Founding Prep Cook - Chef-Driven Opening Kitchen

Haven; Blowing Rock (NC); On-site; USD 19,286,000 - 33,062,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Founding Team bonuses

Performance/retention bonuses

Advancement opportunities

Access to local ingredients

Job summary

Haven, a chef-driven opening restaurant in Blowing Rock, NC, is recruiting founding prep cooks to shape the kitchen from day one. You will build systems, refine workflows, and collaborate with an opening culinary team to establish standards and culture rooted in Appalachia-inspired tasting menus and seasonal ingredients.

This role offers growth opportunities as the restaurant evolves, plus hands-on training and a supportive kitchen environment focused on craftsmanship and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Previous prep cook, line cook, culinary, or scratch-kitchen experience preferred.
• Ability to follow recipes and established specifications.
• Strong knife skills and attention to detail.
• Commitment to cleanliness, organization, and food safety.
• Willingness to learn and grow with the opening team.
• Experience in fine dining is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare ingredients and components with consistency, precision, and care.
• Execute daily prep lists efficiently while maintaining high standards of quality.
• Wash, trim, peel, cut, portion, and process produce, proteins, and other ingredients according to established specifications.
• Prepare sauces, stocks, dressings, marinades, purees, garnishes, and other foundational components.
• Follow recipes accurately while developing a deeper understanding of technique, flavor, and ingredient function.
• Support whole-product utilization and thoughtful approaches to minimizing food waste.
• Properly label, date, store, rotate, and organize ingredients and prepared items.
• Maintain accurate portioning and consistency across batches.
• Work collaboratively with chefs, line cooks, and fellow prep team members to ensure the kitchen is ready for service.
• Communicate proactively about prep levels, product quality, shortages, and production needs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, efficient, and professional workstation.
• Care for ingredients, tools, and equipment with attention and respect.
• Participate in pre-opening training, menu tastings, and ongoing culinary education opportunities.
• Help test and refine recipes, prep systems, storage standards, and kitchen workflows.
• Uphold the highest standards of food quality, sanitation, safety, and organization

Skills

Prep cook experience

Line cook experience

Culinary fundamentals

Food safety basics

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Job description

Haven, a chef-driven opening restaurant in Blowing Rock, NC, is recruiting founding prep cooks to shape the kitchen from day one. You will build systems, refine workflows, and collaborate with an opening culinary team to establish standards and culture rooted in Appalachia-inspired tasting menus and seasonal ingredients.

This role offers growth opportunities as the restaurant evolves, plus hands-on training and a supportive kitchen environment focused on craftsmanship and teamwork.