Pasta Prep Cook

Vandelay Companies; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 20,664 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision benefits

Flexible schedule

Professional development and career成长

Family Meals

Dining discounts at all Vandelay概念

All Vandelay restaurants are closed on

Collaborative, uplifting culture

Job summary

Drake’s Hollywood in Houston is seeking a Pasta Prep Cook to support our culinary team in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen. You will prepare fresh pasta doughs, fillings, and sauces, following standardized recipes and quality standards to ensure consistency across menu items.

The role requires hands-on pasta making experience, a strong sense of urgency, meticulous cleanliness, and the ability to work collaboratively with chefs and kitchen staff to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• 2+ years of culinary experience with fresh pasta in a high-volume kitchen.
• Experience with pasta dough preparation, rolling, cutting, shaping, and storage.
• Food handler certification as required by state and local agencies.
• Energetic, accountable, and team-oriented with a positive, professional attitude.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to decide and own tasks while collaborating with leadership.
• Demonstrates initiative and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef and kitchen team with daily tasks to ensure readiness for service.
• Prepare and produce fresh pasta doughs, fillings, sauces, and ingredients per recipes.
• Execute prep tasks with accuracy and urgency in a high-volume environment.
• Operate and maintain pasta-making equipment safely and correctly.
• Portion, shape, cut, and store fresh pasta with consistent presentation.
• Maintain kitchen prep standards and uphold the culinary program.
• Assist in daily setup and breakdown of the kitchen and care for equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized workstation and follow all food safety protocols.
• Label, date, store, and rotate ingredients using FIFO.
• Communicate shortages or equipment concerns to leadership promptly.

Skills

Culinary experience

Pasta making

Food handler certified

Attention to detail

Team player

Independent worker

Fast-paced environment

Tools

Pasta making equipment

Job description

About Drake’s Hollywood

Drake’s Hollywood is an upscale American restaurant inspired by the glamour and sophistication of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Known for its premium steaks and seafood, expertly crafted cocktails, and vibrant atmosphere, Drake’s delivers an elevated dining experience where exceptional hospitality, impeccable execution, and memorable guest experiences take center stage.

At Drake’s Hollywood, dining is about more than great food and beverage. It is about creating moments. From celebratory dinners and business gatherings to spontaneous nights out, our guests come to Drake’s expecting an experience that feels elevated, energetic, and unforgettable. Every detail matters, and every interaction contributes to the atmosphere that defines our brand.

We are passionate about hospitality professionals who understand that exceptional service goes beyond execution. Our team members are polished, confident, engaging, and genuinely invested in creating meaningful connections with guests. They anticipate needs, create memorable experiences, and contribute to an environment where every guest feels welcomed, valued, and excited to return.

About The Opportunity

A Pasta Prep Cook at Drake's plays a foundational role in supporting the culinary team and ensuring our kitchens are set up for seamless, high-quality service. This position is specifically focused on the preparation and production of fresh pasta in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience working with fresh pasta doughs, shaping techniques, and pasta production equipment while maintaining consistency, precision, and efficiency at scale. This role is responsible for preparing ingredients according to recipes, portioning guidelines, and culinary standards to ensure excellence in every dish. Reliability, attention to detail, and a strong sense of urgency are essential, as Pasta Prep Cooks contribute directly to the exceptional dining experiences our guests expect.

Core Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef, Executive Sous Chef and kitchen team members with daily tasks to ensure full readiness for service.
• Prepare and produce fresh pasta doughs, fillings, sauces, and related ingredients according to standardized recipes and quality standards.
• Execute all assigned prep tasks with accuracy, consistency, and a strong sense of urgency in a high-volume environment.
• Operate and maintain pasta-making equipment safely and correctly.
• Portion, shape, cut, and store fresh pasta while ensuring consistency in presentation and quality.
• Maintain all kitchen prep standards and uphold every aspect of the culinary program.
• Assist in the daily setup and breakdown of the kitchen, taking great care of equipment, tools, and facilities.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation at all times while following all food safety and sanitation protocols.
• Label, date, store, and rotate ingredients properly using FIFO to ensure freshness and minimize waste.
• Communicate any shortages, product needs, or equipment concerns promptly to the culinary leadership team.
• Participate in a collaborative team environment and foster a positive, supportive working climate.
• Embrace change, adapt quickly, and deliver strong results under varying conditions and service demands.
• Follow opening, mid-shift, and closing procedures to maintain an orderly and well-prepared kitchen throughout the day.
• Adhere to all state and local food service safety and sanitation regulations.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• 2+ years of culinary experience working with fresh and extruded pasta in a high volume kitchen.
• Experience with pasta dough preparation, rolling, cutting, shaping, and storage techniques.
• Food handler certification as required by state and local agencies.
• Energetic, accountable, and team-oriented with a positive, professional attitude.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to make sound decisions, take ownership of tasks, and work independently while collaborating effectively with all levels of leadership.
• Demonstrates initiative by contributing ideas, embracing change, and going above expectations to support the success of the team.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy, cleanliness, and composure.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work standing and walking for extended periods of time

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits available
• Flexible schedule
• Professional development and career growth
• Family Meals
• Dining discounts at all Vandelay concepts
• All Vandelay restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and the 4th of July so our team can celebrate with their friends and family
• A collaborative, uplifting culture where we take care of our guests by taking care of our people first

If you’re a passionate professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is eager to grow with a company that values hospitality and teamwork, we’d love to hear from you!

Vandelay Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other federal/state protected category.