Prep Cook

Vandelay Companies; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 19,286 - 24,796; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision benefits

Flexible schedule

Professional development and career成长

Family Meals

Dining discounts

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Vandelay Companies is hiring a Prep Cook for Drake's Hollywood in Houston, TX. The role supports the culinary team by preparing ingredients, portioning, and maintaining a clean, safe workspace to ensure consistent, high-quality dishes.

Ideal candidates bring 1–2 years in a fast-paced kitchen, strong knife skills, and a proactive, team-oriented attitude. This position offers growth, reliability, and a dynamic dining environment.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of culinary or hospitality experience in a full-service, high-volume kitchen.
• Strong knife skills and experience working on both hot and cold prep.
• Food handler certification as required by state and local agencies.
• Energetic, accountable, and team-oriented with a positive, professional attitude.

Responsibilities

• Support the Culinary Manager and kitchen team with daily tasks to ensure readiness for service.
• Prepare ingredients according to standardized recipes, portioning guidelines, and quality standards.
• Execute prep tasks with accuracy, consistency, and urgency.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation at all times.

Skills

Knife skills

Team player

Attention to detail

Food safety awareness

Education

Food handler certification

Tools

Kitchen equipment operation

Job description

About Drake’s HollywoodDrake’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 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 responsible for preparing ingredients according to recipes, portioning guidelines, and cooking standards to ensure consistency and excellence in every dish. Prep Cooks maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workspace, adhere to all food safety protocols, and assist chefs with a wide range of tasks. Reliability, attention to detail, and a desire to learn are essential, as Prep Cooks contribute directly to the exceptional dining experiences our guests expect.

Core Responsibilities

• Support the Culinary Manager, Assistant Culinary Manager, and all kitchen team members with daily tasks to ensure full readiness for service.
• Prepare ingredients according to standardized recipes, portioning guidelines, and quality standards.
• Execute all assigned prep tasks with accuracy, consistency, and a strong sense of urgency.
• 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, consistently following all food safety and sanitation protocols.
• Label, date, store, and rotate ingredients properly using FIFO to ensure freshness and minimize waste.
• Assume responsibility for all ingredient prep, including washing, chopping, measuring, mixing, and storing items as needed.
• Communicate any shortages, product needs, or equipment concerns promptly to the culinary leadership team.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and correctly, adhering to all training and safety guidelines.
• 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
• 1-2 years of culinary or hospitality experience in a full-service, high-volume kitchen.
• Strong knife skills and experience working on both hot and cold prep.
• 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 Companies concepts
• All Vandelay Companies 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

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.