Prep Cook

Larkins Catering & Events; Michigan; On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Employee dining privileges

Job summary

Larkin’s Restaurants is seeking a Prep Cook to execute accurate and safe food preparation, ensuring kitchen readiness and high product quality. You will support sanitation, dishwashing, and maintain organized prep areas to ensure service readiness.

Requirements include a minimum of 2 years in prep or BOH roles and ServSafe certification or ability to obtain. This is an hourly, non-exempt position with full availability including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of prep or back-of-house experience in a restaurant environment.
• Strong understanding of basic food safety and sanitation practices.
• Willingness to support all BOH functions, including dishwashing and sanitation.
• Ability to follow recipes and execute tasks with consistency.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Reliable, consistent, and team-oriented work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Execute prep tasks according to recipes, specs, and production lists.
• Properly label, date, and store all food items.
• Follow FIFO (First In, First Out) procedures at all times.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of prep and storage areas.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and allergen protocols.
• Support dishwashing operations as part of daily responsibilities, including operating dish equipment and maintaining sanitation standards.
• Assist with cleaning, sanitation, and closing duties across the kitchen.
• Communicate prep shortages, issues, or quality concerns early.
• Support kitchen operations as needed during service.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and efficient work environment.

Skills

Prep cooking

Food safety

Attention to detail

Team oriented

Fast-paced environment

Education

ServSafe Certification

Job description

PREP COOK

Position Type: Hourly, Non-Exempt

Experience Requirement: Minimum 2 years experience as a Prep Cook or equivalent BOH role

Position Summary

The Prep Cook is responsible for executing food preparation tasks accurately, safely, and efficiently to support consistent service. This role is critical to kitchen readiness, product quality, and food safety. Prep Cooks work with discipline, urgency, and attention to detail to ensure the kitchen is fully set up for success.

This position also supports overall kitchen sanitation, including shared responsibility for dishwashing and maintaining a clean, organized back-of-house environment.

What Success Looks Like

• Prep is completed accurately, on time, and to standard
• Products are labeled, dated, and stored correctly
• Food safety and sanitation standards are consistently followed
• The kitchen remains clean, organized, and service-ready at all times
• Dish flow and sanitation are maintained during prep and service
• The line is supported with properly prepped and organized product
• Waste is minimized and product is handled with care

Key Responsibilities

• Execute prep tasks according to recipes, specs, and production lists
• Properly label, date, and store all food items
• Follow FIFO (First In, First Out) procedures at all times
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of prep and storage areas
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and allergen protocols
• Support dishwashing operations as part of daily responsibilities, including operating dish equipment and maintaining sanitation standards
• Assist with cleaning, sanitation, and closing duties across the kitchen
• Communicate prep shortages, issues, or quality concerns early
• Support kitchen operations as needed during service
• Maintain a clean, safe, and efficient work environment

Required Certifications

• ServSafe Food Handler Certification (or ability to obtain within required timeframe)

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of prep or back-of-house experience in a restaurant environment
• Strong understanding of basic food safety and sanitation practices
• Willingness to support all BOH functions, including dishwashing and sanitation
• Ability to follow recipes and execute tasks with consistency
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Reliable, consistent, and team-oriented work ethic

Schedule And Physical Requirements

• Full availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to stand and work on feet for extended periods
• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs
• Ability to work in hot, cold, and fast-paced kitchen environments

Hiring And Compliance Requirements

• Certification upload required in Proliant prior to first scheduled shift
• Employment is at-will
• Employment eligibility verification required (I-9 documentation)

Benefits

Eligible employees may have access to company benefits, subject to plan terms, waiting periods, and eligibility requirements, including:

• Competitive hourly pay
• Paid Time Off (PTO) (where applicable)
• Sick time (where applicable)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee dining privileges in accordance with company policy
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Opportunities for advancement within Larkin’s Restaurants

Legal and Equal Opportunity Statement

Larkin’s Restaurants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, consistent with applicable law.

Employment with Larkin’s Restaurants is at-will. This means that either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, consistent with applicable law.