Prep Cook

Build the Foundation for Every Great Meal.

At PJ Lobster House, our Prep Cook (Production Prep Cook) plays a critical role in the success of our kitchen. As a Production Prep Cook, you'll prepare the ingredients, recipes, and menu components that keep every station operating efficiently and consistently throughout the day.

From preparing our homemade soups, sauces, salads, and condiments to cleaning fresh shrimp, rolling baked clams, portioning menu items, stocking the line, and organizing inventory, your work directly impacts every meal we serve.

Production Prep Cooks work closely with our Line Cooks, Kitchen Coordinators, and Kitchen Support Team to ensure every station is fully stocked and ready for service. Success in this position requires organization, attention to detail, the ability to follow recipes accurately, and pride in producing consistent, high-quality food.

At PJ Lobster House, no one says, "That's not my job." Every member of our kitchen works together to support one another and deliver an exceptional dining experience. Our Production Prep Cooks provide the foundation that allows every station to perform at its best.

If you're dependable, enjoy working with fresh ingredients, take pride in organization, and want to build a long-term career in a professional kitchen, we'd love to meet you.

Responsibilities

1. Prepare soups according to established restaurant recipes.
2. Prepare sauces, dressings, condiments, and other signature recipes.
3. Prepare salads and cold menu items.
4. Clean, peel, and prepare shrimp and other seafood.
5. Prepare and roll baked clams according to restaurant standards.
6. Portion meats, seafood, sauces, soups, dressings, and other menu items according to established specifications.
7. Label, date, rotate, and properly store all prepared products using FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory procedures.
8. Receive, organize, and properly put away deliveries.
9. Rotate inventory and maintain organized walk-ins, coolers, freezers, and dry storage areas.
10. Stock and replenish line cook stations before and during service.
11. Follow all recipes, portion specifications, and preparation standards accurately.
12. Wash dishes and assist the Kitchen Support Team during slower periods.
13. Remove trash, recycling, and cardboard as needed.
14. Maintain clean and organized prep areas, shelving, storage areas, and kitchen workspaces.
15. Assist with general kitchen cleaning and sanitation throughout the shift.
16. Follow all food safety, sanitation, labeling, and storage procedures.
17. Complete opening, closing, and side work as assigned.
18. Support all kitchen departments whenever needed.

Requirements

• Previous prep cook, line cook, or commercial kitchen experience preferred.
• Ability to accurately follow recipes and portion specifications.
• Strong knife skills and safe food handling practices preferred.
• Comfortable preparing seafood, soups, sauces, salads, and other menu items.
• Ability to organize, label, date, and rotate inventory accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistency.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple prep projects.
• Comfortable receiving and properly storing deliveries.
• Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to assist every kitchen department.
• Commitment to cleanliness, organization, and food safety.
• Reliable attendance, punctuality, and strong work ethic.
• Available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Able to stand for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Able to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Build Your Career at PJ Lobster House

For more than 30 years, PJ Lobster House has proudly served the Port Jefferson and Long Island community as a family-owned seafood restaurant and fish market. Our reputation has been built on fresh, high-quality food, exceptional hospitality, and, most importantly, the outstanding people who make it all possible every day.

We believe great businesses are built by great teams—not constant hiring. That's why we're looking for dependable, hardworking individuals who want more than just another restaurant job. We invest in people who take pride in their work, enjoy being part of a team, and are looking for a place where they can build a long-term career.

Unlike many restaurants that significantly reduce staff or cut hours during the off-season, our goal is to retain great employees year-round. While business levels naturally fluctuate throughout the year, we work hard to provide consistent hours and stable employment because we know our employees depend on their jobs just as much as we depend on them.

We also believe that a career should help build your future. That's why we offer a 401(k) retirement plan , giving eligible employees the opportunity to invest in their future while building a long-term career with our company.

One of the things our employees value most is consistency. Whenever possible, we provide set schedules so you know when you're working and can better plan your life outside of work. We believe predictable schedules create a healthier work-life balance and help our team succeed both professionally and personally.

Whether you work in our dining room, kitchen, or seafood market, you'll become part of a team that values professionalism, respect, accountability, reliability, and helping one another succeed. Every position plays an important role, and every team member contributes to the experience our guests have come to expect for more than three decades.

If you're looking for a fast-paced workplace where your work is appreciated, your teammates support one another, opportunities are earned through hard work and dependability, and you're encouraged to build a long-term career, we'd love to meet you.

Why Work at PJ Lobster House?

• Family-owned and operated for more than 30 years
• Year-round employment with a commitment to providing steady hours whenever possible
• Consistent set schedules to help you balance work and personal life
• 401(k) retirement plan because we believe in helping our employees invest in their future
• Opportunities for advancement and cross-training
• Professional, respectful, team-oriented culture
• Employee dining discounts
• Managers who work alongside their teams
• High standards with supportive leadership
• Fast-paced environment where no two days are the same
• Build a career—not just another restaurant job

Our Core Values

At PJ Lobster House, every member of our team is expected to uphold the values that have guided our business for more than 30 years:

Dependability

We do what we say we're going to do. Our teammates and our guests rely on us every day.

Teamwork

We support one another, communicate openly, and understand that great restaurants succeed when everyone works together.

Hospitality

Every guest deserves a welcoming, friendly, and memorable experience from the moment they walk through our doors.

Professionalism

We take pride in our work, our appearance, our attitude, and our commitment to maintaining the high standards our guests expect.