Prep Cook

About Wildcrust:  Wildcrust is a full-service restaurant that combines traditional Neapolitan techniques, fine-dining flavors, and a 48-hour fermented dough for uniquely elevated, wood-fired sourdough pizza. We are a unique collective of culinary and business professionals who are passionate about exceptional food and are opening our first brick and mortar restaurant, Wildcrust, in Highland Park. Our mission is to provide exceptional food and service to our customers, while caring for our people and bettering our community.

As part of Wildcrust's opening team, you would be training and working under our Head Chef, Miles Okabayashi, who is a Graduate of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and has extensive experience working at top fine-dining or Michelin restaurants in both New York and Los Angeles (Perry Street, The Modern, The Fulton, Torishin, Uncle Boons, and Republique).

Wildcrust will be opening in mid to late September. All BoH staff will be required to participate in two weeks of paid training prior to our soft and grand openings.

Position Overview:  We are looking for passionate and enthusiastic Prep Cooks with a strong work ethic and an endless curiosity to learn and grow with our restaurant. Applicants will have great attention to detail and a high standard of excellence. Qualified Prep Cooks must work well with others, have a sense of urgency, and enjoy preparing thoughtfully created food. The prep cook is expected to help maintain all kitchen and culinary preparation with the highest possible standards of accuracy, time management, and sanitation practices. This position reports to the Head Chef and the Sous Chef. Ideal candidate is focused, organized, and dedicated to executing delicious food in an exciting, respectful, and fast paced work environment.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Preparing food and mise en place including the cleaning and cutting of ingredients for restaurant line items and production kitchen recipes
• Prepares said items consistently by adhering to the cooking methods, quality standards, kitchen rules, policies, and procedures of Wildcrust
• Preparing, managing, and portioning large volumes of pizza dough
• Evaluates food products to assure that quality standards are consistently maintained
• Maintains a clean and sanitary workstation including tables, shelves, grills, range, storage containers, refrigeration equipment.
• Ensure all the products and prepared items are properly labeled, dated, initialed, covered, and rotated following FIFO (first in, first out)
• Assist in managing inventory and ensuring that pars are met
• Able to communicate with Head Chef, Sous Chef and Line Cooks
• Maintain department cleanliness and organization, adhere to safe work and equipment practices, and follow all food safety, health, and sanitation standards
• Performs any other relevant duties as assigned by kitchen supervisor

Desired Qualifications:

• 1+ year experience working in a fast paced kitchen environment or Culinary Degree
• Strong Knife skills and attention to detail
• Ability to multitask and complete a prep list in an organized and efficient manner
• Ability to learn and follow recipes to execute dishes and prep according to specified measurements and proportions
• Ability to work in a team environment and take feedback well
• Knowledge and/or experience with dough/pizza is a plus but not required
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings and weekends

Physical Requirements:

• Able to lift 50+ pounds
• Safely and effectively use all necessary tools and equipment
• Stand and walk for an entire shift (up to 10hrs), including moving safely through all areas of the restaurant
• Bend, lift, carry, reach/extend arms, and hands above shoulder height frequently, or otherwise move in a constantly changing environment
• Able to work in hot and cold environments

Compensation:

• Hourly ($18 - $22) plus tips
• Benefits: Health insurance, dining discounts

Anticipated Start Date:  September 9, 2024