What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pastry Cook position at Sook Pastry?
Location: Sook Pastry – Ridgewood, NJ
Type: Full-Time | Weekdays and Weekends Preferred
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for skilled pastry cooks to join our production team. You will work alongside experienced bakers producing the full range of Sook's pastry program — from laminated doughs to finished French cakes. This is a hands-on production role with room to grow as we build out our kitchen leadership.
What You'll Do:
- Daily production of pastry and viennoiserie items: croissants, pain au chocolat, kouign-amann, tarts, éclairs, and seasonal items
- Produce French mousse cakes and entremets to exact recipe specifications — assembly, glazing, and finishing to a high standard of presentation
- Perform daily quality checks on your own work before anything reaches the case
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of your station, walk-ins, and dry storage
- Support mise en place for the full production team
- Assist with recipe testing and new product development as directed
- Follow food safety and sanitation standards at all times
- Accept and verify deliveries as needed
Required Skills and Experience:
- Minimum 2 years of professional pastry experience in a bakery, patisserie, or restaurant setting
- Demonstrated experience with French mousse cakes and entremets — assembly, mirror glazes, and finishing
- Solid foundational skills in French pastry technique — lamination, tart shells, creams, and sponges
- Meticulous standards of cleanliness and food safety; NJ Food Handler Certification required or must be obtained within 90 days of hire
- Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently once a task is assigned
- Available for early morning shifts, weekends, and holidays
Nice to Have:
- Culinary or pastry arts training
- A creative streak — interest in contributing ideas to seasonal menus and new product development
- Experience with chocolate or confectionery
- Bilingual English/Spanish
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Able to work early morning shifts, weekends, and holidays per the needs of the business
- Able to lift 50 pounds
- Ability to walk, stand, and/or bend continuously for extended periods
- Ability to accurately follow recipes and input information into kitchen systems
Perks:
- Work with a passionate, professional pastry team
- Employee discounts on pastries and café items
- Warm, team-oriented work environment
- Training provided by experienced chefs
Ready to bring your skills to one of Ridgewood’s most iconic bakeries? Send a list of the last 3 places you worked and your manager's contact information or stop by the shop and ask for John or Rumbi.
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Store discount
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Night Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Ridgewood, NJ 07450 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Ridgewood, NJ 07450: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18 - $20