Job Description

Position: Pastry Cook
Department: Culinary / Food & Beverage
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Reports To: Executive Chef

CO-OP Restaurant & Lounge, located within The Study at University City, is seeking a detail-oriented and passionate Pastry Cook to join our culinary team. This hourly position is primarily responsible for the preparation and production of pastries, desserts, breads, and baked goods for CO-OP Restaurant & Lounge, with additional support for banquet and private event needs as business demands.

The ideal candidate has a strong interest in pastry and baking, takes pride in precise and consistent execution, and appreciates both traditional techniques and contemporary flavors and presentation. We are looking for someone who is organized, dependable, curious, and comfortable managing multiple production priorities in a fast-paced restaurant kitchen.

This is a hands-on culinary position and a great opportunity for a pastry professional who wants to continue developing their craft while contributing to the seasonal food program at CO-OP.

Our caring and attentive associates reinforce our belief that guest service is our highest priority. We seek culinary professionals who take pride in their craft, value teamwork, and understand how thoughtful preparation and attention to detail contribute to a memorable dining experience.

Restaurant Snapshot

• CO-OP Restaurant & Lounge – Located within The Study at University City
• Approximately 120-seat restaurant and lounge
• Seasonal menus with a focus on Mid-Atlantic ingredients and flavors
• Primary focus on daily restaurant pastry and dessert production
• Additional pastry support for banquets and private events as needed
• Collaborative culinary team led by the Executive Chef

Responsibilities

• Prepare and produce pastries, desserts, breads, and baked goods for CO-OP Restaurant & Lounge according to established recipes and culinary standards.
• Complete daily pastry mise en place and production based on restaurant service needs.
• Assist with pastry and dessert production for banquet and private event functions as needed.
• Follow recipes, portion specifications, preparation methods, and presentation standards to ensure consistency and quality.
• Perform pastry techniques including mixing, baking, proofing, finishing, portioning, and plating.
• Support dessert plating and execution during restaurant service as needed.
• Maintain proper labeling, dating, storage, rotation, and handling of ingredients and finished products.
• Monitor product quality and communicate ingredient, production, or supply needs to culinary leadership.
• Minimize waste through proper preparation, portioning, storage, and product rotation.
• Maintain a clean, organized, sanitary, and safe pastry workstation and kitchen environment.
• Properly clean and maintain pastry equipment, tools, workstations, and storage areas.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, allergy, and kitchen safety procedures.
• Work collaboratively with the culinary team to meet restaurant service and production timelines.
• Assist with other culinary preparation and kitchen responsibilities as needed.

Fundamentals

• Previous professional pastry, baking, bread production, or culinary experience preferred.
• Experience in a restaurant, bakery, hotel, or other professional culinary environment preferred.
• Working knowledge of fundamental pastry and baking techniques.
• Interest in traditional pastry and baking techniques with an appreciation for contemporary flavors and presentation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistency, quality, and presentation.
• Ability to accurately follow recipes and work with weights, measurements, portions, and production quantities.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple production priorities.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative culinary team.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn new techniques, recipes, and production methods.
• Culinary or pastry education preferred but not required with relevant professional experience.
• Food Handler certification preferred or ability to obtain as required.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule based on restaurant needs, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to stand and remain active for extended periods in a professional kitchen environment.
• Ability to bend, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive food preparation tasks.
• Ability to lift, carry, or otherwise move items weighing up to 50 pounds.

About Us

The Study at University City is a 212-room hotel located at the crossroads of the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University in the heart of University City in Philadelphia. Designed as a place of discovery and connection, the hotel blends thoughtful hospitality with contemporary residential-inspired guest rooms and welcoming public spaces.

The property is home to CO-OP Restaurant & Lounge, a lively 120-seat restaurant and lounge known for spirited hospitality and seasonal menus. The hotel also features 7,000 square feet of meeting and event space, hosting university functions, corporate meetings, conferences, and private events supported by the culinary and food & beverage teams.

Eligible full-time team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, and paid holidays. Team members may also participate in our 401(k) retirement savings plan and Employee Assistance Program.

Study Hotels is a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment drug test and background check required.

Study Hotels is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, disability, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

Keywords: Pastry Cook, Pastry Baker, Baker, Restaurant Pastry, Desserts, Baking, Bread Production, Culinary, Pastry Production, Restaurant Cook