Garde Manger Cold Food Associate 1

ABOUT US

Abbys Catering is the longest-standing in-flight and corporate catering company in Houston proudly serving the Houston & Dallas Metro markets. We specialize in high-quality handcrafted culinary experiences using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. Our focus is simple: exceptional service impeccable food safety and a memorable customer experience with every flight.

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards in quality safety accountability and teamwork and we are looking for team members who share these values.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Cold Food Associate prepares assembles and portions cold food items according to Abbys Catering recipes airline specifications and presentation standards. This role supports daily production by following HACCP guidelines maintaining accurate documentation and ensuring each item meets strict quality and safety expectations.

Works in a refrigerated environment and collaborates closely with the Production Supervisors and fellow kitchen staff to support efficient on-time order fulfillment within a 24/7 operation.

Reports to: Production Supervisor Cold Food
Department: Culinary Production

Shifts: 1:30 PM to 9:00 PM / 3:00 AM to 11:30 AM

SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE

• Follow all food safety HACCP and traceability requirements daily.
• Maintain accurate production logs and immediately report any deviations.
• Adhere to all required PPE personal hygiene and sanitation standards.
• Ensure all work performed meets airline regulatory standards.
• Maintain a safe hazard-free workspace at all times.
  

EQUIPMENT AND SANITATION SUPPORT

• Properly handle clean and sanitize food prep tools utensils and equipment.
• Set up and maintain organized workstations throughout the shift.
• Report equipment issues to leadership promptly.
• Support continuous improvement in workflow efficiency and cleanliness.

DUTIES

• Prepare portion and assemble cold food items according to recipes specs and diagrams.
• Follow detailed loading instructions menu cards and portion guides.
• Label date and rotate inventory using FIFO methods.
• Maintain high accuracy to minimize waste and ensure 100% order completion.
• Work collaboratively with Supervisors to meet kitchen departure times for all flights.
• Maintain a clean safe and organized cold-food production area.
• Support other production tasks as assigned.
• Promote teamwork and a respectful positive work environment.
  

OUR MISSION AND CORE VALUES

Abbys Catering aims to remain the leading in-flight and corporate catering company in the Houston & Dallas Metro markets by sourcing locally and sustainably providing personalized attention to detail and maintaining excellent food safety while operating within a fiscally responsible budget.

CATCH Our Core Values

• Customer Service: Deliver service that exceeds expectations with every flight.
• Accountability: Take ownership of quality safety and every outcome.
• Teamwork: Collaborate for the good of the team and the customer.
• Competitiveness: Strive for the highest levels of quality safety and efficiency.
• Honesty: Operate with transparency integrity and respect.
  

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work in a cold environment (36F) for extended periods.
• Ability to work rotating shifts holidays weekends and overtime as needed.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in portioning and recording.
• Ability to read/interpret menu cards portion charts and loading diagrams.
• Reliable punctual and able to work independently.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. (no sponsorship).
• Food Handler Certificate required.
• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous kitchen culinary or food-handling experience a plus.
• Airline catering experience preferred but not required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Cold-room production environment (36F).
• Fast-paced time-sensitive operation with strict deadlines.
• Requires standing for long periods repetitive motion and moderate lifting.
• Exposure to food-production equipment carts and high-traffic kitchen areas.