Prep Cook

Cooper's Hawk Winery; Oak Lawn (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dining discount

Wine discount

Medical insurance

401k match

Paid time off

Flexible schedules

Early pay

Wellness support

Wine education

Career growth

Referral bonuses

Job summary

Cooper’s Hawk Winery is seeking a Prep Cook to bring heart to every recipe and precision to every task. You will prepare fresh ingredients, follow recipes, and set up a well-organized station to support a smooth kitchen flow. Join a team focused on hospitality and high-quality dining experiences.

Responsibilities include prep work, portioning, sauce preparation, and keeping the station clean and safe. The role requires English proficiency, ability to stand for long periods, and flexibility for

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age.
• Previous prep or line cook experience preferred.
• Basic knife skills and knowledge of kitchen safety and sanitation.
• Comfort following recipes and portioning food.
• A team focused attitude and ability to stay organized in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Availability to work flexible schedules including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to read, understand, and communicate in English.

Responsibilities

• Prepare fresh ingredients and follow recipes with accuracy.
• Set up and organize your station to stay efficient through every shift.
• Maintain high quality standards in prep and execution.
• Keep your work area clean, stocked, and safe while handling ingredients with care.
• Communicate with teammates and managers to ensure a smooth kitchen flow.
• Wash, peel, slice, and mix vegetables, fruits, and other ingredients for salads, cold plates, and garnishes.
• Prepare hot and cold sauces; Carve and slice meats and cheeses.
• Portion food for service; Follow daily systems and procedures to stay organized and on track.

Skills

Basic knife skills

Team-focused

English communication

Food prep accuracy

Job description

At Cooper’s Hawk, our Prep Cooks bring heart to every recipe and precision to every task. By preparing fresh, high-quality ingredients, they set the tone for a great dining experience. Every slice, portion, and plate supports Uncompromising Hospitality, helping the kitchen run smoothly and ensuring every guest enjoys consistent and memorable food.

Compensation Range: $17.00-22.00/hour

Pay offered is determined by skills, qualifications and experience.

What You Will Get

• 50 percent Dining and Carryout Discount; 40 percent Retail Wine Discount; 20 percent Discount on Retail and Private Events
• Monthly Wine Tastings for Two
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Telehealth
• 401k with Company Match
• Paid Time Off and Flexible Schedules
• Early Pay Access
• Wellness and Mental Health Support
• Wine and Culinary Education
• Career Growth Flight Plan
• Team Member Rewards, Milestone Recognition, and Referral Bonuses

How You Will Succeed

Show Up Ready: Come Prepared, stay sharp, and start strong.

• Prepare fresh ingredients and follow recipes with accuracy
• Set up and organize your station to stay efficient through every shift

Own What You See

Take Responsibility, jump in, and do what needs to be done.

• Maintain high quality standards in prep and execution
• Keep your work area clean, stocked, and safe while handling ingredients with care

Stay in Sync

Communicate often, move with your team, and keep service flowing.

• Communicate with teammates and managers to ensure a smooth kitchen flow
• Perform these kitchen functions:
• Wash, peel, slice, and mix vegetables, fruits, and other ingredients for salads, cold plates, and garnishes.
• Prepare hot and cold sauces
• Carve and slice meats and cheeses
• Portion food for service
• Follow daily systems and procedures to stay organized and on track

Make It Personal

Be genuine, listen well, and tailor each experience.

• Take pride in your prep work because every detail matters
• Support the kitchen team by creating the foundation for every great dish

Add a Touch

Go beyond the expected to create memorable moments.

• Go beyond the basics by keeping kitchen equipment in excellent condition
• Keep an eye out for ways to make the kitchen cleaner, faster, and better

What You Will Bring

• At least 18 years of age
• Previous prep or line cook experience preferred
• Basic knife skills and knowledge of kitchen safety and sanitation
• Comfort following recipes and portioning food
• A team focused attitude and ability to stay organized in a fast paced environment
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 pounds
• Availability to work flexible schedules including weekends and holidays
• Ability to read, understand, and communicate in English

Cooper’s Hawk reviews several factors when establishing compensation. Salaries and hourly wages appearing in a job posting may be published by third parties and may not reflect the salaries or hourly wages offered by Cooper’s Hawk.

Cooper’s Hawk is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to the person’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Cooper’s Hawk makes reasonable accommodations during all aspects of the employment process, including during the interview process. The information provided above indicates the general nature and level of work required of the position and is not a comprehensive list of all responsibilities or qualifications. The Benefits list is only a highlight of some of the benefits offered to team members; eligibility for certain benefits apply.

About Us

Cooper's Hawk features a Napa-style tasting room with wine-inspired retail for entertaining and a full-service restaurant, bar and private event space, offering a modern-yet-casual dining experience. Each scratch-kitchen menu item is designed to pair with our wines. Speaking of wine...the Cooper's Hawk Wine Club is perhaps the largest in the world, offering not only top-notch award-winning wines but also exclusive Wine Club membership benefits, including curated dining and travel experiences. Since 2005, we've brought the Napa Valley experience to our guests and Wine Club members, and now, with Piccolo Buco by Cooper’s Hawk, we’re bringing the vibrant flavors of Rome to them as well. Together, we’re creating a lifestyle brand like no other.