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Cooks Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Cooks

Newport News, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $15/hr

The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product specifications. Food Production: * Prepares all hot buffet products according to Golden Corral recipes and procedures.

Line Cooks / Prep Cooks

Richmond, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

Contract Line Cooks / Prep Cooks Location: Richmond, VA We are seeking skilled Line Cooks and Prep Cooks for contract positions in Richmond, VA. The ideal candidates will have experience in high ...

Cooks

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Prepares, sets-up, services, cleans up, restocks cook line and appropriate prep areas. * Works kitchen stations * Prepares soups, sauces, vegetables and starches. * Monitors meat temperatures.

Cooks

Williamsburg, VA

$12.75 - $17/hr

Prepares, sets-up, services, cleans up, restocks cook line and appropriate prep areas. * Works kitchen stations * Prepares soups, sauces, vegetables and starches. * Monitors meat temperatures.

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Line Cooks

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Job Summary Prepares, seasons, and cooks dishes, such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurant. General Accountabilities Inspects and clean food preparation areas or serving areas to ...

Line Cooks

Christiansburg, VA

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Line Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Line Cooks

Christiansburg, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Line Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

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Line Cooks

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Job Summary Prepares, seasons, and cooks dishes, such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurant. General Accountabilities Inspects and clean food preparation areas or serving areas to ...

Line Cooks

Chester, VA

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Line Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Line Cooks

Chester, VA

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Line Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Line Cooks

Christiansburg, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Line Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Grill Cooks

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Position Summary The Grill Cook is responsible for preparing high-quality grilled menu items according to Logan's Roadhouse recipes, food safety standards, and guest expectations. This role ensures ...

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Line Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Grill Cooks

Manassas, VA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Position Summary The Grill Cook is responsible for preparing high-quality grilled menu items according to Logan's Roadhouse recipes, food safety standards, and guest expectations. This role ensures ...

Grill Cooks

Bristol, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Position Summary The Grill Cook is responsible for preparing high-quality grilled menu items according to Logan's Roadhouse recipes, food safety standards, and guest expectations. This role ensures ...

Prep Cooks

Christiansburg, VA

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

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Showing results 1-20

Cooks information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks in Virginia is $15.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $17.88 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 solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and often a high school diploma or culinary certification. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and inventory management tools is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure high-quality food preparation, safe kitchen practices, and smooth kitchen operations in fast-paced environments.

What are some common challenges cooks face in a busy kitchen environment, and how can they overcome them?

Cooks often encounter challenges such as time pressure, coordinating with team members, and maintaining consistency during high-volume service periods. Staying organized, communicating clearly with colleagues, and practicing strong multitasking skills can help manage these demands. Additionally, being proactive about prepping ingredients and understanding the flow of service makes it easier to meet expectations and ensure smooth operations. Many kitchens provide mentorship and cross-training, helping cooks develop resilience and adaptability in fast-paced settings.

What are cooks?

Cooks are culinary professionals responsible for preparing and cooking food in restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, and other food service establishments. They follow recipes, measure ingredients, and use various kitchen equipment to create meals that meet quality and safety standards. Cooks may specialize in specific types of cuisine or work in a variety of settings, and they often collaborate with chefs and other kitchen staff to ensure timely and efficient meal preparation.

What is the difference between Cooks vs Chefs?

AspectCooksChefs
CredentialsMay require food safety certifications or culinary trainingOften have formal culinary education or extensive experience
Work EnvironmentWork in restaurants, cafeterias, or catering servicesTypically lead kitchen operations, may own or manage kitchens
Industry UsageCommonly employed in various food service settingsUsually hold leadership roles in kitchens
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare Cooks with Chefs to understand roles, skills, and career paths

While both Cooks and Chefs work in food preparation, Cooks generally perform specific cooking tasks under supervision, whereas Chefs often have leadership roles, oversee kitchen operations, and possess advanced culinary skills. The choice depends on experience, training, and career goals within the culinary industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Cooks jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Cooks jobs in Virginia? For Cooks jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cooks jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Cooks jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Cooks jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Cooks job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Cooks jobs in VA? For Cooks jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Cooks job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,054 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

$14.25 - $15/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Free food & snacks
  • Opportunity for advancement

Our franchise organization, BOTH Inc Golden Corral, is currently seeking energetic, friendly GRILL COOKS, FRY COOKS, HOT COOKS, DISPLAY COOKS to join our team!
  • Part-time and full-time positions
  • AM and PM shifts
  • Flexible shifts
  • FREE all you can eat buffet meal every shift
  • Performance raises
  • Advancement opportunities
  • No experience - no problem - we will train

Our Cooks (Hot Cook, Grill Cook, Fry Cook, Display Cook) are responsible for the quality, quantity, tastiness, and freshness of all Hot Choice Buffet products. The Cook pays special attention to speed, cleanliness, organization, and product specifications.
Food Production:
  • Prepares all hot buffet products according to Golden Corral recipes and procedures.
  • Using the oven, steamer, roaster, smoker, grill, and fryer, the Cook prepares all items according to Golden Corral standards to ensure quality.
  • Ensures that every product is always fresh and hot.
  • If the Buffet Attendant is unavailable, the Cook restocks the items at the Display Cooking Station.
  • Complete use and following of the buffet production system to insure quality and shelf life compliance.

Operational Excellence:
  • Maintains the correct temperature of all products during cooking, holding and serving.
  • Uses the appropriate production guide to maintain an inventory of all hot cook products.
  • Conducts opening and closing administrative procedures.
  • Properly maintains equipment according to the Equipment Maintenance manual.
  • Restocks and rotates food products by using the first-in, first-out method (FIFO).
  • Takes inventory of products and checks build-to with the Manager at the beginning and end of each shift.

Cleanliness:
  • Ensures that that cooking areas and all small wares are clean and checks dishes for cleanliness before using them.
  • Performs duty roster and ensures cleanliness, service, and quality standards are met. .
  • Follows local health department laws.
  • Keeps all cooking equipment, utensils and equipment clean and operational to ensure product quality and sanitation.

Guest Service:
  • Ensures that cooked foods are always hot and fresh for the guests.
  • Knows and follows position responsibilities as they relate to just-in-time delivery.
  • Is friendly and courteous to guests and assists them with the products.
  • Maintains professional communication at all times.

Position requires standing and walking 3 to 4 hours without a rest break. Regular, moderate-to-heavy (20-50 lbs.) lifting and carrying; bending and reaching is required. Work environment requires the use of tools such as tongs and spatulas and a forceful grip is required for the use of these tools. Work setting is within the restaurant with employee exposed to temperature extremes.
Thank you for your interest in Golden Corral. Upon completion of your online application, you may be directed to complete an additional online questionnaire that is specific to the position in which you are applying.
The job opening listed on this page has been posted by an independent franchisee of Golden Corral Corporation. Golden Corral Corporation does not hire or employ any individuals at this franchise location. The franchisee will make all decisions with respect to applications for the position listed on this page. The name of the franchisee appears in this job posting. All questions concerning this job opportunity should be directed to the franchisee.
Compensation: $14.25 - $15.00 per hour
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchisee. All inquiries about employment at this franchisee should be made directly to the franchisee, and not to Golden Corral Corporate.