I recently landed myself a job in a big restaurant chain's kitchen. I really need this job but my kitchen experience is very limited (I worked in a Tim Hortons kitchen for a year). I start my first day of real work tomorrow in the kitchen and I'm super nervous. My shift is at 5pm and I envision it to be very busy. I'm not sure what is going to be expected of me because I know next to nothing about how a kitchen truly operates. In the job posting they said experience is mandatory. I hope they aren't overestimating how much I really learned at Tim Hortons.

Has anyone worked in a kitchen that can shed light on my situation? Will I be able to quickly pick up how everything works? Will they train me from the ground up or expect me to have a semblance of an idea as to what what I am doing?

I was a link cook for a year about 2 years ago. The best tip I can give you is to show up with a good attitude. They should train you with all the basics and the rest is really up to you to handle. If you show them (your fellow workers, managers, and even customers) that you are hardworking and willing to learn, most places should respect that. Oh, don't forget to do things fast when you get used to the job. Nothing is worse than a manager on your ass cuz you can't make that burger fast enough. Otherwise, stay cool and know that there will be better opportunities around the corner.

I've worked off and on as a line cook for a few years, and I'd say that speed is important, especially for a franchise restaurant, but focus more and getting the food right to start. They're not likely going to have you working a station on your own to begin with, so there should be someone there to teach you and help you get the orders out more quickly. Plus, there going to start you on slower days, like your Tuesday shift tomorrow. It's a crappy job, but everyone there is in the same situation, so ask for help if you need it, and otherwise just keep a good attitude and work hard. Good luck!

Why is it a crappy job?

I suppose I shouldn't generalize, especially since you're just starting, so I don't mean to turn you off of it. It's long hours, it's dirty work (once you clean a grease trap you'll know what I mean), and I finf a lot of the managers I've had are only managers because they've been there for so long. I've gotten jerked around in past jobs. That being said, there are positives. The people you work with are usually pretty great, and often there's free food. I hope I didn't turn you off of it, I'm sure it'll be pretty good.

A job is a job nonetheless.
Work experience, money and a good way to utilize time in the summer rather than fapping away or playing WoW.