Cook
Hayward, CA · On-site
$16 - $21.50/hr
DENNY'S COOK POSITION You do more than follow a recipe. A lot more. Because the food you create could be a mood-changer. Maybe even a day changer. Something delicious that ignites our guests' taste ...
65 Dennys Cook Jobs Hiring Near You
Cook
Hayward, CA · On-site
$16 - $21.50/hr
DENNY'S COOK POSITION You do more than follow a recipe. A lot more. Because the food you create could be a mood-changer. Maybe even a day changer. Something delicious that ignites our guests' taste ...
Cook
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$15 - $20.25/hr
DENNY'S COOK POSITION You do more than follow a recipe. A lot more. Because the food you create could be a mood-changer. Maybe even a day changer. Something delicious that ignites our guests' taste ...
Cook
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$15 - $20.25/hr
DENNY'S COOK POSITION You do more than follow a recipe. A lot more. Because the food you create could be a mood-changer. Maybe even a day changer. Something delicious that ignites our guests' taste ...
Cook
Saint Louis, MO · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
Denny's - Cook At Denny's we love to feed people. Do you enjoy working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment? If so, we have an immediate opening for cooks at Denny's! Join our team and become a ...
Cook
Saint Louis, MO · On-site
$13 - $17.50/hr
Denny's - Cook At Denny's we love to feed people. Do you enjoy working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment? If so, we have an immediate opening for cooks at Denny's! Join our team and become a ...
Cook
$18/hr
Denny's - Cook At Denny's we love to feed people. Do you enjoy working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment? If so, we have an immediate opening for cooks at Denny's! Join our team and become a ...
Quick apply
Cook
$18/hr
Denny's - Cook At Denny's we love to feed people. Do you enjoy working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment? If so, we have an immediate opening for cooks at Denny's! Join our team and become a ...
Cook
$11.75 - $15.75/hr
Denny's - Cook At Denny's we love to feed people. Do you enjoy working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment? If so, we have an immediate opening for cooks at Denny's! Join our team and become a ...
Quick apply
Cook
$11.75 - $15.75/hr
Denny's - Cook At Denny's we love to feed people. Do you enjoy working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment? If so, we have an immediate opening for cooks at Denny's! Join our team and become a ...
Denny's Jobs Information
Do workers at Denny's get paid breaks?
No. Most people don’t get paid breaks.
83% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.
Based on data from 76 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
83% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.
Based on data from 76 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
Does Denny's pay people when they’re sick?
No. Most people don’t get paid when they’re sick.
87% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 122 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
87% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 122 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
At Denny's, are sick days and vacation days separate paid time off?
Only some people have separate paid time off for sick days and vacation.
53% of people say they have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 38 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.
53% of people say they have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 38 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.
Are part-time workers able to get health insurance from Denny's?
Most people who work part-time can't get health insurance.
82% of people who work fewer than 30 hours a week say they can’t get health insurance
Based on data from 17 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and February 2025.
82% of people who work fewer than 30 hours a week say they can’t get health insurance
Based on data from 17 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and February 2025.
Do part-time workers get paid time off at Denny's?
Most people who work part-time don’t get paid time off.
74% of people who work part-time say they don’t get paid time off
Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
74% of people who work part-time say they don’t get paid time off
Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
Is the health insurance from Denny's affordable enough for their workers?
Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.
68% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and May 2026.
68% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and May 2026.
Do people get paid time off at Denny's?
Some people get paid time off from work.
64% of people say they don’t get paid time off.
Based on data from 121 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
64% of people say they don’t get paid time off.
Based on data from 121 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
How far ahead of time do people find out their work schedule?
Most people find out their schedule less than four weeks ahead of time.
Based on data from 85 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
- 69% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts one week or less ahead of time.
- 21% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts two weeks ahead of time.
- 4% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts three weeks ahead of time.
- 6% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts four weeks or more ahead of time.
Based on data from 85 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
Do workers at Denny's worry about hours?
Some people worry about getting enough hours.
51% of people report they worry about getting enough hours.
Based on data from 90 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
51% of people report they worry about getting enough hours.
Based on data from 90 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
Do Denny's workers get to choose the shifts they work?
Some people don’t get to choose which shifts they work.
48% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.
Based on data from 87 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
48% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.
Based on data from 87 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
How easy is it for Denny's workers to change shifts?
Most people find it hard to change shifts.
71% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.
Based on data from 72 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
71% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.
Based on data from 72 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
How easy is it to get time off at Denny's?
Some people find it hard to get time off.
62% of people report it’s hard to get time off.
Based on data from 102 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
62% of people report it’s hard to get time off.
Based on data from 102 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
Do Denny's managers change schedules at the last minute?
Some managers change people’s schedules at the last minute.
42% of people say their manager changes their shift schedule at the last minute.
Based on data from 86 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
42% of people say their manager changes their shift schedule at the last minute.
Based on data from 86 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
Do jobs at Denny's spill into time workers aren’t paid for?
Sometimes. The job can spill into unpaid time.
35% of people report that their job takes up time that they don’t get paid for.
Based on data from 88 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
35% of people report that their job takes up time that they don’t get paid for.
Based on data from 88 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
How easy is it to take sick days at Denny's?
Some people find it hard to take sick days.
55% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 115 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
55% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 115 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
Is a Denny's job good for students?
Most students say this is a good place to work if you’re studying.
81% of students report this is a good place to work if you’re studying.
Based on data from 42 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2026.
81% of students report this is a good place to work if you’re studying.
