Prep Cook - *NEW RESTAURANT OPENING*

Early Bird Night Owl; Cary (NC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Early Bird Night Owl in Cary, North Carolina is looking for a Prep Cook to support kitchen operations by preparing ingredients and ensuring a clean work environment. Responsibilities include preparing sauces and stocks, maintaining food stations, and ensuring food safety, as well as collaborating effectively with the kitchen team.

The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of culinary experience and possess strong organizational skills. A flexible schedule is required, including AM/PM shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of culinary experience required.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Detailed oriented with strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare ingredients and menu components to quality standards.
• Assist in stocking and maintaining food stations.
• Comply with cleanliness and food safety regulations.

Skills

Culinary experience

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School Diploma / GED preferred

Degree or training in Culinary Arts or related field

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Prep Cook is responsible for supporting kitchen operations by efficiently preparing ingredients and foundational menu components according to established recipes and quality standards. This role ensures accurate portioning, proper stocking of stations, and readiness for service while maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment. The Prep Cook works collaboratively with the kitchen team and leadership, follows prep lists and procedures, and upholds all food safety and regulatory requirements to support consistent, high‑quality food execution.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Menu Prep and Execution

• Prepare ingredients including and not limited to washing, peeling, chopping, and slicing
• Prepare sauces, soups, and stocks according to designated recipes and quality standards
• Accurately measure and portion ingredients for specific recipes
• Efficiently follow prep lists
• Assist in stocking and maintaining designated food station(s)
• Visually inspect food and check in orders as they arrive from vendors
• Ensure knowledge of the menu and all food items
• Prepare requisitions for supplies and food items, as needed

Communication and Teamwork

• Perform other duties as assigned by managers
• Communicate ordering needs to minimize running out of items
• Communicate scheduling conflicts, vacations, and shift changes to managers according to policies and procedures
• Communicate in a professional manner to all other staff, guests, managers
• Work together with other staff in a “One Team, One Dream” mentality

Cleanliness, Health, and Safety Standards

• Ensure all work surfaces are kept in neat and tidy condition throughout service
• Comply with all NC Department of Food and Safety regulations including proper storage, rotation of inventory, and quality control
• Comply with all NC ABC regulations

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 1 year of culinary experience
• Must be eligible to work in the United States
• Exceptional organizational and operational skills, and detail-oriented
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including tact and professionalism in dealing with staff and management

Ability to work a flexible schedule to include AM/PM shifts, weekends, and holidays

EDUCATION:

High School Diploma / GED preferred

Degree or training in Culinary Arts, Hospitality or related field, or culinary certificate ideal

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

• Ability to be on your feet and alert for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs. as needed
• Continuous use of hands and arms
• Continuous bending, reaching, and twisting
• Maintains strong personal image and uniform standards

NOTE

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to perform any other job‑related duties assigned by their supervisor.