Prep Cook

Union Square Cafe’s seasonal cuisine draws inspiration from the kitchens and tables of Italy, France, and Northern California. Union Square Cafe—the flagship business that launched Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group—has been one of the country’s most beloved restaurants for over 40 years. In our second home on 19th Street, Union Square Cafe embodies the heartfelt passion and generosity that has been the restaurant’s calling card since we opened in 1985. Designed by Rockwell Group, our new home preserves the restaurant’s signature charm, intimacy, and familiarity in a fresh, contemporary dining environment. Union Square Cafe has won five James Beard Awards and earned Zagat Survey’s #1 ranking as New York’s Most Popular Restaurant an unprecedented nine times

Who you are: 

As a Prep Cook, you will be responsible for the daily preparation of food items for daily service. You have a strong passion for food, an eagerness to develop and build on your skills as a cook and be an integral part of a team that values hard work and attention to every detail.

What you’ll do:

• Consistently support a culture of Enlightened Hospitality. 
• Display a working knowledge of basic food preparation and kitchen equipment use
• Demonstrate an ability to efficiently execute all prep assignments with excellence
• Consistently ensure that prep station remains clean and organized
• Communicates effectively with the kitchen team and embodies an environment of teamwork
• Demonstrate an eagerness to refine techniques and a desire to continually learn and grow

What we need from you:

• Experience in a prep position at a full-service restaurant is a preferred, but not required
• Ability to walk or stand for long periods of time
• English fluency and additional languages preferred, but not required

What you’ll get from us:

At Union Square Hospitality Group, we believe our people are our greatest ingredient. Joining our team means becoming part of a culture rooted in care, creativity, and growth. As a Prep Cook, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive pay: Hourly rate of $18 - $19/hour
• Quick access to earnings: Eligibility for the USHG Digital Wallet, where you'll have next-day access to earnings and flexible saving options
• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus flexible spending options for healthcare and dependent care
• Time to recharge: Generous paid time off and paid parental leave to support life outside of work
• Invest in your future: A matched 401(k) plan to help you grow long-term savings
• Peace of mind: Life insurance, employee assistance programs, and exclusive access to primary care, mental health, and other wellness services
• Support in times of need: Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing unexpected hardship
• Hospitality perks: 51% dining discount across the entire USHG family of restaurants
• Convenience & flexibility: Pre-tax commuter benefits for transit and parking
• Growth and community: Opportunities for learning, mentorship, and collaboration with some of the most passionate people in hospitality

Putting Enlightened Hospitality into Practice

Integral to our culture are our six behaviors. Our behaviors guide how we work together.

• We play to win with humble swagger. Hospitality is a team sport where everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive and belong
• Turn over the rocks and always be connecting dots to build uplifting experiences and relationships
• Center the salt shaker with an unwavering commitment to excellence and the values that matter most
• Write a great next chapter. The road to success is paved with mistakes well-handled
• Bring a charitable assumption and err on the side of generosity
• Leave our campsite better than we found it; always responsible for the impact of our wake

*The above represents the expected hourly range for this position. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your experience and other job-related factors.

The responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive. This role may be required to take on other duties or projects as necessary to support organizational goals, in alignment with their skills, experience, and the evolving needs of the business.  

#EnlightenedHospitality