What Does a Kitchen Steward Do?
Find out what a kitchen steward does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a kitchen steward.
Find out what a kitchen steward does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a kitchen steward.
Kitchen stewards are the backbone of any commercial kitchen. They’re responsible for a wide range of tasks, from preparing ingredients and maintaining equipment to washing dishes and handling food safety concerns.
Kitchen stewards work closely with other members of the kitchen staff but also spend a lot of time on their own. They may be tasked with prepping ingredients or cooking food ahead of time so that it’s ready when needed. They may also be responsible for cleaning up after cooks prepare meals in the kitchen.
Kitchen stewards have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
Kitchen stewards’ salaries vary depending on their level of education and experience, the company size and geographic location. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of overtime.
The employment of kitchen stewards is expected to grow slower than average over the next decade.
The need to hire kitchen stewards in restaurants and hotels will be limited because these establishments are expected to continue to use more automation, such as food-ordering apps and self-service kiosks, to reduce costs. However, some establishments may continue to hire kitchen stewards to maintain high-quality service and to provide a personal touch for customers.
Related: Kitchen Steward Interview Questions and Answers
A kitchen steward is responsible for a variety of tasks in the kitchen, which may include:
Education: Kitchen stewards typically need a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some employers may prefer an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in culinary arts. Courses in food preparation, nutrition, sanitation and food safety can be helpful for kitchen stewards.
Training & Experience: Most kitchen stewards receive on-the-job training from their new employer. This training may include learning how to use the kitchen’s equipment, how to prepare the menu items and how to clean the kitchen. The training may also include instruction on how to handle food safely and how to handle waste disposal.
Certifications & Licenses: Some employers may require employees to pass an industry-specific certification to show their general understanding of the field.
Kitchen stewards need the following skills in order to be successful:
Attention to Detail: A kitchen steward is responsible for ensuring that the kitchen is clean and organized at all times. This means paying close attention to detail to prevent food from becoming contaminated and keeping track of all the kitchen supplies.
Hygiene and Sanitation: Kitchen stewards are also responsible for ensuring that the kitchen is always clean and sanitary. They must follow strict hygiene and sanitation guidelines to prevent the spread of food-borne illnesses.
Problem-Solving: In a busy kitchen, problems are constantly arising. A kitchen steward must be able to think on their feet and come up with quick solutions to keep the kitchen running smoothly.
Time Management: A kitchen steward is often tasked with multiple cleaning duties simultaneously. They must be able to efficiently manage their time so that they can complete all their tasks within the allotted timeframe.
Teamwork: A kitchen steward typically works as part of a team in order to achieve common goals. They must be able to work collaboratively with their team members and be willing to lend a helping hand when needed.
Kitchen stewards typically work in the kitchen of a restaurant, hotel, or other food service establishment. They may also work in the kitchen of a hospital, school, or other institution that provides food service. Kitchen stewards typically work full time, and their hours may vary depending on the hours of operation of the food service establishment in which they work. Many kitchen stewards work early morning, late evening, weekend, and holiday shifts. Some kitchen stewards may be required to work overtime, and their work may be physically demanding.
Here are three trends influencing how kitchen stewards work. Kitchen stewards will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
The Rise of the Celebrity Chef
The rise of the celebrity chef has led to a greater focus on food in popular culture. This has resulted in a greater demand for chefs who can create unique and innovative dishes that reflect the latest culinary trends.
Kitchen stewards can capitalize on this trend by becoming familiar with the latest culinary trends and developing skills that allow them to create unique dishes that appeal to customers’ tastes. In addition, they should also focus on building relationships with suppliers and other members of the culinary community, which will help them stay up-to-date on the latest ingredients and products.
More Focus on Health and Wellness
As health and wellness becomes more important to Americans, restaurants are beginning to focus more on providing healthy options on their menus. This is leading to an increased demand for kitchen staff who have experience preparing healthy meals.
Kitchen stewards who are able to prepare healthy meals will be in high demand in the years to come. They should take advantage of this trend by expanding their knowledge of healthy cooking techniques and learning how to work with fresh, local ingredients.
A Growing Interest in Local Food
There is a growing interest in local food among consumers, as they are looking for ways to support local farmers and producers. This trend is having a significant impact on the restaurant industry, as more and more restaurants are focusing on serving locally sourced food.
Kitchen stewards can capitalize on this trend by becoming experts in local cuisine. They can also learn how to source local ingredients and develop recipes that utilize them.
A career as a kitchen steward is a great way to get your foot in the door of the culinary world. As a kitchen steward, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from some of the best chefs in the business and gain valuable experience working in a professional kitchen.
To become a kitchen steward, you’ll need to have a few essential skills. You should be able to work well under pressure, have excellent knife skills, and be able to follow recipes accurately. It’s also important that you are able to work as part of a team and communicate effectively with other staff members.
The kitchen steward is responsible for keeping the kitchen clean and organized. He or she may also be responsible for some food preparation, such as chopping vegetables. In larger kitchens, the kitchen steward may be responsible for supervising the work of other kitchen staff. With experience, a kitchen steward can advance to a position such as head chef or kitchen manager.
At [CompanyX], we strive to provide our guests with an exceptional dining experience, and that all begins in the kitchen with our team of highly skilled culinary professionals. We’re looking for a kitchen steward to join our team and help us maintain the cleanliness and sanitation of our kitchen. The ideal candidate will have prior experience working in a professional kitchen and be able to maintain a high level of cleanliness even in a fast-paced environment. He or she will also be responsible for washing dishes, pots, and pans, as well as keeping the kitchen organized and stocked.
Duties & Responsibilities
Required Skills and Qualifications
Preferred Skills and Qualifications