Job Overview

Prep Cook Job Description

At Shellie’s Country Café, our Prep Cooks are the behind-the-scenes heroes who keep the kitchen running smoothly. You make sure every dish starts off right by preparing ingredients with care and keeping everything organized and ready for service. If you take pride in staying neat, working efficiently, and being part of a hardworking team, you’ll fit right in here!

Position Summary

The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients, recipes, and portions to Shellie’s standards. You’ll support the line cooks by ensuring stations are stocked and ready, food is prepped correctly, and cleanliness is always maintained. This role is essential for keeping our kitchen efficient, safe, and ready to deliver great food fast.

Key Responsibilities

· Prep ingredients, sauces, and batters according to recipes and portion guidelines.
· Label, date, and rotate all items to maintain freshness and safety.
· Keep prep area clean, organized, and stocked.
· Maintain cleanliness of walk-ins, freezers, and storage areas.
· Assist line cooks during busy times by restocking or helping plate dishes.
· Follow all food safety, sanitation, and labeling procedures.
· Communicate clearly with the kitchen team about low stock or prep needs.
· Perform end-of-shift cleaning and assist with extra cleaning duties.
· Follow recipes closely and ask questions when unsure.
· Be dependable, focused, and ready to lend a hand wherever needed.

What We’re Looking For

· Detail-oriented and organized — you like things in their place.
· Strong communication and teamwork skills.
· Ability to follow directions and recipes accurately.
· Reliable and punctual with a strong work ethic.
· Able to lift up to 40 lbs. and stand for long periods.
· Prior kitchen experience preferred but not required — we’ll train the right person!

Living Our Core Values

1. Hospitality First – You may not always see the guest, but the quality of your prep makes their experience shine.
2. Accountability – You take ownership of your prep area and make sure everything is done right.
3. Respect – You treat your teammates, tools, and ingredients with care and pride.
4. Progress Over Perfection – You focus on improving your speed and accuracy every day.
5. Teamwork – You help the line cooks and dish team because everyone’s success depends on teamwork.
6. Excellence – You prep with purpose, precision, and pride in every batch.
7. Adaptability – You stay flexible when priorities shift and keep a positive attitude through the rush.

30-Day Success Benchmarks

By the end of your first 30 days, you should:
· Know and follow all prep recipes accurately and consistently.
· Keep your station clean, stocked, and labeled at all times.
· Communicate with line cooks about prep needs during service.
· Understand all labeling, rotation, and storage procedures.
· Maintain safe food handling and temperature control practices.
· Be recognized by teammates or managers for reliability and teamwork.

Benefits

· Flexible scheduling (days, nights, weekends, holidays).
· Competitive hourly wage based on experience, availability, and certifications.
· Opportunities for raises and advancement through performance and reliability.
· Full time employees are eligible for employer sponsored health insurance benefits at half-cost upon successful completion of probationary period.
· Prep cooks are included in a tip share upon successful completion of probationary period.
· Employee meals and discounts.
· Advanced wage payment with Toast Pay Card, making wages accessible before payday.
· Family environment with local business owners.

Reports To

Kitchen Manager or Shift Supervisor.
Pay is negotiable depending on availability, relevant certifications, and experience