Commissary Prep Cook — High-Volume Kitchen & Fresh Prep

Catering by Michaels; Morton Grove (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Catering by Michaels, based in Morton Grove, Illinois, is seeking a Commissary Prep Cook to support its high-volume kitchen for events across Chicago and suburbs.

You will work on prep, follow recipes, and help the culinary team prepare ingredients for weddings, galas, corporate events, and more. This role requires steady pace, strong knife skills, and reliability in a fast environment.

Qualifications

• Previous prep cook, line cook, commissary, restaurant, or professional kitchen experience preferred.
• Strong knife skills and ability to safely handle kitchen equipment.
• Ability to follow recipes, instructions, and production schedules.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistency.
• Ability to multitask and maintain an efficient pace in a high-volume kitchen.
• Reliable, punctual, and dependable.
• Positive attitude and teamwork mindset.
• Flexible availability, including weekends and holidays as needed.
• Must be comfortable working in a hot, fast-paced commercial kitchen.
• Spanish language skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Wash, chop, measure, portion, and prepare ingredients for daily production.
• Prepare and cook ingredients according to established recipes and production standards.
• Assist Party Chefs and other culinary team members with appetizers, salads, entrees, sides, and other menu items.
• Maintain consistency, quality, and proper portioning throughout production.
• Prepare food orders accurately and ensure they are ready for transportation to off-site events.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation throughout the shift.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety procedures.
• Work collaboratively with Prep Cooks, Party Chefs, Garde Manger, Pastry, and other kitchen team members.
• Meet production deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Assist with additional kitchen duties as needed during peak production periods and holidays.

Skills

Knife skills

Multitasking

Team player

Reliability

Spanish (nice to have)

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

Catering by Michaels, based in Morton Grove, Illinois, is seeking a Commissary Prep Cook to support its high-volume kitchen for events across Chicago and suburbs.

You will work on prep, follow recipes, and help the culinary team prepare ingredients for weddings, galas, corporate events, and more. This role requires steady pace, strong knife skills, and reliability in a fast environment.