Pastry Chef Mixologist - Specialty Cafe (Mission Viejo)
About Ocho
Ocho is a new, exciting specialty cafe opening soon in the heart of Mission Viejo. We are dedicated to delivering an exceptional experience through expertly crafted specialty coffee, high-quality teas, and a curated selection of house-made pastries (Cookies and Croissant). We believe in quality ingredients, creativity, and a welcoming environment. We are looking for a talented and passionate Pastry Chef to be the architect and leader of our in-house pastry and beverage program.
The Role
We are seeking a creative, highly organized, and experienced Pastry Chef to manage and execute all aspects of our pastry and beverage production at Ocho. This is a hands-on role that requires production efficiency, original recipe development, and strong leadership skills to ensure the pastry operation runs seamlessly.
Key Responsibilities
- Production & Quality Control
- Manage the daily preparation and production of all baked goods for Ocho, including :
- Signature Cookies (e.g., Chocolate Chip)
- Signature Beverages
- Croissants (Classic Butter, Ham & Cheese, Chocolate)
- Seasonal and specialty items.
- Ensure all pastries meet the highest standards of quality, consistency, and presentation.
- Manage inventory of ingredients, place orders, and minimize waste.
- Recipe Development & Documentation
- Crucial Focus : Develop and standardize original recipes for unique pastries and beverages that complement our specialty coffee and tea program, with a specific focus on items featuring matcha.
- Document and meticulously maintain all recipes, methods, and procedures for all pastry items to ensure long-term consistency and ease of training.
- Conduct costing for all new recipes to ensure profitability.
- Leadership, Training, & Management
- Lead the pastry and beverage section, setting the standard for professionalism, efficiency, and quality.
- Train new and existing kitchen and front-of-house staff on proper preparation techniques, portion control, and product knowledge.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment in compliance with all health and safety regulations.
Qualifications & Skills
Proven professional experience (5+ years) as a Pastry Chef, Baker, or similar role, preferably in a specialty coffee shop or bakery setting.Expert knowledge of various baking techniques, including laminated dough (croissants) and cookie production.Have coffee and tea creation experience (barista experience is a plus)Exceptional organizational and time management skills are essential.Demonstrated ability to document recipes accurately and train staff effectively.Strong leadership qualities and the ability to motivate and manage production.A strong understanding of food safety and sanitation regulations.Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.Reliable transportation to Mission Viejo.Compensation & Benefits
Salary and benefits are competitive and based on your experience and skill set.Opportunity to build Ocho's pastry program from the ground up and establish creative identity.A positive, supportive, and collaborative work environment.Employee discounts on all Ocho coffee and food.How to Apply
Please submit your resume, a brief cover letter outlining why you are the perfect fit to lead the pastry and beverage program at Ocho, and a portfolio or photos of your recent pastry work (especially laminated dough and innovative recipes)
We look forward to hearing from you!