Prep Cook

Cowboy San Juan (SJC); San Juan Capistrano (CA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Nick's is seeking a Prep Cook to support a busy kitchen. You will prep ingredients, follow recipes precisely, and ensure the line stays stocked during peak hours.

A strong sense of urgency, knife skills, and teamwork are essential for success in this role. Responsibilities include handling various kitchen tasks, maintaining food safety standards, and collaborating with line cooks, dishwashers, servers, and managers.

Qualifications

• Prior restaurant or kitchen experience (preferred).
• Strong knife skills and knowledge of safe food handling.
• Ability to read and follow recipes.
• A strong sense of urgency and attention to detail.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• California Food Handler Card (provided if hired).

Responsibilities

• Prepare meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables, sauces, breads, and other menu items following recipes, portion sizes, and quality standards.
• Use knives, slicers, grills, fryers, and other kitchen equipment safely and correctly.
• Prioritize prep based on what the line needs first, and restock the line quickly during peak hours.
• Follow food safety practices, including proper food temperatures, labeling, rotation, and storage.
• Keep your station clean, organized, and sanitary throughout your shift.
• Complete all side work before the end of your shift.
• Let the Culinary Management team know right away about equipment issues, food quality concerns, or product shortages.
• Be a great teammate by helping Line Cooks, Dishwashers, Servers, Server Assistants, and Managers whenever needed.
• Take direction from management, lead associates, and expediters.
• Follow all company policies, procedures, and uniform standards.
• Show up on time and ready for every shift with a positive attitude and proper uniform.
• Stay flexible when schedules change based on the restaurant's needs.

Skills

Experience in kitchen/restaurant

Knife skills

Read recipes

Urgency and attention to detail

Communication and teamwork

Food handling safety

Job description

Description

Prep Cook

Reports To: Culinary Management Team

About the Role:

At Nick's, great dishes start with great prep. As a Prep Cook, you'll prepare the ingredients and recipes that keep our kitchen running smoothly, making sure our line is stocked and ready, especially during our busiest hours.

What You'll Do:

• Prepare meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables, sauces, breads, and other menu items following Nick's recipes, portion sizes, and quality standards.
• Use knives, slicers, grills, fryers, and other kitchen equipment safely and correctly.
• Prioritize prep based on what the line needs first, and restock the line quickly during peak hours.
• Follow food safety practices, including proper food temperatures, labeling, rotation, and storage.
• Keep your station clean, organized, and sanitary throughout your shift.
• Complete all side work before the end of your shift.
• Let the Culinary Management team know right away about equipment issues, food quality concerns, or product shortages.
• Be a great teammate by helping Line Cooks, Dishwashers, Servers, Server Assistants, and Managers whenever needed.
• Take direction from management, lead associates, and expediters.
• Follow all company policies, procedures, and uniform standards.
• Show up on time and ready for every shift with a positive attitude and proper uniform.
• Stay flexible when schedules change based on the restaurant's needs.

Requirements

What You'll Bring:

• Prior restaurant or kitchen experience (preferred)
• Strong knife skills and knowledge of safe food handling
• Ability to read and follow recipes
• A strong sense of urgency and attention to detail
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• California Food Handler Card (provided if hired)

Location:

Varies

Pay Range:

$21.00-$23.00 per hour, based on experience

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.; walk, stand, bend, and reach for extended periods; grasp and handle items with hands; work in a hot kitchen environment; and work shifts of 8-10 hours.