Prepared Foods Counter Associate

Prepared Foods Counter Associate

Led by owner Joe Gurrera and his commitment to exceptional quality, Citarella has grown from a respected New York City fish market into a premier gourmet food destination, with locations across New York City, the Hamptons, and Greenwich, Connecticut. As a family-run business, we're passionate about great food and delivering an outstanding guest experience. From premium seafood and prime dry-aged beef to chef-prepared specialties, handcrafted pastries, and international cheeses, we take pride in offering the very best. Join our team and become part of New York's vibrant food scene.

Role Overview

Citarella is seeking an enthusiastic, dependable, and guest-focused Prepared Foods Counter Associate to join our Prepared Foods Department. In this role, you'll assist guests with our selection of chef-prepared dishes, provide knowledgeable product recommendations, and maintain exceptional standards of freshness, presentation, and service. The ideal candidate enjoys working with people, has a passion for quality food, and thrives in a fast-paced retail environment. You'll play an important role in creating an inviting shopping experience while ensuring our prepared-food offerings consistently meet Citarella's quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional guest service by assisting customers with prepared-food selections, answering product questions, and fulfilling special requests.
• Promote department sales through product knowledge, suggestive selling, and personalized recommendations.
• Serve, portion, weigh, and package prepared foods according to department standards and guest preferences.
• Maintain attractive, well-stocked food displays, ensuring proper labeling, pricing, and presentation.
• Monitor product freshness, quality, and holding temperatures to ensure food safety and consistency.
• Replenish displays and rotate products using proper dating, labeling, and storage procedures.
• Assist with basic food preparation and setup as directed by department leadership.
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitized counters, display cases, utensils, and workstations.
• Follow applicable food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.
• Collaborate with department associates and leadership to support daily operations and guest satisfaction.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications & Experience

• Previous experience in prepared foods, deli, grocery, food service, hospitality, or customer service preferred.
• Strong guest service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Interest in prepared foods and willingness to learn product ingredients, flavor profiles, and preparation methods.
• Basic food handling and portioning skills, or willingness to learn.
• Understanding of food safety, sanitation, and proper food storage practices, or willingness to learn.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Dependable, team-oriented, and comfortable working independently or collaboratively.

Physical & Scheduling Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Ability to bend, reach, lift, carry, push, and pull products and equipment as required.
• Ability to work in areas with varying temperatures, including refrigerated food storage areas.
• Ability to safely use food service utensils and department equipment.
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits

Citarella offers competitive wages and a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, employee discounts, and retirement savings options, subject to eligibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Citarella is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We consider qualified applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law and provide reasonable accommodations as required by law.