Prep Cook - Drift Santa Barbara

TMC Group LLC; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 2,066,400 - 3,030,720; Part time

Job summary

Drift is seeking a reliable prep cook for the Dusk program in Santa Barbara. You will set up workstations, prep ingredients, and maintain sanitation while following recipes and stock levels. You will work with a team of bartenders to support food and beverage service in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include labeling and storing items, inventory, accepting or rejecting ingredients from suppliers, and ensuring a clean, organized kitchen with adherence to safety standards.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of operating all kitchen equipment and tools.
• Solid cooking fundamentals and technique.
• Commitment to sanitation and food safety standards.
• Understanding inventory, quality control and supplier input.

Responsibilities

• Set up and sanitize workstations for service.
• Follow prep lists and recipes to prepare ingredients.
• Measure and portion ingredients for dishes and beverages.
• Prepare simple items (e.g., sauces, garnishes, nuts) as directed.
• Store, label, and organize food items properly.
• Assist bartenders with food tasks and station upkeep.
• Distribute plates and prepare takeaway packaging as needed.
• Monitor kitchen temperatures and ensure safe storage.
• Keep the kitchen clean, organized, and sanitary.
• Prepare drink ingredients per Beverage Director specs.
• Assist with weekly/monthly inventory.

Skills

Kitchen equipment

Cooking fundamentals

Sanitation standards

Inventory & QC

Food Handlers Card

Education

Food Handlers Card

Job description

About this position

About Us

TMC Hospitality was founded in 2016 by Philip Bates as an offshoot of TMC Group to bring its innovation and purposeful disruption to the hospitality industry. As a forward-thinking hotel development and management company focused on elevating hospitality from a service to an experience through strategic development, investment, and brand creation, the group has two hotel brands, Bode and Drift, in addition to Buttonwood Farm & Winery that cater to the concept of social group travel and experiences. Bode, with a location in Nashville, redefines traditional travel by creating flexible spaces that expertly blend the style of vacation rental homes with the comforts and conveniences of a boutique hotel. Drift, with locations in San Jose del Cabo, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, and Nashville on the horizon, is a modern hotel concept for independent and group travelers who value adventure and culture with minimalist yet intentional details and amenities.

Dusk is our craft bar with an expertly curated mezcal and agave spirits list, artisanal cocktails, and a Baja-inspired raw bar. Our prep cook assists the bar with syrups and infusions as well as all preparation for the food menu.

About the role

Prep cooks will be responsible for setting up workstations in the kitchen and preparing ingredients for the cooking process. The prep cook is required to perform basic cooking duties, monitor stock levels, and take on culinary tasks as they arise.

To be a successful prep cook, you should understand and be willing to comply with food and sanitation guidelines and regulations, be quick and diligent, and be willing to improve on the job. A top‑notch prep cook should be able to follow instructions and work in a fast‑paced environment.

Our prep cooks work alongside a team of seasoned craft bartenders and are an integral part of the success of the F&B program at Drift.

What you'll do

• Setting up and sanitizing workstations.
• Following prep lists
• Measuring ingredients and seasonings, and preparing ingredients to be used to create the food & Beverage menu at Dusk
• Preparing simple dishes, such as guacamole, oyster dressing, seasoned nut mixes, etc.
• Ensuring all food items are properly stored, labeled, and easily accessible.
• Assisting bartenders in preparing food and attending to any culinary tasks that arise.
• Distributing plates to bar staff to be served, cleaning plates for dishwashing, and preparing takeaway packages for customers.
• Supervising food and cooling room temperatures.
• Accepting or rejecting ingredients from suppliers.
• Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen.
• Preparing drinks and cocktail ingredients according to the Beverage Director's specifications.
• Weekly & Monthly Food inventory

Qualifications

• Knowledge of using all kitchen equipment
• Good working knowledge of the fundamentals of cooking
• Good working knowledge of accepted standards of sanitation
• Knowledge of understanding recipes, inventory, and quality control
• Food Handlers Card

Schedule

We are looking for someone who can work the Saturday and Sunday AM shift and the Wednesday PM shift.