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First Cook Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

CHIPOTLE

Crew Member

Rochester, MN · On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

Desire to learn how to cook (a lot) * Be at least 16 years old * Ability to communicate in the ... As a values-driven, people-first company, we are committed to fostering a workplace where all ...

Ruth's Chris

Food Runner

Rochester, MN

$11.41/hr

Ensure each plate is perfectly prepared by tracking cooking times on all orders, checking finished ... Demonstrate a Guest first mindset, placing a high priority on the Guest experience.

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Food Runner

Rochester, MN · On-site

$11.41/hr

Ensure each plate is perfectly prepared by tracking cooking times on all orders, checking finished ... Demonstrate a Guest first mindset, placing a high priority on the Guest experience.

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Food Runner

Rochester, MN

$11.41/hr

Ensure each plate is perfectly prepared by tracking cooking times on all orders, checking finished ... Demonstrate a Guest first mindset, placing a high priority on the Guest experience. Apply

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Food Runner

Rochester, MN · On-site

$11.41/hr

Ensure each plate is perfectly prepared by tracking cooking times on all orders, checking finished ... Demonstrate a Guest first mindset, placing a high priority on the Guest experience.

Walgreens

Shift Lead

Rochester, MN

$12.50 - $15.50/hr

... pre-cooked) and product placement as specified by policies/procedures (e.g., raw and frozen meats on bottom shelves). For consumable items, assists in stock rotation, using the first in, first out ...

Walgreens

Shift Lead

Rochester, MN · On-site

$13.50 - $16.50/hr

... pre-cooked) and product placement as specified by policies/procedures (e.g., raw and frozen meats on bottom shelves). For consumable items, assists in stock rotation, using the first in, first out ...

Walgreens

Shift Lead

Rochester, MN · On-site

$12.50 - $15.50/hr

... pre-cooked) and product placement as specified by policies/procedures (e.g., raw and frozen meats on bottom shelves). For consumable items, assists in stock rotation, using the first in, first out ...

Kwik Trip

Customer - Food Service

Pine Island, MN

$15 - $20.30/hr

Kwik Trip 640 100 1st St NE Pine Island, MN 55963 Requisition: 224318 Pay Range: $15.00 to $20.30 ... Customer Service, Food, Cashier, Cook, Server. Kwik Trip, Inc. is a family-owned, Midwest company ...

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Customer - Food Service

Pine Island, MN · On-site

$15 - $20.30/hr

Kwik Trip 640 100 1st St NE Pine Island, MN 55963 Requisition: 224318 Pay Range: $15.00 to $20.30 ... Customer Service, Food, Cashier, Cook, Server. Kwik Trip, Inc. is a family-owned, Midwest company ...

GRAY TELEVISION

DIRECTOR OF SALES - KTTC

Rochester, MN · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

If you're ready to own the market and drive innovation in an audience-first world, we want to meet ... Collaborate across departments--News, Creative, and Station Promotion--to cook up the kind of "big ...

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First Cook information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do first cook jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for first cook in Rochester, MN is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $18.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a First Cook?

A first cook works with the kitchen team throughout a breakfast, lunch, and dinner service. In this career, you provide food to diners and learn the fundamental elements of the culinary arts. Because you have experience in food service and working with a team, companies expect you to coordinate activity in the kitchen as part of your duties. Skills including hiring and training personnel, creating menus, and supporting the local food hygiene standard. A first cook must exhibit leadership abilities and have strong time management skills. Companies expect a you to create a culture of productivity and enthusiasm, and support upcoming leaders within the kitchen. Qualifications include a culinary degree and years of work experience.

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

To thrive as a First Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and prior experience in a professional kitchen, often supported by a culinary certificate or diploma. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and food preparation tools is essential. Leadership, time management, and the ability to work well under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure efficient kitchen operations, consistent food quality, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

How does a First Cook typically collaborate with other kitchen staff during busy service periods?

