Prep Cook, Atrium Cafe at The Department

Continental Services; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department’s Atrium Café is hiring a Prep Cook to support a small, fast-paced kitchen. You will help with daily food preparation, portioning and packaging, ensuring items meet quality and presentation standards.

This role suits someone who values organized, efficient kitchen work and takes pride in delivering fresh, ready-to-enjoy meals. Responsibilities include food prep, assembling display items, labeling, FIFO storage, and maintaining a clean workstation while supporting the team and

Qualifications

• 1+ year kitchen experience preferred (café, deli, or fast-casual environment a plus).
• Ability to follow recipes and prep lists accurately.
• Knowledge of basic kitchen equipment and knife skills.
• ServSafe or similar food safety certification preferred.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Food Preparation: wash, peel, chop, and portion ingredients according to recipes and prep lists.
• Prepare salads, sandwiches, wraps, baked goods, and other menu items.
• Follow standardized recipes and portion controls to maintain consistency.
• Label and date all prepared items.
• Packaging & Presentation: assemble and package items for display cases, neat and sale-ready.
• Restock items during service hours.
• Food Safety & Cleanliness: follow all guidelines, proper storage, labeling, and rotation (FIFO).
• Maintain a clean, organized workstation and assist with daily cleaning tasks.
• Team Support: communicate with the Sous Chef and team to prioritise prep tasks, be flexible to help with other duties.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Follow recipes

Knife skills

ServSafe

Physical stamina

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

Prep Cook, Atrium Cafe at The Department

Department: The Department 800431

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: The Department

Reporting To: Christopher Baldwin

Description

We are looking for an energetic and reliable Prep Cook to join our small, fast-paced Atrium café team. The Prep Cook will assist with daily food preparation, portioning, and packaging, ensuring every item meets our quality and presentation standards. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys organized, efficient kitchen work and takes pride in delivering fresh, ready-to-enjoy meals.

Key Responsibilities

• Food Preparation
• Wash, peel, chop, and portion ingredients according to recipes and prep lists.
• Prepare salads, sandwiches, wraps, baked goods, and other menu items.
• Follow standardized recipes and portion controls to maintain consistency.
• Properly label and date all prepared items.
• Packaging & Presentation
• Assemble and package items for display cases, ensuring they are neat, attractive, and ready for sale.
• Restock Items as needed during service hours.
• Food Safety & Cleanliness
• Follow all food safety guidelines, including proper storage, labeling, and rotation (FIFO).
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation throughout the shift.
• Assist in daily cleaning tasks such as sanitizing counters, washing dishes, and sweeping floors.
• Team Support
• Communicate with the Sous Chef and team to prioritize prep tasks.
• Be flexible to help with other kitchen duties as needed.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• 1+ year kitchen experience preferred (café, deli, or fast-casual environment a plus).
• Ability to follow recipes and prep lists accurately.
• Knowledge of basic kitchen equipment and knife skills.
• ServSafe or similar food safety certification preferred.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.

Core Competencies

• Attention to Detail: Maintains consistent quality in preparation and presentation.
• Efficiency: Works quickly without sacrificing quality or safety.
• Reliability: Arrives on time and completes assigned tasks daily.
• Teamwork: Supports kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations.

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