A Prep Cook, or Preparatory Cook, is responsible for providing a supportive role to kitchen staff in the preparation of meals and ingredients. Their duties include organizing and labeling food items in storage closets, performing tasks like chopping ingredients and sanitizing their work station during and after service.

Prep Cooks perform various food preparation, cooking and cleaning tasks to ensure the kitchen remains efficient in creating and delivering dishes for patrons. Their duties and responsibilities include:

Cleaning and organizing walk-in coolers and prep area

Completing all tasks, in order, on the prep list from the Head Chef or other kitchen manager

Labeling and stocking all ingredients on easily accessible shelves

Washing, chopping and sorting ingredients like fruits, vegetables and meats

Measuring quantities of seasonings and other cooking ingredients

Parboiling food, reducing sauces and starting first steps in various dishes

Cleaning dishes, washing cooking utensils and cookware, taking out the trash and sanitizing kitchen

Adhering to all relevant nutrition and sanitary regulations and standards 

Keeping track of ingredient inventory and collaborating with other kitchen and management staff to order resupply