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Culinary Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Punch Bowl Social

Server Assistant

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Our server assistants are protectors of all that is sacred: culinary integrity. The good news is that your training will teach you everything you need to know to succeed on the job. But there are a ...

Punch Bowl Social

Server Assistant

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Our server assistants are protectors of all that is sacred: culinary integrity. The good news is that your training will teach you everything you need to know to succeed on the job. But there are a ...

Bar Louie

Assistant General Manager

Tustin, CA

As the Assistant General Manager, you will play a vital role in ensuring the successful operation ... Formal culinary training is preferred. * Ability to verbally communicate in Spanish with the crew.

Honda Center

Cook Assistant

Anaheim, CA

$20/hr

Cook Assistant Pay Details: The starting hourly rate for this position is $20.00 per hour. Cooks ... All culinary team members must ensure safety and sanitation standards are maintained in all areas ...

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All JobsCulinary JobsCulinary Assistant JobsCulinary Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Culinary Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$19

$35

How much do culinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary assistant in Riverside, CA is $19.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $19.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Culinary Assistants?

Culinary Assistants are professionals who support chefs and kitchen staff in food preparation and kitchen maintenance. Their responsibilities typically include preparing ingredients, assisting with cooking tasks, cleaning work areas, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Culinary Assistants play a key role in keeping the kitchen organized and running smoothly, which helps deliver high-quality meals efficiently. They may work in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, or institutional kitchens such as schools and hospitals.

Who is a culinary assistant?

A culinary assistant supports chefs and kitchen staff by preparing ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, and assisting with cooking tasks. They often work in restaurants, catering, or food service environments and may need basic culinary skills and knowledge of food safety practices.

What qualifications do you need to be a kitchen assistant?

To be a culinary assistant, basic qualifications typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, good communication skills, and the ability to follow safety and hygiene standards. Some positions may require food safety certification or prior experience in a kitchen environment.

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

To thrive as a Culinary Assistant, you need a solid understanding of food safety, basic cooking techniques, and kitchen operations, typically supported by a high school diploma or culinary coursework. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications (like ServSafe), and inventory management systems is common. Strong teamwork, time management, and communication skills help Culinary Assistants excel in fast-paced environments. These abilities ensure efficient food preparation, uphold safety standards, and support smooth kitchen operations.

What does a culinary aide do?

A culinary aide assists in food preparation, cooking, and serving in kitchens such as hospitals, schools, or catering services. They may handle tasks like chopping ingredients, cleaning workstations, and following safety and hygiene standards under supervision.

What are some common challenges faced by Culinary Assistants in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Culinary Assistants often face the challenge of multitasking under pressure, especially during busy meal services. They need to maintain high standards of food safety and cleanliness while quickly preparing ingredients and supporting chefs. Adapting to sudden changes in menu orders and working efficiently with team members are also frequent demands. Successful Culinary Assistants develop strong organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations.

What is the difference between Culinary Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectCulinary AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require food safety certificationTypically no formal credentials required
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesFood prep areas, kitchens, cafeterias
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting chefs, preparing ingredients, following recipesBasic food prep, cleaning, assisting with setup

Both roles support kitchen operations, but Culinary Assistants often have more specialized responsibilities and may require certifications. Kitchen Helpers typically perform basic tasks and support daily kitchen functions. The choice depends on experience and career goals in the culinary industry.

What Is a Culinary Assistant?

A culinary assistant is responsible for aiding the head chef or kitchen manager in a restaurant or culinary training center for students. In this career, your job duties include ensuring that the kitchen remains clean, assisting with food preparation, and ensuring all cooking equipment is in proper working order. The qualifications for a career as a culinary assistant include a high school diploma and additional training in the culinary arts. This can include formal degrees from culinary schools or vocational training from trade schools. You need strong organizational skills, a passion for food, and excellent attention to detail.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Culinary assistants typically do not earn $4,000 per week without specialized experience or additional responsibilities. High-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree are rare and often involve entrepreneurship, sales, real estate, or skilled trades where income depends on commissions, tips, or business success. Most jobs paying this amount require significant experience, certifications, or entrepreneurial effort.
More about Culinary Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Culinary Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Culinary Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Culinary Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Culinary Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Culinary Assistant job openings:
Culinary Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,125 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Culinary Field Chef

Culinary Field Chef

Vallarta Supermarkets

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Vallarta Supermarkets rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 121 rated grocery stores

Job description

Job Title: Culinary Field Chef

Classification: Exempt

Reports to: Director of Culinary

Job Summary:
The Culinary Field Chef supports day-to-day field culinary operations across all foodservice programs, ensuring consistent execution of Vallarta standards. This role provides hands-on operational support, coaching, and culinary expertise to Kitchen Managers and foodservice teams, while driving sales growth, product consistency, and an exceptional guest experience across all locations.

This position serves as a key field resource, supporting menu execution, recipe adherence, training, and operational improvements. The Culinary Field Chef collaborates closely with the Corporate Chef and cross-functional teams to support menu development, product rollouts, and company-wide culinary initiatives.

The role plays a critical part in new store openings, training execution, and ongoing operational support, with approximately 80% of time spent in field locations.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide culinary and operational support across all foodservice concepts (Taqueria, Tortilleria, Restaurants, etc.)
  • Coach and support Kitchen Managers on execution, standards, and guest service
  • Ensure consistency in recipes, portioning, presentation, and flavor profiles
  • Lead training and field execution of new menu items and programs
  • Support product development and assist with implementation in the field
  • Identify operational improvements to improve cost, efficiency, and quality
  • Reinforce company standards, culture, and guest experience expectations
  • Monitor performance and support business initiatives aligned with company goals

Operational Responsibilities:

  • Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards
  • Support food cost control, inventory, and operational reporting
  • Maintain kitchen cleanliness, organization, and efficiency
  • Assist with new store openings, remodels, and training execution
  • Ensure consistency of recipes, procedures, and training materials
  • Assist with staffing, onboarding, and team development as needed

Food Quality & Compliance:

  • Enforce recipe adherence, portion control, and food quality standards
  • Maintain HACCP compliance and food safety procedures
  • Monitor temperature control, storage, and handling practices
  • Conduct quality checks for taste, appearance, and consistency

Customer Service & Experience:

  • Deliver and model Vallarta’s Nuestra CASA service standards
  • Support strong guest satisfaction and service execution
  • Address customer feedback professionally and promptly

Team Leadership & Development:

  • Provide coaching, training, and development to culinary teams
  • Promote accountability, teamwork, and performance standards
  • Partner with leadership on performance and operational needs

Collaboration & Communication:

  • Support operations across Taqueria, Prepared Foods, Juice Bar, Grab & Go, and Catering as assigned.
  • Maintain clear communication with leadership regarding production needs, shortages, or operational challenges.
  • Ensure timely escalation of issues that may impact food safety, quality, or service.

Safety:

  • Enforce all safety procedures and proper equipment use
  • Report incidents and maintain safe working conditions
  • Ensure adherence to company policies and standards

Other Duties:

  • Support all current and future culinary programs
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Required Education and Experience:

  • Minimum 5+ years in culinary, restaurant, or multi-unit operations leadership
  • Strong experience in foodservice operations and team development
  • Experience in recipe development or multi-unit support preferred
  • Strong knowledge of food cost, labor, and inventory controls
  • Ability to train and lead in a fast-paced environment
  • High School Diploma required; Culinary Degree preferred
  • Equivalent experience may be considered

Working Conditions:

  • Fast-paced kitchen and retail environment
  • Frequent standing, walking, and lifting (up to 50 lbs.)
  • Exposure to hot/cold environments and kitchen equipment
  • Moderate to loud noise levels

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is an exempt position. Work schedules may vary based on business needs, requiring flexibility in hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Approximately 80% of travel is required within the company's operating regions, including overnight stays. Mileage reimbursement is provided for approved business travel.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employees may perform other duties as directed. All employees are expected to perform any reasonable task or request that is consistent with fulfilling company goals and objectives.

What Vallarta Supermarkets employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Vallarta Supermarkets

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

For more than 35 years, Vallarta Supermarkets has been bringing families together over fresh and authentic food. When you enter Vallarta, you know right away that it’s about more than food shopping — it’s about celebrating. Celebrating the food, culture, colors, and vibrant energy of Mexico and Latin America. Vallarta offers a feast for ALL your senses. You can smell the sweet aromas from the bakery, hear the rhythms of the music playing, and different languages spoken all around you.

Industry

Supermarkets and grocery stores

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

1985

Social media

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