Prep Cook

Uptown Alley_Uphoff Ventures LLC; Midlothian (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fun and Exciting Work Environment

Culture & Community - engaging team =|

401k, Roth IRA

Financial Security - competitivesalary

Generous Paid Time Off Policies

Work-Life Balance - Flexible working

Health & Wellbeing - company sponsored

Professional Development

Job summary

Uptown Alley_Uphoff Ventures LLC in Midlothian, VA is seeking a full-time Prep Cook to support culinary operations on-site. You will handle ingredient prep, station setup, and ensure timely, high-quality dishes under Head Chef/Sous Chef supervision.

The role emphasizes inventory and cost control, food safety, and collaboration with management and BOH/FOH teams. A ServSafe or Safe Food Handling certification is preferred, plus a high school diploma and physical stamina for a hot kitchen.

Qualifications

• Basic culinary skills, knowledge of cooking techniques and recipe execution.
• Knowledge of food safety principles and sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow recipes accurately and maintain quality.

Responsibilities

• Inventory Management
• Ingredient Usage and Cost Control
• Time Management and Labor Efficiency
• Food Preparation
• Station Setup and Organization
• Temperature Monitoring
• Timing and Coordination
• Sanitation and Cleanliness
• Consistency in Food Quality

Skills

Basic culinary skills

Food Safety and Sanitation Practices

Recipe Adherence

Desirable - Specialized Skills andTech

Temperature Monitoring Devices

Recipe Management Software

Education

ServSafe or Safe Food Handling certifications

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Job description

Benefits

• Fun and Exciting Work Environment
• Culture & Community - engaging team events, monthly team recognition
• 401k, Roth IRA
• Financial Security - competitive salary, incentive bonus structure
• Generous Paid Time Off Policies
• Work-Life Balance - Flexible working schedule
• Health & Wellbeing - company sponsored health and vision insurance
• Professional Development

Role Purpose

The role purpose of a prep cook is essential to the smooth operation of a kitchen and the successful execution of a restaurant's culinary offerings. Prep cooks are responsible for preparing ingredients and performing preliminary tasks that support the cooking process and ensure efficient kitchen operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic and Financial Responsibilities
  • Inventory Management
  • Ingredient Usage and Cost Control
  • Time Management and Labor Efficiency
• Operational Responsibilities
  • Food Preparation
  • Station Setup and Organization
  • Temperature Monitoring
  • Timing and Coordination
  • Sanitation and Cleanliness
• Customer Service Responsibilities
  • Consistency in Food Quality

Education & Qualifications

• Certifications in food safety and sanitation, such as ServSafe or Safe Food Handling
• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Physical Stamina and Endurance-ability to stand for long periods, lift heavy objects, and perform repetitive tasks in a hot and demanding kitchen environment
• Desirable - Culinary School or Vocational Training

Experience

• Kitchen Experience: Previous experience working in a kitchen setting is highly beneficial for line cooks. This may include positions such as prep cook, dishwasher, kitchen assistant, or other entry-level kitchen roles.
• Desirable - Previous experience in a high volume restaurant.

Skills & Competencies

• Basic culinary skills, including proficiency in cooking techniques, food preparation methods, and recipe execution.
• Food Safety and Sanitation Practices: Knowledge of food safety principles and sanitation practices is essential for line cooks to ensure the safety and quality of the food they prepare. Experience with food handling, storage, and hygiene practices, as well as familiarity with health and safety regulations.
• Recipe Adherence: Line cooks must be able to follow recipes accurately, ensuring that dishes are prepared to the restaurant's standards of taste, texture, and presentation.
• Desirable - Specialized Skills and Techniques: Experience with specific cooking techniques and cuisines can be advantageous for line cooks, depending on the menu and concept of the restaurant.
• Technological Proficiency
  • Temperature Monitoring Devices: Line cooks use temperature monitoring devices such as digital thermometers and probe thermometers to ensure that food items are cooked to the appropriate internal temperature for safety and quality
  • Desirable - Recipe Management Software: Line cooks may use recipe management software to access and follow standardized recipes for menu items.

Personal Qualities

• Self starter- driven and motivated work ethic, the ability to be resilient, the ability to be adaptable, empathy, ability the strategic thinker, collaborative, customer focused, results-driven.

Languages

• English
• Desirable - Spanish

Department: Culinary Operations
Location: On-Site
Travel Required: No
Type: Full-Time
Working Pattern: Monday-Friday, Weekends, Nights, Holidays
Reports To: Head Chef/Sous Chef
Collaborates With: Management team, Administrative support
Supports & Engages With: Managers, FOH, BOH