management and shift leaders.
  • Contribute to a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment
Physical Activity
  • Standing, walking, bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, and grasping.
  • Reading tickets, writing prep notes, and using kitchen display systems.
  • Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects.
  • Communicating with servers, kitchen staff, and management.
  • Use of kitchen equipment and restaurant technology, as permitted by applicable state age requirements.

Physical Requirements
  • Standing and walking for extended periods during the work shift.
  • Lifting and carrying ranges:
  • 0-10 lbs: Frequent
  • 11-25 lbs: Frequent
  • 26-50 lbs: Occasional with assistance
  • 51-75 lbs: Seldom; team-lift only
  • Pushing and pulling approximately 10-40 lbs of force occasionally.
  • Frequent use of hands for grasping, handling, and repetitive motions.

Work Environment
  • Work performed in a full-service restaurant kitchen environment.
  • Exposure to heat, noise, wet or slippery surfaces, and cleaning chemicals.
  • Fast-paced environment with variable schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Cognitive Demands (ADA/FEHA-Compliant)
  • Ability to follow detailed cooking instructions and plating standards.
  • Ability to manage multiple orders simultaneously.
  • Ability to maintain focus and accuracy during high-volume periods.
  • Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Requirements
  • Previous cooking or line cook experience preferred but not required.
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices preferred.
  • Ability to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

This document describes the job and its traditional physical, cognitive, and environmental demands. It does not describe the abilities of any individual employee.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

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