Prep Cook

Prep Cook - Retail Cafe - Miller Ave

The Prep Cook plays a key role in supporting the caf's daily operations. This position ensures all food items are prepared with consistency, quality, and care. A successful Prep Cook values food safety, follows recipes with precision, and contributes to a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment.

Food Preparation & Quality Prep all cold and hot food items using prep worksheets and standardized recipes. Assemble dishes to spec, ensuring consistent quality and presentation. Cut, peel, wash, and prepare produce. Follow proper knife safety procedures at all times. Operate ovens and hot prep equipment; ensure proper time/temp for all hot and cooked foods. Maintain strict adherence to food safety and quality standards to prevent cross contamination. Follow standardized recipes precisely including those developed off-site by the culinary team to ensure consistent flavor, portioning, and guest experience.

Kitchen Maintenance & Safety Maintain clean, food-safe prep stations, dishes, and overall kitchen environment. Assist with dishwashing and cleaning tasks throughout the shift. Take full responsibility for maintaining a clean and organized back-of-house area.

Service & Operations Support Receive and follow through on daily prep lists and orders. Support floor operations as needed, including running food to the counter or dining areas. In cafs without a full kitchen or stove, prepare basic recipes using pre-developed culinary guides. In locations where the Prep Cook is the sole back-of-house team member, take on a wider range of duties including food running, detailed cleaning tasks, and general support to keep operations flowing smoothly.

Qualifications and Requirements Some food preparation experience preferred. Ability to follow instructions, take direction, and work collaboratively as part of a team. Sense of urgency and a hospitable attitude toward guests and coworkers. Ability to maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, leadership, and customers. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities. Must maintain a current state-issued Food Handler Card. Must be 16 years of age or older.

Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to see, talk, and hear. The employee frequently has to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee also must use hands to handle, feel, and reach. Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for periods of up to 4 hours in length. Required to frequently wash hands and may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This job operates in a kitchen and may be working near co-workers. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Hazards may include, but are not limited to, cuts, slipping, and tripping.