Commissary Prep Cook with Catering by Michaels

Job Description

Job Description

Join Our Culinary TeamAt Catering by Michaels, we believe an event is more than food on a plate. Every ingredient prepared, every recipe executed, and every order completed contributes to an experience that our clients and guests remember.Founded in 1980, Catering by Michaels is a full-service catering and events company based in Morton Grove, Illinois. We produce events throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, ranging from weddings and galas to corporate events, festivals, mitzvahs, and private celebrations.We are looking for Prep Cooks who take pride in their work, enjoy working with fresh ingredients, and understand that great events begin with great preparation.About Catering by MichaelsFor more than four decades, we have built our reputation as one of Chicago's leading catering and events companies through quality, creativity, and execution.Scratch kitchen focused on quality, craftsmanship, and fresh ingredientsSustainability leader, certified by both Green Restaurant and Green SealExperience executing major events including Lollapalooza, the NFL Draft, the Black Creativity Gala, and countless weddings, galas, and corporate events throughout ChicagoFull-service catering and event production serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbsOur commissary kitchen is where the work begins. The food we prepare here becomes part of events throughout Chicago.Why This Role MattersGreat events begin long before guests arrive.As a Commissary Prep Cook, you are an important part of the culinary production team. Your preparation, organization, and attention to detail help our chefs execute consistent, high-quality food at events throughout Chicago.This is a high-volume production kitchen. You will spend most of your shift on your feet, working at a steady pace and preparing significant quantities of food to meet daily production schedules.Key ResponsibilitiesWash, chop, measure, portion, and prepare ingredients for daily productionPrepare and cook ingredients according to established recipes and production standardsAssist Party Chefs and other culinary team members with appetizers, salads, entrees, sides, and other menu itemsMaintain consistency, quality, and proper portioning throughout productionPrepare food orders accurately and ensure they are ready for transportation to off-site eventsMaintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation throughout the shiftFollow all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety proceduresWork collaboratively with Prep Cooks, Party Chefs, Garde Manger, Pastry, and other kitchen team membersMeet production deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environmentAssist with additional kitchen duties as needed during peak production periods and holidaysQualificationsPrevious prep cook, line cook, commissary, restaurant, or professional kitchen experience preferredStrong knife skills and ability to safely handle kitchen equipmentAbility to accurately follow recipes, instructions, and production schedulesStrong attention to detail and commitment to consistencyAbility to multitask and maintain an efficient pace in a high-volume kitchenReliable, punctual, and dependablePositive attitude and willingness to work as part of a teamFlexible availability, including weekends and holidays as neededMust be comfortable working in a hot, fast-paced commercial kitchenSpanish language skills are a plus. If you speak Spanish, you will be working alongside team members who do as wellPhysical RequirementsThis is a physically demanding kitchen position. Candidates must be comfortable with the following:Standing and remaining active for the entire workdayLifting and carrying food, ingredients, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 50 poundsWorking around hot ovens, cooking equipment, and other high-temperature areasBending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and moving throughout the kitchen regularlyWorking at a consistent pace for extended periodsPerforming repetitive food preparation tasks while maintaining quality and accuracyWork EnvironmentOur commissary kitchen is located in Morton Grove, Illinois, and supports Catering by Michaels events throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.The kitchen is a high-volume production environment with busy periods throughout the year, particularly during the spring, summer, holiday, and event seasons. Team members are expected to work efficiently, communicate clearly, and maintain our standards even when production volume is high.Why Work With Catering by MichaelsWe have been doing this since 1980 because we care about doing things the right way. Our culinary team takes pride in preparing food from scratch and supporting events that leave a lasting impression.Working in our commissary kitchen gives you the opportunity to build your culinary skills while contributing to weddings, corporate events, galas, festivals, and some of Chicago's most exciting catering events.If you are dependable, work well with a team, and take pride in the food you prepare, we want to meet you.Join Catering by Michaels and be part of the team behind the events.