Back of House Team Member (Cook / Kitchen Specialist)
Zaxbys
About Zaxbys
Zaxbys is a Southern-born, flavor-forward chicken brand founded in 1990 in Georgia, by
childhood friends. What began as a bold idea—elevating chicken fingers and wings from side items to the main event—has grown into a national favorite known for premium boneless chicken, signature sauces (especially the legendary Zax Sauce), and a distinctive personality that refuses to be bland.
Our mission is simple and non-negotiable: Consistently create encore experiences
that enrich lives, one person at a time. We live with the purpose of living a more flavor-full life: Be bold. Be original.
Be you. Stand out, step up, and spice things up. Never be bland—and stay saucy.
Core values that guide everything we do:
People First- The guest experience never exceeds the team member experience.
Accountability- We do what we say we will do.
Transparency- Honest, respectful conversations that get to the heart of issues quickly.
Innovation-Courageous thinking and the never-been-done-before.
Inclusion and Belonging- Our door is open; there’s a seat at the table for you. Be authentically yourself.
We call our hospitality approach Southern Hospitality 2.0: traditional Southern warmth and generosity updated for today—inclusive, enthusiastic, energetic, and modern. Operational excellence and continuous improvement are the foundation of
everything that leaves our kitchen.
Position Summary
As a Back of House Team Member, you are the engine that powers every encore
experience. Guests may never see you, but they taste your work in every crispy
Fingerz, every perfectly cooked fillet, every accurately sauced order, and
every plate that arrives hot, fresh, and right the first time.
This is a high-standard role. We hire people who take pride in precision, move with
urgency without sacrificing quality, and treat food safety, cleanliness, and
consistency as non-negotiable. Average is not the goal. Excellence that guests
can taste—and come back for—is.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare, cook, and assemble all menu items to exact Zaxbys standards forquality, portion, temperature, appearance, and timing.
- Master and execute all kitchen stations (including but not limited to breading,frying, grilling/flat top, wings, sandwiches/salads, expo, prep, and dish) with consistency and speed.
- Follow all recipes, cook times, hold times, and internal temperature requirements without exception (e.g., Chicken Fingerz and Signature Fillets to proper internal temperature for the required hold time).
- Maintain strict food safety and sanitation standards at all times—proper handwashing, glove use, FIFO rotation, labeling, temperature control, and cross-contamination prevention.
- Keep product levels stocked and stations ready so the line never falls behindduring peak periods.
- Receive, stock, rotate, and store inventory deliveries correctly; monitor parlevels and communicate needs promptly.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment throughout theshift—work stations, equipment, floors, storage areas, and dish area.
- Properly clean and maintain kitchen equipment; report any maintenance issuesimmediately.
- Accurately assemble and package orders so what leaves the kitchen matches theticket and brand standards every time.
- Support the team with a sense of urgency, ownership, and positive energy—helpother stations when needed and contribute to a high-performing kitchen culture.
- Complete all required training thoroughly (including Zaxbys Back of House
- Development Plan and hands-on station training).
- Assist with opening/closing duties, checklists, and light front-of-housesupport when required.
- Uphold operational excellence and continuous improvement—never settle for “good enough.”
What High Performance Looks Like Here
- You cook and plate with pride, knowing every order represents the brand.
- You work with urgency and composure even when the board is full.
- You catch and correct issues before they reach the guest.
- You keep your station and the overall kitchen clean and organized without being
- asked.
- You follow procedures exactly while looking for better ways to improve speed,quality, and consistency.
- You take ownership of food safety and quality as if your name is on everyplate.
- You support your teammates and contribute to a culture of accountability,energy, and excellence.
- You show up ready—focused, reliable, and committed—every shift.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Minimum age: 16 (or per local law; some locations may require 18+ for certain equipment).
- Reliable transportation and ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, peaks, and holidays.-
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-heat kitchen environment whilemaintaining focus, accuracy, and composure.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to following procedures precisely.
- Basic understanding of (or willingness to master) food safety, sanitation, and kitchen equipment operation.
- Ability to stand for long periods, move quickly, lift/push/pull up to 50 lbs,and perform repetitive tasks.-
- Positive, team-oriented attitude and willingness to learn all stations thoroughly.
- Alignment with Zaxby’s mission, values, and high standards of operational excellence and accountability.
Preferred (not required, but highly valued):
- Previous kitchen, cook, or food-prep experience.
- Proven reliability, work ethic, and ability to thrive under pressure.
- Knowledge of food safety principles (ServSafe or equivalent a plus).
- Demonstrated pride in producing high-quality work consistently.
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly pay.
- Flexible scheduling.
- Employee meal discounts / free or discounted meals on shift.
- Thorough training and clear development path (including opportunities to grow into trainer, shift lead, or management roles).
- A team environment that values people first, inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- The chance to be part of a brand that is growing, evolving, and known for doing things differently—where the quality of what leaves the kitchen defines the guest experience.
How We Screen Applicants
We set a high bar. We look for people who:
- Demonstrate reliability, work ethic, and ownership in the interview.
- Show genuine pride in producing quality work and following standards.
- Can handle a fast-paced environment with focus and composure.
- Align with our values of accountability, people-first culture, and continuous improvement.
- Understand that the kitchen is where the brand’s reputation is built—one perfectly executed order at a time.
If you are looking for “just a job” where cutting corners is acceptable, this is
not the role. If you want to craft food that creates encore experiences, grow
with a bold brand, and work alongside people who take pride in
excellence—apply. We’re saving a station for the right person.
Ready to cook with purpose and stay saucy at a higher standard?
Join the Coop.
Work schedule
- Day shift
- Night shift
- Weekend availability
Benefits
- Flexible schedule
- Employee discount