As a First Cook, you play a pivotal role in coordinating with line cooks, prep cooks, and kitchen assistants to ensure dishes are prepared accurately and efficiently during peak hours. Strong communication is essential, as you'll help delegate tasks, monitor food quality, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. You may also work closely with the Sous Chef or Head Chef to implement menu changes and maintain kitchen standards, fostering a team-oriented environment where everyone works together to deliver a seamless dining experience.

What are First Cooks?

First Cooks are experienced culinary professionals responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting food in restaurants, hotels, or other food service establishments. They often lead a team of kitchen staff, ensure food quality and safety standards are met, and may assist in menu planning and inventory management. First Cooks typically have advanced culinary skills and experience, and they play a key role in maintaining the kitchen’s efficiency and organization.

What is the difference between First Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectFirst CookLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training or certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training often preferred
Work EnvironmentKitchen, often in supervisory or specialized rolesKitchen, focused on specific station or station tasks
ResponsibilitiesOversees kitchen operations, supervises staff, ensures qualityPrepares specific dishes, manages station tasks, supports team

The main difference between a First Cook and a Line Cook lies in their responsibilities and level of supervision. First Cooks typically oversee kitchen operations and supervise other cooks, while Line Cooks focus on preparing dishes at their designated station. Both roles require culinary skills and experience, but First Cooks often have more leadership duties.

More about First Cook jobs
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What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for First Cook jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most First Cook job openings:
First Cook jobs near you
Crew Member

Crew Member

CHIPOTLE

Rochester, MN • On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Chipotle rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 1,947 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 18 rated casual dining restaurants

Job description

CULTIVATE A BETTER WORLD
Food served fast does not have to be a typical fast-food experience. Chipotle has always done things differently, both in and out of our restaurants. We are changing the face of fast food, starting conversations, and directly supporting efforts to shift the future of farming and food. We hope you will join us as we continue to learn, evolve, and shape what comes next on our mission to make better food accessible to everyone.
THE OPPORTUNITY
At Chipotle, we've created a better place to eat and work. Many employees start just expecting a paycheck but end up with a rewarding career. We provide exceptional training and a clear career path - over 80% of our managers were promoted from Crew. We prepare real food by hand every day in our restaurants. No freezers, microwaves or can openers to be found . We'll provide the training you need to feel confident working at any station - grill, cashier, prep, salsa and expo. We take pride in our exceptional customer service and it's up to each of our team members to create the friendly atmosphere that our customers expect and enjoy. So, whether you have experience as a dishwasher, cashier, server, host, bartender, cook, prep cook or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our team. If this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, we'd love to meet you! See more details below and apply today.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
  • Tuition assistance (100% coverage for select degrees or up to $5,250/year)

  • Free food (yes, really FREE )

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Digital Tips

  • Paid time off

  • Holiday closures

  • Competitive compensation

  • Full and part-time opportunities

  • Opportunities for advancement (80% of managers started as Crew)

WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO THE TABLE
  • A friendly, enthusiastic attitude

  • Passion for helping and serving others (both customers and team members)

  • Desire to learn how to cook (a lot)

  • Be at least 16 years old

  • Ability to communicate in the primary language(s) of the work location

PAY TRANSPARENCY
Below is the base pay range for this position, which is also eligible for digital tips. Actual base pay may vary depending on skill level, experience and/or education. In addition to base pay, Chipotle offers a competitive benefits package. Visit https://jobs.chipotle.com/benefits for more details.
$16.00-17.00
WHO WE ARE
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Chipotle has restaurants in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany and is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in North America and Europe. With employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. For more information or to place an order online, visit www.chipotle.com .
Chipotle Mexican Grill is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair employment practices at all levels of the organization without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. As a values-driven, people-first company, we are committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and have the opportunity to realize their full potential. All qualified applicants, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.
Qualified applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or certain state or local laws. Please contact ADAaccommodations@chipotle.com if you need an accommodation due to a disability to complete an application, job interview, and/or to otherwise participate in the hiring process. This email does not respond to non-accommodations related requests.

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