Prep Cook
Job Description
Support kitchen operations by prepping ingredients to exact specs for service.
Prep Cook
Chicago, IL Full/Part Time • Hourly ($18.00 – $21.00) Expires: Aug 15, 2026
About Oliver's
Oliver's is a vibrant, high-volume hospitality concept dedicated to delivering exceptional food and beverage experiences. We pride ourselves on executing a quality-driven menu in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment. We are looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented Prep Cook to join our kitchen team and help maintain the high standards our guests expect.
Position Summary
The Prep Cook is responsible for executing the daily culinary preparation tasks that form the foundation of our menu. This role involves measuring ingredients, washing, peeling, chopping, portioning, and preparing foundational components for the line cooks. The ideal candidate functions efficiently in a structured environment, follows exact recipe specifications, and maintains strict kitchen cleanliness and food safety standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Food Preparation: Wash, peel, chop, and portion vegetables, fruits, meats, and other ingredients according to established recipe guidelines and volumetric specifications.
- Recipe Adherence: Strictly follow standard recipes and prep lists to ensure consistency in taste, presentation, and quality across all dishes.
- Kitchen Organization: Maintain an organized workstation. Ensure all prepared food items are properly labeled, dated, and rotated using the FIFO (First In, First Out) method.
- Inventory & Storage: Monitor inventory levels in prep areas, the walk-in cooler, and freezers. Inform management of any low stock or ordering needs.
- Station Cleanliness: Wash and sanitize kitchen tools, equipment, and cutting boards. Maintain a clean workspace throughout the shift and assist with closing deep-clean tasks as scheduled.
- Safety & Compliance: Adhere to all local municipal food safety and sanitation codes, including maintaining appropriate temperatures for stored items and handling equipment safely.
- Team Collaboration: Communicate effectively with front-of-house and back-of-house leadership teams to ensure a smooth transition from morning prep to service shifts.
Qualifications & Skills
- Proven experience as a prep cook or in a similar culinary role in a fast-paced restaurant environment.
- Strong knife skills and familiarity with standard commercial kitchen equipment (mixers, food processors, slicers).
- Ability to read, understand, and accurately follow precise technical recipes and measurements.
- Excellent organizational skills, with a strong focus on minimizing waste and maintaining efficient pars.
- A valid food handler's certification (or willingness to obtain one prior to starting).
- Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and work in a high-temperature kitchen environment.
- Flexible availability, including weekends, mornings, and holidays as business dictates.
Compensation Details
Compensation: Hourly ($18.00 – $21.00)
Benefits & Perks: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance
Wash, peel, chop, and portion vegetables, fruits, meats, and other ingredients according to established recipe guidelines and volumetric specifications, Strictly follow standard recipes and prep lists to ensure consistency in taste, presentation, and quality across all dishes, Maintain an organized workstation; ensure all prepared food items are properly labeled, dated, and rotated using FIFO, Monitor inventory levels in prep areas, the walk-in cooler, and freezers; inform management of low stock or ordering needs, Maintain a clean workspace; wash and sanitize kitchen tools and equipment; assist with closing deep-clean tasks as scheduled
