Prep Cook — Fast-Paced Kitchen with Growth

Hometown-Coffee-; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee meals & discount

Paid breaks

401(k)

Great work-life balance

Paid leave and sick leave

Health insurance

Growth and development opportunities

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Hometown Coffee & Juice is seeking a Prep Cook to support a fast-paced kitchen environment. You will prep ingredients and components, follow recipes and standards, and help ensure speed, consistency, and quality for every service.

The role emphasizes accurate prep, safe handling, teamwork, and pride in maintaining a tidy, organized workspace. Training is available for the right candidate who shows a strong work ethic and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• One to two years of prep or kitchen experience preferred, but we are happy to train the right person.
• Knowledge of food safety practices.
• ServSafe certification is preferred or can be obtained upon hiring.
• Strong knife skills, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Complete prep tasks accurately and within expected timelines.
• Follow recipes, batch guidelines, and production standards.
• Maintain consistency in portioning, labeling, storage, and presentation.
• Keep prep area clean, organized, stocked, and ready for the next task.
• Communicate progress, concerns, or product needs to kitchen leadership.
• Follow all food safety and sanitation procedures.
• Use FIFO, labeling, dating, storage, and rotation practices.
• Maintain strong attention to product quality and communicate issues promptly.
• Use knives and kitchen equipment safely and correctly.

Skills

Prep experience

Food safety knowledge

ServSafe certification

Knife skills

Organization

Team player

Job description

Hometown Coffee & Juice is seeking a Prep Cook to support a fast-paced kitchen environment. You will prep ingredients and components, follow recipes and standards, and help ensure speed, consistency, and quality for every service.

The role emphasizes accurate prep, safe handling, teamwork, and pride in maintaining a tidy, organized workspace. Training is available for the right candidate who shows a strong work ethic and attention to detail.