Apparatus Room Prep Cook (Up to $21.25/hr)

Prep Cook

Prep Cook reports to: Executive Chef, position is non-exempt

Your benefits include:

• Up to $20/hour based upon your expertise
• Paid time off for vacation, sick time, and to volunteer in your community
• Strong sense of belonging through diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Discounted food & beverage when you and your guests dine with us
• Greatly discounted room rates for you and your out-of-town guests
• Medical benefit premiums (based on eligibility) begin at a bi-weekly cost of $71
• Discounted pet insurance available through ASPCA to care for your best friend
• 401(k) participation available to help grow your nest egg
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program to support your health and well-being

Who we are: Hotels done differently. It's not just a slogan or catchphraseit is who we are in everything we do. We believe in the power of People, Place, and Character, ensuring our properties are places where individuals are valued and celebrated as a tribute to the neighborhoods and communities we serve.

The Detroit Foundation Hotel has transformed the historic Detroit Fire Department Headquarters into a 100-room independent hotel that adds another piece to Detroit's ongoing renaissance. Home to The Apparatus Room, our culinary team partners with local farmers, brewers, distillers, and artisans to create an authentic Detroit dining experience. Managed by Aparium, we create unforgettable hospitality experiences rooted in the unique character of each city we serve. We combine the operational excellence of a world-class hospitality company with the creativity and soul of an independent boutique hotel.

Who you are: You are passionate about food and enjoy working behind the scenes to ensure every service begins with quality preparation. You understand that exceptional meals start long before guests arrive and take pride in preparing ingredients with consistency, accuracy, and attention to detail. You thrive in an organized, fast-paced kitchen and understand the importance of teamwork. You are dependable, eager to learn, and committed to maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient work environment. Whether preparing vegetables, portioning proteins, or organizing your station, you know your work is essential to the success of the culinary team.

The role: As a Prep Cook, you will work alongside the Executive Chef, Sous Chefs, and Line Cooks to prepare high-quality ingredients that support daily kitchen operations. You will be responsible for completing prep lists, following standardized recipes, maintaining food safety standards, and ensuring all ingredients are prepared accurately and efficiently before service. This role provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen your culinary skills while working in a collaborative, scratch kitchen that values craftsmanship, teamwork, humility, and continuous learning. At Detroit Foundation Hotel, we hold ourselves and one another to the highest standards. We foster an environment built on respect, transparency, and collaborationthere is no room for egos, only a shared commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

What you will do:

• Uphold and role model Aparium's principles of People, Place, and Character while embodying our culture of collaboration, intuitive service, and hospitality.
• Prepare vegetables, fruits, proteins, sauces, stocks, dressings, desserts, and other menu components according to standardized recipes and production schedules.
• Complete daily prep lists accurately and efficiently to ensure all stations are fully stocked before service.
• Properly label, date, rotate, and store food products in accordance with food safety and HACCP standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of prep areas, walk-in coolers, freezers, dry storage, and kitchen equipment.
• Follow portioning, recipe, and presentation standards established by the culinary leadership team.
• Assist Line Cooks during service as needed by replenishing ingredients and supporting production.
• Minimize food waste through proper preparation techniques and inventory awareness.
• Maintain safe food handling and sanitation practices while ensuring compliance with all local health regulations.
• Communicate effectively with culinary leadership and teammates regarding production needs, shortages, and quality concerns.
• Participate in daily lineups, culinary meetings, and ongoing training opportunities.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and report maintenance or safety concerns to culinary leadership.
• Demonstrate flexibility by assisting in other kitchen areas as business demands require.

What you will need:

• Passion for culinary arts and a desire to continue developing your cooking skills.
• Previous experience in a prep cook, kitchen assistant, line cook, or similar culinary role preferred.
• Basic knife skills and understanding of fundamental cooking and food preparation techniques.
• Working knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices; ServSafe Certification preferred or obtained within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to follow recipes, production schedules, and verbal instructions with accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and consistency.
• Ability to communicate effectively with fellow associates and culinary leadership.
• Conversational proficiency in English, including reading recipes and verbal communication.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations for recipes, portioning, and measurements.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment while maintaining quality standards.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform repetitive motions for extended periods.
• Flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as business demands require.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Aparium Hospitality Services celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment where every associate feels a sense of belonging. We do not discriminate based on disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Detroit Foundation Hotel is a smoke-free, drug-free workplace and an E-Verify employer.