Prep Cook

Prep Cook

The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients, supporting food production, and maintaining kitchen organization to ensure efficient and consistent culinary operations. This role focuses on ingredient preparation, food safety, sanitation, and workflow support to enable timely service and high-quality food execution.

Prep Cook Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare ingredients for cooking by washing, peeling, cutting, trimming, portioning, and measuring food items according to recipes and production needs.
• Assist with basic cooking tasks such as blanching, roasting, baking, or reheating items as assigned.
• Weigh, measure, and mix ingredients according to standardized recipes and preparation guidelines.
• Prepare sauces, dressings, garnishes, and components needed for daily service and production.
• Check quality, freshness, and condition of ingredients prior to use and report issues to leadership promptly.
• Label, date, rotate, and store food products according to FIFO principles and food safety standards.
• Set up and stock workstations with necessary ingredients, tools, and equipment before service or production periods.
• Maintain a clean, sanitized, and organized prep area, including work surfaces, utensils, tools, and equipment.
• Clean and maintain kitchen equipment and prep tools according to sanitation and safety standards.
• Support line cooks and kitchen team members during peak service times by replenishing prepared ingredients and supplies.
• Estimate prep needs based on anticipated service volume and communicate shortages to leadership.
• Assist with opening and closing kitchen procedures as assigned.
• Follow all health department regulations, food safety procedures, and sanitation guidelines.
• Report equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or food safety concerns immediately.
• Perform additional kitchen-related duties as assigned to support overall operations.

Professional Expectations

• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times.
• Use clear, courteous, and brand-aligned communication with guests and coworkers.
• Adhere to all company policies, including attendance, conduct, cell phone usage, and safety standards.
• Work collaboratively with all departments to support a positive and efficient work environment

Timekeeping and Pay

• Prep Cooks must accurately record all hours worked through the timekeeping system.
• Off-the-clock work is strictly prohibited.
• Manager approval is required for any shift extensions.
• Prep Cooks are paid overtime at the applicable regular rate in accordance with federal and state labor laws.

Position Requirements

• Prior experience in a kitchen or food preparation role preferred.
• Knowledge of basic cooking techniques and kitchen equipment operation.
• Understanding of food safety, sanitation, and proper food-handling procedures.
• Ability to follow recipes, instructions, and preparation standards accurately.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive kitchen tasks.

Other Duties

This job description is intended to describe the general requirements of the position. Management may assign additional related duties within compliance standards.