Prep Cook | CHICA

Job Description

Job Description

CHICA, located at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, opened in 2017 and brings bold, vibrant Latin American flavors to one of the world's premier dining destinations. Created by 50 Eggs Hospitality Group, CHICA offers a refined yet energetic culinary experience that celebrates Latin cuisine as a unified cultural expression, drawing inspiration from Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and beyond.

The menu blends classic Latin dishes with contemporary culinary techniques, complemented by a dynamic wine and craft cocktail program. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, CHICA is a high-volume, chef-driven restaurant that balances elevated culinary execution with the warmth, energy, and hospitality of Latin culture.

Position Overview

The Prep Cook prepares the ingredients and components that support CHICA’s bold Latin American flavors and consistent culinary execution. Working under culinary leadership, this role follows recipes, production plans, and food safety procedures to keep the kitchen prepared for every service.

This hands-on position requires professionalism, reliable preparation, and active teamwork in a high-volume, chef-driven restaurant. Every team member contributes to CHICA’s standards for quality, cleanliness, and genuine hospitality.

Primary Job Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Ingredient Preparation & Recipe Execution

• Prepare vegetables, herbs, proteins, sauces, dressings, and other assigned components to approved specifications.
• Follow recipes, measurements, yields, and preparation methods consistently.
• Use correct knife skills and safe techniques for assigned ingredients and equipment.
• Check ingredient quality and communicate concerns before production.
• Develop knowledge of Latin American ingredients, flavors, and preparation techniques through training.

Production Planning & Kitchen Readiness

• Complete assigned prep lists according to service priorities and production schedules.
• Communicate progress, shortages, yield concerns, and replenishment needs to culinary leaders.
• Portion and organize prepared products for assigned stations and service periods.
• Coordinate with line cooks and supervisors to maintain continuity between preparation and service.
• Record required production information accurately and minimize avoidable rework and waste.

Food Safety, Storage & Organization

• Label, date, rotate, and store ingredients and prepared products according to established procedures.
• Maintain required temperature controls and prevent cross-contact and cross-contamination.
• Follow allergy handling instructions and ask a culinary leader when requirements are unclear.
• Keep preparation areas, tools, equipment, and storage spaces clean and organized.
• Complete cleaning and closing assignments and report unsafe conditions or equipment issues.

Culture, Teamwork & Professional Development

• Contribute to a respectful, inclusive workplace where colleagues support one another and take pride in their work.
• Participate in pre-shift meetings, hands-on training, and coaching appropriate to the role.
• Learn from experienced leaders and mentors, ask questions, and apply feedback to strengthen skills and consistency.
• Communicate challenges early, take responsibility for assigned work, and help the team deliver a successful service.
• Follow company policies, appearance standards, attendance expectations, and workplace safety procedures.

Candidate Profile

An organized culinary team member who values accuracy, clean work, and disciplined preparation. The right person is curious about ingredients and technique, responds well to coaching, and takes pride in helping every station begin service ready.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to follow recipes, measurements, prep lists, and culinary instructions accurately.
• Foundational knife skills and safe food handling practices appropriate to assigned duties.
• Organization, reliability, and clear communication in a working kitchen.
• Willingness to learn ingredients and techniques and apply feedback consistently.
• Flexible availability for assigned service periods, including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
• Ability to obtain and maintain any certifications or work credentials required for assigned duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous preparation experience in a high-volume or chef-driven kitchen.
• Familiarity with Latin American ingredients, sauces, and cooking methods.

Professional Competencies

• Hospitality: Genuine care for guests and colleagues, expressed through thoughtful actions.
• Teamwork: Clear communication, mutual respect, and dependable support during service.
• Attention to Detail: Consistent preparation, accuracy, cleanliness, and follow-through.
• Accountability: Ownership of assigned responsibilities and prompt communication when help is needed.
• Learning & Growth: Openness to coaching, mentorship, and developing new skills.
• Composure & Adaptability: A constructive response to changing priorities and service demands.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Fast-paced, high-volume restaurant environment with close coordination across culinary and service teams.
• Regular standing, bending, reaching, and moving ingredients and kitchen equipment, with exposure to heat and refrigerated storage.
• Use safe lifting, carrying, and equipment practices appropriate to assigned duties.
• Schedules reflect business needs across breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, and special events.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform essential job functions.

Benefits & Professional Growth

• Paid time off and employee benefits, subject to eligibility, company policy, and applicable plan terms.
• Hands-on training, supportive leadership, and mentorship from experienced hospitality and culinary professionals.
• Opportunities to expand skills and pursue career growth as performance, readiness, and business opportunities allow.
• A team culture that values respect, clear expectations, constructive feedback, and recognition of individual contributions.

Why Join CHICA?

We offer an environment where employees come to work, learn, and grow. At CHICA, you will contribute to a restaurant that celebrates bold Latin American flavors, warm hospitality, and the people who bring that experience to life.

As Prep Cook, you will develop your craft through daily practice, guidance from experienced leaders, and collaboration with teammates who care about quality and one another. We value people who take pride in their work, remain curious, and want to build a lasting career in hospitality.