Prep Cook

StaffedUp; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Sage, a from-scratch cafe in downtown Columbia, is seeking an experienced Prep Cook to join our kitchen team and help set the stage for smooth, successful service.

You’ll support daily food preparation by following recipes, measuring and portioning ingredients, and helping maintain a clean, organized workspace that meets food-safety standards. Weekend availability is important.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a professional kitchen or food preparation environment.
• Solid foundational food prep and knife skills.
• Ability to work efficiently and stay organized in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Dependability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Prepare vegetables, fruits, proteins, and other ingredients according to recipes and prep lists
• Measure, portion, and prepare ingredients to support daily service and menu production
• Follow recipes and preparation standards with consistency and attention to detail
• Assist with cooking, plating, and other kitchen tasks as needed
• Help maintain appropriate inventory and restock ingredients and supplies
• Properly label, date, store, and rotate ingredients and prepared food
• Maintain a clean, organized workspace and follow food safety and sanitation standards
• Support the broader kitchen team wherever needed, including dishwashing when necessary

Skills

Kitchen experience

Knife skills

Organized

Dependable

Job description

About Sage

Sage is a from-scratch cafe in downtown Columbia focused on thoughtfully made food, French-inspired pastry, and craft coffee. We care about quality ingredients, attention to detail, and creating an experience that feels special without feeling fussy.

Our team takes pride in the craft behind what we serve, from freshly baked pastries to carefully prepared coffee and food.

About the Role

We’re looking for an experienced Prep Cook to join our kitchen team and help set the stage for smooth, successful service.

This is a hands-on role for someone who is comfortable in a professional kitchen, works efficiently and stays organized, and takes pride in preparing ingredients with consistency and care. You’ll support daily food preparation and help make sure the kitchen has what it needs to execute Sage’s scratch-made menu.

We’re looking for someone who brings a solid foundation of kitchen experience while still being eager to learn, grow, and contribute as part of the team.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare vegetables, fruits, proteins, and other ingredients according to recipes and prep lists
• Measure, portion, and prepare ingredients to support daily service and menu production
• Follow recipes and preparation standards with consistency and attention to detail
• Assist with cooking, plating, and other kitchen tasks as needed
• Help maintain appropriate inventory and restock ingredients and supplies
• Properly label, date, store, and rotate ingredients and prepared food
• Maintain a clean, organized workspace and follow food safety and sanitation standards
• Support the broader kitchen team wherever needed, including dishwashing when necessary

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience working in a professional kitchen or food preparation environment
• Solid foundational food prep and knife skills
• Ability to work efficiently and stay organized in a fast-paced kitchen
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistency
• Dependability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic
• A willingness to learn and continue developing your culinary skills
• A collaborative attitude and willingness to support the broader Sage team

Schedule & Availability

Weekend availability is important for this role. We’re looking for someone with strong, reliable availability who can consistently support the kitchen’s production and service needs.

Why Sage

At Sage, we care deeply about the details, but we also care about the people behind them. You’ll be part of a team that values craft, quality, creativity, and hospitality while continuing to build something special in downtown Columbia.