Texas cook employment contract template

Texas Cook Employment Contract

This Texas Cook Employment Contract ("Agreement") is made and entered into as of [Date], by and between [Employer Legal Name], a [Entity Type, e.g., Texas Corporation], with its principal place of business at [Employer Address] ("Employer"), and [Employee Legal Name], residing at [Employee Address] ("Employee").

1. Employment.

• Option A: Employer hereby employs Employee as a Full-Time [Cook Type, e.g., Line Cook].
• Option B: This is an at-will employment relationship, meaning either party may terminate the employment at any time, with or without cause or notice (unless otherwise specified in this agreement).

2. Work Location.

• Option A: The primary work location shall be at [Restaurant/Facility Name] located at [Restaurant/Facility Address] in [City], Texas.
• Option B: Employee may be required to work at other locations in [City, Texas] as needed and assigned by Employer.

3. Job Responsibilities.

• Prepare food items according to standardized recipes and portion sizes.
• Operate and maintain kitchen equipment, including [Equipment List, e.g., grills, fryers, ovens].
• Adhere to Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) and local health codes.
• Maintain proper food handling, storage, and sanitation standards.
• Receive, check, and store food inventory.
• Clean and sanitize work areas and equipment.
• Communicate effectively with kitchen and front-of-house staff.
• Option A: Assist with menu development and special event preparation.
• Option B: Other duties as assigned by the [Reporting Manager Title, e.g., Chef, Kitchen Manager].

4. Reporting.

• Employee will report directly to [Reporting Manager Name], whose title is [Reporting Manager Title, e.g., Chef, Kitchen Manager].

5. Work Hours.

• Option A: Employee's standard work hours shall be [Number] hours per week.
• Option B: Employee's schedule will be [Describe Schedule, e.g., Day Shifts, Rotating Shifts, Weekends].
• Employee will be provided with [Number] minute meal breaks and [Number] minute rest breaks per [Time Period, e.g., shift, work day].
• Employee is required to accurately record all hours worked using the Employer's timekeeping system.

6. Compensation.

• Option A: Employee's regular rate of pay is [Dollar Amount] per hour.
• Option B: Employee's annual salary is [Dollar Amount], paid bi-weekly.
• Overtime will be paid at one and one-half times the regular rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek, unless the position is exempt.
• Payment will be made via [Payment Method, e.g., direct deposit, check] every [Frequency, e.g., two weeks].
• Employee will receive an itemized wage statement with each payment as required by Texas Payday Law.

7. Additional Compensation.

• Option A: Employee is eligible for tips, which will be distributed according to the Employer's tip pooling policy.
• Option B: Employee is eligible for a performance bonus based on [Criteria, e.g., kitchen performance metrics].
• Option C: Employee will receive a [Dollar Amount] allowance for [Allowance Type, e.g., uniform, hazardous work].

8. Benefits.

• Employer offers the following benefits:
  • Health Insurance: [Details, e.g., Employer-provided, Subsidized]
  • Dental Insurance: [Details, e.g., Employer-provided, Subsidized]
  • Vision Insurance: [Details, e.g., Employer-provided, Subsidized]
  • Paid Time Off (PTO): [Details, e.g., Vacation, Sick Days]
  • Meal Breaks: [Details, e.g., Paid/Unpaid]
  • Staff Meal Discounts: [Details, e.g., Percentage, Restrictions]
  • Uniform Allowance: [Details, e.g., Dollar Amount, Frequency]
  • Reimbursement for Texas Food Handler Certification: [Details, e.g., Upon Completion]
  • Retirement Plan: [Details, e.g., 401k with Employer Match]

9. Texas Food Handler Certification.

• Employee must obtain and maintain a valid Texas Food Handler Certification.
• Employee is responsible for renewing the certification as required by Texas law.

10. Health and Safety.

• Employee must adhere to all kitchen health, safety, and emergency policies.
• Employee must report any workplace accidents or hazards immediately to [Reporting Authority, e.g., Kitchen Manager].
• Employee agrees to comply with all OSHA requirements applicable to commercial kitchens in Texas.

11. Standards of Conduct.

• Employee must maintain high standards of personal hygiene and grooming.
• Employee must adhere to the Employer's uniform code.
• Employee is prohibited from using or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances while on duty.

12. Employer Property.

• Employee is responsible for the proper use and care of all Employer-issued property, including [List of Property, e.g., knives, uniforms, equipment].
• All Employer-issued property must be returned upon termination of employment.

13. Food Allergen Awareness.

• Employee must be aware of and adhere to the Employer's food allergen awareness and cross-contact prevention policies.
• Employee must comply with Texas and local requirements for menu labeling and allergen disclosure.

14. Confidentiality.

• Employee acknowledges that the Employer's recipes, signature dishes, and kitchen operational procedures are confidential and proprietary.
• Employee agrees not to disclose any confidential information to any third party.

15. Outside Employment.

• Employee agrees not to engage in any unauthorized outside employment or direct food sales that may create a conflict of interest with the Employer's operations.

16. Anti-Discrimination.

• Employer is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic under Texas and federal law.

17. Termination.

• This is an at-will employment relationship and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause.
• Employer may terminate employment immediately for cause, including but not limited to: gross misconduct, food safety violations, theft, or intoxication on duty.
• Upon termination, Employee will receive all final wages due, in accordance with Texas Payday Law.
• Employee must return all Employer-issued property upon termination.

18. Compliance with Laws.

• Employee agrees to comply with all applicable Texas food safety and employment statutes.
• Employee may report suspected violations or unsafe practices without retaliation.

19. Governing Law.

• This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.
• Any legal action arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be brought in the state or federal courts located in [County Name] County, Texas.

20. Dispute Resolution.

• Option A: Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved through mediation or arbitration before litigation.
• Option B: Employer and Employee acknowledge the availability of remedies through the Texas Workforce Commission for wage claim disputes.

21. Entire Agreement.

• This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether oral or written.
• This Agreement may be modified only in writing and signed by both parties.

22. Employee Acknowledgement.

• Employee acknowledges receipt of the Employer's employee handbook and/or food safety policies (if provided separately).

23. Non-Solicitation (Optional).

• Option A: During the term of employment and for a period of [Number] months following termination, Employee shall not solicit, directly or indirectly, any employee of Employer to terminate their employment. This clause must comply with the Texas Business and Commerce Code.

24. Non-Compete (Optional).

• Option A: To the extent permitted by Texas law, Employee agrees not to work for a competing business within [Radius Miles] miles of Employer’s location for [Number] months after termination. This clause is intended to protect specific proprietary recipes or techniques developed by the Employer and must comply with the Texas Business and Commerce Code.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

____________________________

[Employer Legal Name]

By: ____________________________

[Employer Representative Name]

Title: [Employer Representative Title]

Date: ____________________________

____________________________

[Employee Legal Name]

Date: ____________________________