A commis chef, also known as a junior chef, is a beginner role in the culinary industry that involves learning from experienced chefs and supporting their work:
Responsibilities Commis chefs perform a variety of tasks, including cooking, cleaning, and delivery, to help ensure the kitchen runs smoothly. They may also be responsible for:
Ensuring that produce matches orders
Keeping the kitchen organized
Washing and drying equipment
Ensuring fresh produce and ingredients are available
Checking expiration dates and discarding expired food
Learning and improving culinary knowledge
Sourcing new suppliers
Training entry-level kitchen staff
Supervision Commis chefs are supervised by a senior chef, such as a Head Chef, Chef Patron, or Chef de Partie.
Learning Commis chefs are expected to quickly understand the basics of the job and to continually find new ways to learn and improve their skills.
Physical work Commis chefs may perform physically demanding tasks, such as hauling things around the kitchen and keeping up with deliveries.