Job Title: Food Truck Manager / Lead Cook
Company: Winery "Bistro"on the Gruene
Location: New Braunfels / Gruene, TX
Schedule: Thursday–Sunday, with prep, ordering, and inventory responsibilities as needed
Job Type: Full-time
About the Role
Winery on the Gruene is launching a food truck concept on-site at our winery, and we are looking for a hands-on Food Truck Manager / Lead Cook to run the day-to-day operation.
This is not just a cooking position. This person will be responsible for operating the food truck as if it were their own kitchen: cooking, leading staff, hiring/training cooks, managing inventory, ordering supplies, maintaining cleanliness, following SOPs, and making sure the truck runs smoothly Thursday through Sunday.
Ownership will provide the location, concept direction, funding, equipment, and support, but we need someone who can take full responsibility for the daily operation. The ideal candidate is dependable, organized, clean, fast-paced, and comfortable being accountable for results.
Key Responsibilities
- Run the food truck operation Thursday through Sunday
- Cook and execute menu items consistently and efficiently
- Hire, train, lead, and schedule cooks or food truck staff
- Make sure all recipes, portions, prep lists, and SOPs are followed
- Manage food inventory, par levels, ordering, and vendor pickups/deliveries
- Track product usage and reduce waste
- Maintain proper food safety standards at all times
- Ensure cleaning checklists are completed daily, weekly, and monthly
- Keep the truck organized, stocked, clean, and inspection-ready
- Manage opening and closing procedures
- Communicate needed repairs, equipment issues, supply needs, and staffing issues
- Help improve speed of service, food quality, consistency, and profitability
- Work closely with ownership while independently handling day-to-day operations
Ideal Candidate
- Has food truck, restaurant, kitchen lead, or catering Management experience
- Can cook on the line and lead a small team
- Understands food cost, inventory, prep, ordering, and cleanliness
- Is comfortable taking ownership of an operation
- Does not need to be micromanaged
- Has strong attention to detail and pride in consistent food quality
- Can work weekends and busy service shifts
- Is reliable, professional, and organized
- Can create and follow systems, checklists, and SOPs
- Has or can obtain required Texas food handler/food manager certification
Requirements
- Previous cooking and kitchen leadership experience required
- Food truck experience preferred, but not required
- Must be available Thursday–Sunday
- Must be able to stand for long periods and work in a fast-paced environment
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs
- Must keep a clean, organized, food-safe workspace
- Must be dependable and able to manage responsibilities without daily oversight
Compensation
Pay will depend on experience and ability to fully manage the operation. We are open to discussing hourly pay, salary, or a base pay plus performance bonus structure for the right candidate.
Company Description
Winery on the Gruene is an established winery and tasting room since 2008 in the heart of Gruene/New Braunfels, now expanding with an on-site food truck concept to give guests a better full-service wine and food experience.