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Cook Jobs in Mankato, MN (NOW HIRING)

Taher, Inc.

Head Cook

Le Center, MN · On-site

Cooks and prepares a variety of food through standardized recipes * Ensuring all meals meet quality standards, are correctly prepared and within acceptable time limits * Monitors and directs food ...

Benedictine

Cook

Saint Peter, MN · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

As a Cook, you will create nutritious and appealing dining experiences for our wonderful residents. * Create menus that drive resident meal satisfaction. * Serves meals based on residents ...

Applebee's

Cook

Mankato, MN

$16 - $21/hr

As an Applebee's Cook, you will make our amazing menu items worth coming back for. You must be a great communicator and be able to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. You will work ...

Applebee's

Cook

New Ulm, MN

$16 - $21/hr

As an Applebee's Cook, you will make our amazing menu items worth coming back for. You must be a great communicator and be able to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. You will work ...

Applebee's

Cook

New Ulm, MN · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

As an Applebee's Cook, you will make our amazing menu items worth coming back for. You must be a great communicator and be able to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. You will work ...

Applebee's from Flynn Group

Cook

Mankato, MN

$16 - $21/hr

As an Applebee's Cook, you will make our amazing menu items worth coming back for. You must be a great communicator and be able to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. You will work ...

Applebee's from Flynn Group

Cook

New Ulm, MN · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

As an Applebee's Cook, you will make our amazing menu items worth coming back for. You must be a great communicator and be able to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. You will work ...

Applebee's

Cook

Mankato, MN · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

As an Applebee's Cook, you will make our amazing menu items worth coming back for. You must be a great communicator and be able to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. You will work ...

Olive Garden

Line Cook

Mankato, MN · On-site

$11.41 - $20/hr

Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards. We'd love to welcome you home as the newest member of the Family! #MyOliveGardenFam

Benedictine

Cook

Saint Peter, MN · On-site

$20.25 - $24.50/hr

As a Cook, you will create nutritious and appealing dining experiences for our wonderful residents. Responsibilities * Create menus that drive resident meal satisfaction. * Serves meals based on ...

Olive Garden

Line Cook

Mankato, MN · On-site

$11.41 - $20/hr

Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards. We'd love to welcome you home as the newest member of the Family! #MyOliveGardenFam

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All JobsCook JobsCook Jobs in Mankato, MN

Cook information

See Mankato, MN salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Mankato, MN is $15.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $17.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Cook, you need a solid grasp of culinary techniques, food safety standards, and menu preparation, often supported by a high school diploma or culinary training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong time management, teamwork, and attention to detail help Cooks stand out in busy kitchen environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for consistently delivering safe, high-quality dishes and maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

What does a cook do?

A Cook—also called a Chef—is ultimately responsible for preparing the food that is served in restaurants or other dining establishments. As the head of the kitchen, Cooks also supervise other work and oversee the kitchen to ensure it all runs smoothly. In some restaurants, Cooks are responsible for creating recipes and menus, planning events, ensuring that food and kitchen regulations are followed, and sticking to a restaurant budget. There are different levels of this position that you can earn, meaning that there can be a wide range to all the potential possibilities and responsibilities of a daily Cook. For example, there’s the Head Chef who runs the kitchen while the other Cooks are responsible for specific types of food.

What is the difference between Cook vs Chef?

AspectCookChef
CredentialsNone required or basic culinary trainingFormal culinary education or extensive experience
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringFine dining, hotels, culinary establishments
ResponsibilitiesPreparing dishes, following recipesMenu creation, kitchen management, supervising cooks

In summary, a Cook typically prepares food following established recipes and has minimal formal training, while a Chef often has specialized culinary education and takes on leadership roles in the kitchen, overseeing cooking staff and menu development.

What does a cook do?

A cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties include following recipes, measuring ingredients, operating kitchen equipment, and ensuring food safety and cleanliness. Cooks may also help with menu planning, inventory management, and maintaining kitchen supplies. They work closely with other kitchen staff to deliver meals efficiently and meet customer expectations.

What are three careers in cooking?

Three careers in cooking include becoming a chef, a pastry chef, or a line cook. These roles involve preparing food in restaurants, bakeries, or catering services and often require culinary training or certifications. Each position offers different responsibilities and skill levels within the culinary industry.

What are some common challenges cooks face during busy service hours, and how can they effectively manage them?

During peak service times, cooks often encounter challenges such as time pressure, managing multiple orders simultaneously, and maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation. Effective communication with team members and staying organized are crucial for keeping up with the pace. Many cooks use strategies like prepping ingredients in advance, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining a clean workstation to ensure smooth workflow and minimize mistakes. Developing these habits helps cooks deliver consistent results even in high-stress environments.
More about Cook jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Mankato, MN? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Mankato, MN are:
What job categories do people searching Cook jobs in Mankato, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Cook jobs in Mankato, MN are:
What cities near Mankato, MN are hiring for Cook jobs? Cities near Mankato, MN with the most Cook job openings:
Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Mankato, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, and 47% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,993 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Head Cook

Taher, Inc.

Le Center, MN • On-site

Part-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Taher rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Taher, Inc. is growing and is looking for a Head Cook to join our team!
Essential Functions:
  • Cooks and prepares a variety of food through standardized recipes
  • Ensuring all meals meet quality standards, are correctly prepared and within acceptable time limits
  • Monitors and directs food service staff and subs in the preparation, set up, and serving of all meals
  • Prepares and cooks al menu items needed for regular and a la carte lines
  • Ability to effectively lead a small staff and provide clear direction and training
  • Checks on all equipment, monitors temperatures of refrigeration and freezer units
  • Effectively utilizes food leftovers per standards
  • Managing ordering, receiving, storing and inventory control of all perishable products following specific procedures and HACCP standards
  • Reinforcing USDA regulations
  • Conducting cost control analysis while monitoring product and menu costs
  • Controlling waste and effectively managing cost and budget performance
  • Establishing monthly food and labor cost goals
  • Promotes nutrition education in school and community
  • Using time management skills to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Performs other duties as requested by leadership

What You Gain:
Taher, Inc. is proud to offer competitive benefits, including:
  • Competitive compensation
  • Work-Life balance - Guaranteed hours with no nights or weekends
  • Free daily lunch
  • Uniforms are provided
  • Safety practices and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are provided
  • Employee training and development
  • Opportunities for advancement and to make an impact
  • Culture of inclusion and belonging

Who We Are:
Taher, Inc. is a family-owned food service management company specializing in K-12 school meals, corporate dining, senior dining, catering, vending, prepared services, and baked goods. Our chefs develop recipes prepared from scratch, inspired from around the world, using fresh ingredients to delight and nurture our guests. Taher is recognized as a Top 25 Food Service Management Company by Food Management Magazine.
  • 2 years previous experience in a school food service setting preferred
  • Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner
  • Able to follow supervisors direction and lead a small team
  • Strong communication skills with employees and client
  • Able to follow spoken and written directions
  • Ability to prioritize, plan and use time efficiently
  • Ability to lift 30 pounds and stand for long periods of time
  • Maintain a high level of confidentiality when dealing with student, staff, and/or parent information
  • ServSafe Certificate preferred
  • Criminal background check required
    EOE/AA

#MNSJ

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