Prep Cook

Job Title: Prep Cook

Location: Linden, New Jersey / Pappardello Restaurant

Employment Type: [Full-Time / Part-Time / Seasonal]

Pay Range: [$XX–$XX/hour]

Starting compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, and other job-related factors.

Reports To: [Sous Chef / Kitchen Manager]

About Us

Pappardello Restaurant is a kosher dairy restaurant located in Linden, New Jersey, bringing a fine-dining, upscale experience with flavors from around the world including Greek and international fusion. Part of Pappardello Restaurant & Hungarian Kosher, we strive to invite new dairy food to our local neighborhood.

Position Summary

The Prep Cook is responsible for the daily mise en place that keeps the kitchen running – preparing, portioning, and stocking ingredients so that stations are fully set before and during service. Working from prep lists and standardized recipes, the Prep Cook washes, chops, and portions ingredients, prepares stocks, sauces, and other base components, and labels, dates, and rotates product using FIFO. This is a hands-on, hourly role in a supervised, fast-paced, team-oriented kitchen.

What You'll Do

• Complete daily prep lists accurately and on time, preparing ingredients and components to recipe and chef specifications
• Wash, peel, cut, chop, dice, and portion vegetables, proteins, and other ingredients using proper knife skills
• Prepare stocks, sauces, soups, dressings, and other base components following standardized recipes
• Measure and portion ingredients consistently to control quality and reduce waste
• Stock, restock, and organize stations, coolers, and the walk-in so cooks have what they need for service
• Label, date, store, and rotate all products properly (FIFO); monitor product levels and communicate shortages to the chef
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation, following all food-safety and sanitation standards throughout the shift
• Receive and put away deliveries; check product for quality and freshness
• Assist line cooks and other stations during service and off-peak periods as needed
• Take direction from and report to the Sous Chef / Kitchen Manager; communicate clearly with the kitchen team

What We're Looking For

Required

• [X]+ years of prep, kitchen, or relevant food-preparation experience [in a high-volume kitchen] , or a willingness to learn
• Solid knife skills and knowledge of basic cooking and prep techniques
• Ability to read, follow, and execute recipes and prep lists accurately
• Food-safety knowledge and the ability to follow sanitation and health-code standards
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and stay organized under pressure
• Reliability, punctuality, and strong attention to detail
• Availability to work [weekends, mornings, evenings, and holidays] as scheduled
• [Food Handler's Card / ServSafe certification] – required, or must be obtained within [X] days of hire

Preferred

• Culinary training or equivalent in kitchen experience
• Experience preparing [stocks and sauces, butchery, garde manger, baking, etc.]
• [Additional language skills, familiarity with high-volume prep, etc.]

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (full shift)
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to [50] lbs
• Frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive hand/wrist motion (chopping and portioning)
• Work in a kitchen environment with exposure to heat, steam, cold, noise, and sharp equipment
• Ability to work [X]-hour shifts, including [mornings, weekends, and holidays]

What We Offer

• Competitive pay based on experience: [$XX–$XX/hour]
• [Health, dental, and vision insurance]
• [Paid time off / paid sick time]
• [401(k) or retirement plan]
• [Dining discounts and shift meals]
• [Referral bonus program]
• [Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth]