BOH Prep

Botiwalla is inspired by the tea and kabab houses—known as Irani cafés—of Chef Meherwan Irani’s childhood, as well as the grills (sigris) that pop up on the streets of India late at night, serving grilled meats and flatbreads to hungry revelers.

We are humbled and proud that our restaurant group has received seven James Beard nominations, a Zagat Award, and recognition from notable publications including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, Southern Living, USA Today, and Oprah’s Favorite Things.

We strive to provide extraordinary hospitality and change the perception of Indian cuisine in America through each and every guest experience.

We are so excited to bring Botiwalla by Chai Pani to Tenleytown!

Position Summary

Join our kitchen team at Botiwalla, where delicious food and good vibes come together! Join a team full of respect, care, and integrity as we serve delicious Indian street food to the masses.

As a Prep Cook, you are the foundation of every service—making sure ingredients, flavors, and systems are ready before the first guest walks through the door. You'll prepare ingredients, organize kitchen stations, maintain cleanliness, and help set the entire kitchen team up for success.

Previous kitchen experience is a plus, but not required—we'll teach you everything you need to know.

Schedule Requirements

• Sunday availability required

Key Responsibilities

• Complete daily food prep for meats, vegetables, sauces, marinades, and other ingredients

• Prepare and organize ingredients to ensure the kitchen is fully stocked for service

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of prep areas, coolers, pantry, and walk-in

• Wash dishes, pots, pans, and kitchen equipment as needed throughout the shift

• Follow recipes, portion standards, and food safety procedures consistently

• Check sanitizer buckets, gloves, and cleaning supplies to maintain health code readiness

• Handle trash, recycling, and cardboard at the end of each shift

• Communicate with Managers on Duty (MODs) regarding prep levels, inventory needs, and food quality

• Participate in daily huddles and monthly all-staff meetings

Organization, Cleanliness & Systems

• Ensure all equipment and food items are stored properly, maintaining an organized and sanitary environment
• Always adhere to health code requirements, ensuring a safe and hygienic workspace
• Consistently use checklists to ensure all tasks are completed

Communication & Teamwork

• Actively communicate with coworkers and management about needs, issues, and improvements
• Use company scheduling, communication, and training platforms
• Provide ongoing feedback to management regarding food quality, sanitation, organization, inventory, and team dynamics
• Participate in regular check-ins with BOH management to discuss performance, goals, and opportunities for improvement
• Support a culture of teamwork, accountability, and respect

Performance Expectations

Success in this role is measured by:

• Consistently high standards of food quality, sanitation, and organization
• Positive health inspection results and adherence to food safety standards
• Positive feedback from BOH management, teammates, FOH staff, and guests
• Efficiency, consistency, and reliability during service
• Positive contributions to workplace culture and team dynamics

Non-Negotiable Expectations

• Consistently meet cleanliness and sanitation standards to ensure full health code compliance
• Complete all checklists every shift without exception
• Follow all company policies and procedures outlined in the employee handbook
• Adhere to dress code, punctuality, and professional conduct standards
• Communicate needs and issues proactively to management
• Maintain a professional and respectful attitude at all times
• Contribute to a positive, supportive, and collaborative work environment
• Preserve and embrace company culture both inside and outside the workplace

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for extended periods, often for the duration of a shift
• Frequently bend, stoop, squat, kneel, reach, and climb stairs as needed
• Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds safely
• Work in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment
• Safely operate around hot surfaces, grills, fryers, ovens, steam, and open flames
• Safely use knives, slicers, and other kitchen equipment
• Repetitively perform food preparation tasks using hands and wrists
• Work in varying temperatures, including walk-in coolers, freezers, and hot kitchen areas
• Handle cleaning chemicals and sanitation products according to safety guidelines
• Maintain awareness of surroundings in a busy kitchen environment to ensure safety

Benefits

Eligible team members may receive:

• Comprehensive health insurance options
• Company-paid life insurance
• Equitable tip-share program
• Flexible scheduling
• Paid sick leave
• Free shift meals
• Employee discounts on dining, merchandise, and Spicewalla products
• Opportunity to apply for an annual staff trip to India after one year of employment
• Team celebrations and company events

Our Commitment

Giving back is at the heart of Chai Pani Restaurant Group's mission. We make a difference when and where we can—from our partnership with an educational non-profit in Mumbai, to feeding the homeless with dignity in our communities, and within our own walls by offering competitive pay, schedules, and benefits that support work-life harmony.

We hope you'll join our team and be a difference-maker too.