Prep Cook

Good Food Catering; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Good Food Catering in Charleston is seeking a dependable Prep Cook to support our culinary team in preparing high-quality food for weddings, corporate events, private parties, and other catered events throughout the Charleston area.

The Prep Cook will handle ingredients, follow recipes and production lists, maintain a clean and organized kitchen, and assist with event execution at the Historic Rice Mill and off-site locations.

Qualifications

• Previous prep cook, line cook, catering, banquet, or commercial kitchen experience preferred.
• Basic knife skills and knowledge of food preparation techniques preferred.
• Ability to read and follow recipes, prep lists, and production instructions.
• Understanding of basic food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to work efficiently while maintaining quality and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Prepare ingredients and menu items according to recipes, production sheets, and chef instructions.
• Wash, peel, chop, slice, portion, and prepare vegetables, proteins, fruits, herbs, and other ingredients.
• Label, date, store, and rotate food properly.
• Assist with receiving, organizing, and storing food deliveries.
• Monitor product quality and report concerns to culinary leadership.
• Complete assigned prep and production lists accurately and on schedule.

Skills

Prep Cook Experience

Knife Skills

Read Recipes

Food Safety

Time Management

Organization

Dependable

Teamwork

ServSafe Certification

Job description

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Good Food Catering is seeking a dependable and motivated Prep Cook to support our culinary team in preparing high-quality food for weddings, corporate events, private parties, and other catered events throughout the Charleston area.

The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients, following recipes and production lists, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen, and assisting the culinary team with daily catering production. This position may also assist with food preparation and execution for events at the Historic Rice Mill and off-site locations.

The ideal candidate is organized, efficient, team-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced catering kitchen where production needs and schedules change based on the event calendar.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Food Preparation & Production

• Prepare ingredients and menu items according to recipes, production sheets, and chef instructions.
• Wash, peel, chop, slice, portion, and prepare vegetables, proteins, fruits, herbs, and other ingredients.
• Prepare sauces, dressings, marinades, garnishes, sides, appetizers, and other menu components.
• Measure and portion ingredients accurately to maintain consistency and control food costs.
• Assist with preparing food for weddings, corporate functions, private events, and other catered events.
• Follow established recipes, presentation standards, and portion guidelines.
• Label, date, store, and rotate food properly.
• Assist with receiving, organizing, and storing food deliveries.
• Monitor product quality and immediately report concerns to culinary leadership.
• Complete assigned prep and production lists accurately and on schedule.

Catering & Event Support

• Prepare and organize food for transportation to the Historic Rice Mill and off-site event locations.
• Assist with packing food, culinary supplies, equipment, and other event materials.
• Ensure prepared items are properly labeled, stored, and ready for transport.
• Assist culinary staff with event execution when scheduled.
• Help set up and break down culinary work areas at event locations as needed.
• Adapt to changing production requirements based on event schedules, guest counts, and menu needs.
• Work collaboratively with chefs, cooks, service staff, and event managers to support successful events.

Kitchen Organization & Sanitation

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized prep area throughout each shift.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and temperature-control procedures.
• Properly store raw and prepared foods to prevent contamination.
• Maintain clean cutting boards, knives, utensils, equipment, and work surfaces.
• Assist with general kitchen cleaning, including floors, coolers, shelving, equipment, and storage areas.
• Follow proper procedures for handling and disposing of food waste.
• Assist with maintaining organized walk-in coolers, freezers, dry storage, and production areas.
• Follow FIFO procedures and assist with minimizing food waste.

Teamwork & Communication

• Follow direction from the Executive Chef, Sous Chef, and other culinary leadership.
• Communicate clearly regarding production needs, shortages, quality concerns, and completed assignments.
• Work cooperatively with other members of the culinary and catering teams.
• Maintain a professional and positive attitude during busy production periods and events.
• Be willing to assist in other areas of the kitchen or catering operation when needed.
• Arrive on time, in proper uniform, and prepared for each scheduled shift.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous prep cook, line cook, catering, banquet, or commercial kitchen experience preferred.
• Basic knife skills and knowledge of food preparation techniques preferred.
• Ability to read and follow recipes, prep lists, and production instructions.
• Understanding of basic food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to work efficiently while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Dependable, punctual, and team-oriented.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a culinary team.
• ServSafe or other recognized food safety certification preferred.

SCHEDULE

Catering schedules vary based on event volume and business needs. Availability may include:

• Weekdays
• Early mornings
• Evenings
• Weekends
• Holidays
• Special events

Hours may vary from week to week based on production and event schedules.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand and work for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive movements.
• Ability to safely use knives and standard commercial kitchen equipment.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, and refrigerated environments.
• Ability to assist with loading, unloading, and transporting catering supplies and equipment as needed.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

A successful Good Food Catering Prep Cook is dependable, efficient, organized, and willing to jump in wherever needed. Catering production requires attention to detail and teamwork—every item must be prepared correctly, on time, and ready to leave the kitchen when the event does.

This position is a great fit for someone who enjoys kitchen work but also appreciates the variety of preparing food for weddings, special events, and unique venues throughout Charleston.