Morning Prep Cook - Max Downtown

Max Hospitality; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Employee Discount on Meals

Flexible Scheduling

401(k) with Matching

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off & Sick Time

Life Insurance

Job summary

Max Hospitality is looking for a skilled Morning Prep Cook to join our award-winning culinary team at Max Downtown in Hartford, CT. The ideal candidate will have a passion for culinary excellence and experience in a fine-dining kitchen.

You will assist in daily kitchen operations, maintain high standards of cleanliness, and follow recipes to ensure quality and consistency. We offer a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for growth within our group.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Prep Cook (1–2 years strongly preferred).
• Experience working in a fast-paced kitchen environment, particularly with upscale-casual venues.
• Familiarity with high-volume, scratch kitchens and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the daily operation of the kitchen.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment.
• Assist with daily prep tasks, including chopping and sauce preparation.

Skills

Knife skills

Attention to detail

Food safety knowledge

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: HARTFORD, CT 06103, Salary Range: $17.50 - $20.00 Hourly, Job Category: Restaurant - Food Service, MORNING PREP COOK – MAX DOWNTOWN, HARTFORD, CT

Join the Max Hospitality Team!

Max Downtown, located in the heart of Hartford, CT, is seeking a detail-driven and experienced Morning Prep Cook with open availability to join our award-winning culinary team. If you’re passionate about culinary excellence, thrive in a fine-dining kitchen, and take pride in precision and consistency, we want to hear from you!

Max Hospitality is dedicated to delivering world-class dining experiences through outstanding cuisine, exceptional service, and a commitment to growth and hospitality. We cultivate an environment where culinary professionals can elevate their craft and grow within a high-performance team.

Max Downtown is the flagship restaurant of the Max Hospitality group and a cornerstone of Hartford’s fine dining scene. Known for its refined steakhouse menu, award-winning wine list, and nationally recognized whiskey program, Max Downtown blends classic sophistication with modern culinary innovation. As a Prep Cook, you will play a key role in upholding the impeccable standards our guests expect.

Benefits:

• Competitive Pay


• Employee Discount on Meals


• Flexible Scheduling


• Opportunities for Growth and Advancement


• 401(k) with Matching up to 4%


• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance


• Paid Time Off & Paid Sick Time


• Referral Program


• Life, Accident, Critical Illness, & Pet Insurance


• Career Development within the Max Hospitality Group

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the daily operation of the kitchen.


• Assist in the proper storing of all goods and inventory.


• Knowledge of knife skills, food items and food safety.


• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment at all times to ensure that kitchen equipment and stations are in good working order


• Follow recipes and plating specifications to ensure consistency and quality


• Assist with daily prep tasks, including chopping, butchering, and sauce preparation


• Rotate and store ingredients properly to maintain freshness and minimize waste


• Work closely with the Executive Chef, Sous Chefs, and fellow cooks to ensure smooth service


• Contribute to a positive and collaborative kitchen environment focused on teamwork and growth

Qualifications: What We’re Looking For

Experience:

• Proven experience as a Prep Cook (1–2 years strongly preferred)


• Experience working in a fast-paced kitchen environment, particularly with upscale-casual or multi-concept venues is a PLUS


• Familiarity with high-volume, scratch kitchens and attention to detail


• Ability to work all stations, including grill, sauté, and prep

Skills & Qualities:

• Work a varied schedule including nights and weekends.


• Walk and stand for long periods of time; lift 45 pounds without assistance.


• Bend, kneel, reach overhead, squat as needed


• Excellent knife skills and attention to detail


• Strong work ethic, reliability, and punctuality


• Ability to follow recipes, plating standards, and prep instructions with precision


• Ability to work well under pressure and in a team-focused environment


• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and proper food handling procedures


• A passion for food and commitment to maintaining high culinary standards

Diversity Creates a Healthy Atmosphere:

Max Hospitality is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic.

Applicants with criminal backgrounds are encouraged to apply.