Prep Cook/Food Transport Specialist/Driver

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

About Us

Acme Hospitality owns and operates a collection of highly acclaimed restaurants and boutique hotels throughout California. At Lucky Penny, we are committed to quality, consistency, and delivering exceptional hospitality experiences.

As we expand operations between Santa Barbara and Los Olivos, we are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented team member to support daily food transport, logistics, and operational flow between locations.

Position Summary

The Transit Driver / Food Transport Specialist is responsible for the safe, timely, and compliant transport of all food products, equipment, and dishware between locations.

This role also supports loading, organization, light prep handling, and dish return processes , ensuring all items are handled in accordance with food safety standards and company procedures.

What You’ll Do

Food Transport & Handling

• Load and transport food products from Santa Barbara to Los Olivos
• Verify all food is:
• Properly labeled, covered, and sealed
• Stored in approved containers (cambros, hot boxes, etc.)
• Check and log temperatures before departure and upon arrival
• Maintain proper food temperatures:
• Cold food = 41&degree;F
• Hot food = 135&degree;F
• Organize and load food to prevent cross-contamination

Receiving & Light Operational Support

• Unload food and transfer to appropriate storage (walk-in, hot holding, dry storage)
• Verify temperatures upon arrival and report any discrepancies
• Support overall organization and flow of product at receiving location

Dish & Equipment Transport

• Load all dirty dishes and equipment from Los Olivos
• Ensure all items are:
• Scraped and placed in designated bins
• Covered and secured with lids
• Maintain strict separation between dirty items and food/clean equipment
• Unload dish bins directly into dishwashing area at Santa Barbara

Light Cleaning & Dish Support

• Assist with proper handling and staging of dishware for cleaning
• Ensure bins remain covered and are handled in a sanitary manner
• Support dish return system and overall cleanliness standards

Vehicle Management & Sanitation

• Inspect vehicle daily for cleanliness and proper refrigeration function
• Ensure truck temperature is = 41&degree;F prior to loading
• Clean and sanitize vehicle daily, including:
• Shelving
• Floors
• Handles and contact surfaces

Logs, Compliance & Safety

• Complete and maintain daily logs:
• Temperature logs
• Transport logs
• Vehicle sanitation logs
• Follow all food safety and sanitation procedures
• Immediately report:
• Temperature issues
• Equipment problems
• Contamination risks

Why Join Us

• Be part of a growing, high-quality hospitality group
• Play a key role in launching and supporting a new location
• Work in a structured, systems-driven environment
• Employee dining and company perks!

• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Reliable, punctual, and highly organized
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow systems
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
• Comfortable working independently
• Food Handler Certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Previous food service, prep, dish, or delivery experience is a plus

Schedule:

• Must be available to work from approximately 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Important Note

This role requires strict adherence to food safety procedures, organization, and daily systems. Success in this position depends on consistency, accountability, and attention to detail.