Based on data from 42 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2026.
Is working at Denny's good if you’re a parent or caregiver?
Only some parents and caregivers say this is a good place to work.
56% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to work.
Based on data from 54 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and June 2026.
56% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to work.
Based on data from 54 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and June 2026.
Do people at Denny's feel treated with respect by their managers?
Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
68% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 116 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
68% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 116 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
Do people at Denny's get to take their breaks without interruption?
Only some people get breaks without interruption.
52% of people report that their breaks get interrupted.
Based on data from 79 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
52% of people report that their breaks get interrupted.
Based on data from 79 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
Is it stressful to work at Denny's?
Most people feel stressed out here.
81% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.
Based on data from 131 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
81% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.
Based on data from 131 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
Do people at Denny's enjoy their jobs?
Only some people enjoy their job.
42% of people report they don’t enjoy their job.
Based on data from 110 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
42% of people report they don’t enjoy their job.
Based on data from 110 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
Do people at Denny's recommend working with their team?
Only some people recommend working with their team.
60% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 138 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
60% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 138 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
Do people get enough training when they start at Denny's?
Some people didn’t get enough training when they started.
45% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 125 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
45% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 125 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
Do people get support to advance at Denny's?
Only some people are given support to advance their career here.
In the last year, 54% of people report not being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 121 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
In the last year, 54% of people report not being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 121 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
Do people think Denny's’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?
Most people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
82% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.
Based on data from 125 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
82% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.
Based on data from 125 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
Do workers feel well informed about how Denny's is doing?
Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
58% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 129 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
58% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 129 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and June 2026.
What other companies are hiring for Cook jobs?
What are the most popular jobs at Dennys?
What are the most popular categories at Dennys?
Denny's rating
4.6
Based on 245 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
80th of 86 rated restaurants
Job description
DENNY'S COOK POSITION
You do more than follow a recipe. A lot more. Because the food you create could be a mood-changer. Maybe even a day changer. Something delicious that ignites our guests' taste buds just enough to take their minds off their problems - if even for a few minutes. That's why, to you, it's not just about getting it out fast - it's about getting it out right. With an extra dash of passion. Because you're not just cooking - you're feeding people.
A Denny's Cook has a "Guests First' attitude, preparing food to set recipes following brand standards for proper food temperature and presenting it on a great-looking plate, all while maintaining a clean and sanitary work environment. Cooks also:
JOB DESCRIPTION
Reporting to the General Manager and Restaurant Manager, the Cook prepares and presents food to order following Denny's menu and food specifications and timing standards. Adheres to all federal, state, and local safe food handling regulations.
Essential Functions
Position Qualifications
Physical Requirements - Ability to stand and walk approximately 85%-95% of shift; ability to lift and carry 10-65 lbs; ability to move freely throughout the restaurant; ability to operate restaurant equipment and drive a motor vehicle.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
The company will make reasonable accommodations to allow a qualified individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities and to perform the essential functions of the job. This position description should be applied accordingly.
You do more than follow a recipe. A lot more. Because the food you create could be a mood-changer. Maybe even a day changer. Something delicious that ignites our guests' taste buds just enough to take their minds off their problems - if even for a few minutes. That's why, to you, it's not just about getting it out fast - it's about getting it out right. With an extra dash of passion. Because you're not just cooking - you're feeding people.
A Denny's Cook has a "Guests First' attitude, preparing food to set recipes following brand standards for proper food temperature and presenting it on a great-looking plate, all while maintaining a clean and sanitary work environment. Cooks also:
- Honors guest requests for special orders
- Correctly calls the wheel
- Cleans, completes side-work, and organizes supplies as required
- Monitors waste and other food cost controls
- Willingly assisting other team members without being asked
- Provides total guest satisfaction
JOB DESCRIPTION
Reporting to the General Manager and Restaurant Manager, the Cook prepares and presents food to order following Denny's menu and food specifications and timing standards. Adheres to all federal, state, and local safe food handling regulations.
Essential Functions
- Must be able to lift and carry supplies and equipment up to 50 lbs throughout shift; place items on high and low shelves in store rooms, service areas, walk-in coolers, and freezers
- Must be able to bend, stoop, reach, wipe, lift and grasp
- Must have sufficient mobility to move and operate in a confined work area • Must work inside and outside the restaurant
- Must be able to work with all Denny's menu products
- Must be able to read tickets, recipes, and product specification
- Must be able to hear well in a loud environment to respond to employee and guest needs
- Must meet any state, county, or municipal regulation pertaining to health risk concerns about food handling
- Must be able to work with potentially hazardous chemicals
- Must be able to tolerate extreme temperature changes in kitchen and freezer area
Position Qualifications
- Must be 18 years old or older
- Must be able to observe and ensure the product is prepared and presented to Denny's Brand Standards
- Must have basic math skills, including an understanding of units of measure
- Must meet any state, county, or municipal regulation pertaining to health risk concerns about food handling
- Must be able to pass all required tests and training requirements for the position
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including holidays, nights, and weekends
- Must possess excellent guest service skills
- Must be dependable and able to learn basic tasks and follow instructions
- Must possess reasonable ability to communicate in English both orally and in writing
- Places a value on diversity and shows respect for others
Physical Requirements - Ability to stand and walk approximately 85%-95% of shift; ability to lift and carry 10-65 lbs; ability to move freely throughout the restaurant; ability to operate restaurant equipment and drive a motor vehicle.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
The company will make reasonable accommodations to allow a qualified individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities and to perform the essential functions of the job. This position description should be applied accordingly.