Prep Cook

Chula's Mexican-Latin Food & Spirits; Prior Lake (MN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Chula’s Mexican-Latin Food & Spirits in Prior Lake, MN is seeking a Prep Cook who will be the backbone of the kitchen, ensuring every dish starts with quality preparation. You’ll keep the line moving, prep ingredients, and support line cooks during busy service.

If you take pride in precision, organization, and food safety, this role offers a starting wage of $17.00 per hour. Qualifications include 1+ years in a prep cook or similar role and a valid food handler’s permit.

Qualifications

• 1+ years prep cook or similar kitchen role experience.
• Valid food handler’s permit or certification.

Responsibilities

• Wash, peel, chop, and slice vegetables and fruits according to daily prep lists.
• Prepare and portion proteins, sauces, and dressings following standardized recipes.
• Monitor and rotate food stock using FIFO (First In, First Out) procedures.
• Label and date all prepared items clearly and accurately.
• Maintain a clean and sanitized prep station throughout your shift.
• Assist with receiving deliveries and organizing dry, refrigerated, and frozen storage.
• Communicate inventory needs proactively to the Chef or Kitchen Manager.
• Adhere strictly to all health department and sanitation regulations.
• Support line cooks during peak service when needed.

Skills

Knife skills

Food safety

Recipe reading

Organizational skills

Multi-tasking

Team player

Independent work

Education

Culinary training

Food handler certification

Job description

At Chula’s, great service begins long before the first guest arrives. Our Prep Cooks are the backbone of the kitchen — building the foundation that allows every dish to shine with bold flavor and consistency. You’re the behind-the-scenes hero who ensures the line runs smoothly, ingredients are ready, and every plate starts with quality preparation. If you take pride in precision, organization, and working with purpose, we want you on our team.

What You'll Do

Wash, peel, chop, and slice vegetables and fruits according to daily prep lists

Prepare and portion proteins, sauces, and dressings following standardized recipes

Monitor and rotate food stock using FIFO (First In, First Out) procedures

Label and date all prepared items clearly and accurately

Maintain a clean and sanitized prep station throughout your shift

Assist with receiving deliveries and organizing dry, refrigerated, and frozen storage

Communicate inventory needs proactively to the Chef or Kitchen Manager

Adhere strictly to all health department and sanitation regulations

Support line cooks during peak service when needed

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Strong knife skills and knowledge of basic kitchen techniques

Ability to read, understand, and execute detailed recipes and prep instructions

Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Commitment to quality, consistency, and food safety

Team-first mindset in a fast-paced kitchen environment

Experience

1+ years of experience as a prep cook or similar kitchen role preferred

Formal culinary training is a plus, but not required

Valid food handler’s permit or certification required

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 8 hours)

Ability to lift and carry boxes or containers weighing up to 50 pounds

Frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive hand movements

Comfortable working in a warm, high-energy kitchen environment

Compensation

Starting wage: $17.00/hour

Application Requirements

Chula’s Restaurant is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.