Pastry Cook

For more than 131 years and four generations, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. has handcrafted the world's finest cigars in the heart of Tampa's historic Ybor City. Our factory, El Reloj, is the last operating hand-rolled cigar factory in the United States-a living landmark where more than 25,000 guests from around the world visit each year to experience Tampa's cigar heritage.

In late 2026, we will open three new hospitality experiences inside a beautifully restored 1910 building across the street from El Reloj: Elaine's, a classic American restaurant with continental and local influences serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Stanford's Cigar Club, a premium cigar lounge built around an exclusive barrel-aged spirits and reserve red wine program; and The Inn at El Reloj, eleven beautifully appointed guest rooms upstairs from Elaine's. Together with our private events programming on both sides of the street, they form the El Reloj District, a hospitality destination unlike anything else in Tampa.

We are seeking a skilled and dependable Pastry Cook to join our culinary team. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced kitchen environment, takes pride in presentation and consistency, and enjoys contributing to a collaborative hospitality experience.

Why You Will Love This Role

• Be part of a growing hospitality and events program in a historic Tampa landmark
• Work in a unique venue that blends culinary arts with cultural heritage
• Collaborate with a passionate team dedicated to creating memorable guest experiences
• Contribute to special events, private gatherings, and community celebrations

What You Will Do

As a Pastry Cook, you will prepare high-quality dishes according to established recipes and presentation standards while supporting smooth kitchen operations during daily service and highvolume events. You will play an important role in maintaining quality, consistency, and guest satisfaction.

You will be:

• Preparing and plating high-quality pastry and dessert items according to recipes and presentation standards
• Maintaining cleanliness, organization, and proper setup of your workstation
• Following directions from the Chef to ensure efficient kitchen operations
• Adhering to all kitchen policies, food safety standards, and sanitation guidelines
• Assisting with prep work, inventory organization, and ingredient deliveries
• Ensuring timely preparation and delivery of dishes to support excellent guest service
• Maintaining clear communication with servers, managers, and kitchen staff
• Supporting the culinary team during high-volume service and special events

Who You Are

You are reliable, detail-oriented, and passionate about food preparation. You thrive in a team oriented kitchen and understand the importance of consistency, communication, and cleanliness in delivering an exceptional guest experience.

You likely bring:

• 2+ years of experience as a pastry cook in a restaurant environment
• Food Handler Card
• Basic knowledge of food safety and kitchen sanitation standards
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Ability to follow instructions and manage multiple tasks efficiently
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift to 40 lbs.
• A genuine passion for food preparation and delivering outstanding guest service

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout scheduled shifts
• Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, kneeling, and lifting
• Ability to lift and move items up to 50 pounds
• Strong fine motor skills for detailed food preparation, decorating, and plating
• Repetitive hand and wrist movements required
• Fast-paced commercial kitchen environment
• Regular exposure to heat, ovens, open flames, steam, and hot surfaces
• Use of sharp tools and kitchen equipment
• Exposure to refrigeration units and varying temperatures
• Moderate to high noise levels during peak service
• Ability to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

Benefits That Support You

We offer a competitive benefits package including medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) savings plan with company match, company-paid life and short-term disability insurance, company-sponsored long-term disability, paid time off, and more.

Ready to Join Us?

If you're passionate about hospitality, storytelling, and having memorable guest experiences, we'd love to hear from you. Please submit your resume to hr@jcnewman.com or apply online at www.jcnewman.com/careers. J.C. Newman Co.. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment drug screening