Prep Cook - Virginia State University

Austin Grill LLC; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Thompson Hospitality at Virginia State University is seeking a dedicated Prep Cook to support our culinary team and uphold high standards of taste and presentation. You will help prepare ingredients, keep a clean workspace, and ensure consistent quality in our dishes.

You’ll follow established recipes, work quickly in a fast-paced kitchen, and collaborate with teammates to ensure smooth operations, especially during weekends and holidays. This role requires sanitation focus and strong teamwork.

Qualifications

• Experience in a high-volume kitchen preferred.
• Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow recipes and instructions accurately.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills for collaboration in a dynamic kitchen.
• Visual acuity to monitor food presentation, cleanliness, and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Precisely prepare ingredients following established recipes and guidelines.
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment to uphold hygiene standards.
• Assist in various meal production tasks to ensure efficient kitchen operations.
• Contribute to the overall cleanliness and organization of the kitchen.
• Collaborate with team members to support a smooth workflow in the kitchen.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Food safety basics

Attention to detail

Job description

Overview

Are you passionate about food and take pride in precision, cleanliness, and teamwork? We’re looking for a dedicated Prep Cook to support our culinary team and contribute to the excellence that defines our dining experience.

In this vital role, you’ll be part of the backbone of kitchen operations, helping prepare ingredients, maintain a clean and organized space, and ensure every dish meets our high standards of taste and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Precisely prepare ingredients following established recipes and guidelines.
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment to uphold hygiene standards.
• Assist in various meal production tasks to ensure efficient kitchen operations.
• Contribute to the overall cleanliness and organization of the kitchen.
• Collaborate with team members to support a smooth workflow in the kitchen.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a high-volume kitchen or food preparation role is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow recipes and instructions accurately.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills for effective collaboration in a dynamic kitchen environment.
• Visual acuity to monitor food presentation, cleanliness, and safety standards.
• Ability to communicate clearly in a noisy kitchen environment.
• Able to work flexible shifts and schedules, inclusive of weekends and holidays.

Physical Requirements

• Able to read documents and written instructions to understand sanitation requirements, safety rules, equipment operation and maintenance, policies, and standard operating procedures.
• Stand for extended periods of time and navigate occasional wet or greasy floor conditions.
• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs (food product cases, bulk ingredients, kitchen equipment).
• Work in a hot, humid, and fast-paced environment.
• Bend, stoop, and reach frequently.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely.
• Must be able to taste and smell food to ensure quality and consistency.

Who We Are:

Virginia State University, a proud 1890 Land-Grant HBCU, is dedicated to empowering a diverse community of learners through high-impact academics, innovative research, and community-focused outreach. With a mission rooted in lifelong learning and leadership, VSU equips students to become ethical, globally competitive professionals ready to serve and succeed. Guided by a bold vision of sustained excellence, VSU offers a transformative educational experience that nurtures intellect, integrity, and impact. At Virginia State University, education is more than a degree — it’s a launchpad for greatness.

Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more. https://www.thompsonhospitality.com/

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.