Porter / Prep Cook

ABOUT MISTER CHEEKS

Mister Cheeks is an all-day café and neighborhood market located in the heart of Carroll Gardens, proudly owned and operated by a local family. We're on the hunt for passionate, creative team members who love great food, warm hospitality, and serving the community as much as we do. Guests can swing by our takeout window for coffee and soft serve ice cream, or step inside to browse a thoughtfully curated spread of house-made eats including pastries, soups,  sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, and seasonal salads. All of which can be enjoyed in our cozy indoor or outdoor seating — or picked up to go. 

JOB SUMMARY

Mister Cheeks is looking for a dependable, detail-oriented Flex Porter & Prep Cook to join our BOH team. This dual-role position shifts between porter and kitchen prep responsibilities depending on the day and operational needs.

On porter shifts, you’ll be responsible for receiving and organizing deliveries, maintaining cleanliness and sanitation across the kitchen, washing dishes, and ensuring all tools, equipment, and work areas are clean, stocked, and running smoothly.

On prep shifts, you’ll work alongside the kitchen team on daily mise en place and service, vegetables, rotisserie chicken, small-batch fermentations, and fresh pastries baked in-house. This is an opportunity to build your skills, refine technique, and contribute creatively in a collaborative environment.

We’re building a team that values strong fundamentals, clear communication, and a clean, organized workspace. If you take pride in your work, can move between roles with flexibility, and want to grow in a supportive kitchen, we’d love to meet you.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Prep ingredients with care and consistency — chopping, marinating, portioning, and organizing everything needed for service and grab-and-go items
• Keep your station stocked and tidy throughout the day, replenishing as needed and working clean
• Maintain proper handling and storage of all food products to ensure freshness, prevent food waste, and promote food safety standards
• Follow recipes and prep guidelines to ensure everything adheres to Mister Cheeks’ high standards for quality and consistency
• Work the line during service periods, preparing and assembling menu items quickly and with attention to detail
• Communicate with teammates to stay ahead of volume and adjust as needed
• Help with deliveries — checking quality, rotating stock, and keeping storage areas organized
• Pitch in during busy moments — supporting other stations, keeping flow moving, and helping wherever needed
• Participate in team tastings, training, and daily kitchen huddles to stay in sync on menus and expectations
• Treat tools and equipment with care, and flag any issues early
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and workplace hygiene standards per NYC Department of Health
• Wash, sanitize, and store dishes, utensils, and cookware so they’re ready for the BOH and FOH teams when needed
• Keep the dish area clean and organized throughout the shift, including sinks, shelves, and equipment
• Operate the dish machine safely and let a manager know if it needs attention
• Help keep cleaning supplies stocked and let the team know when we’re running low
• Pitch in to clean prep areas, counters, equipment, and floors during and after service
• Take out trash, recycling, and compost, following our sustainability practices
• Help with occasional deep-cleaning tasks, like scrubbing equipment or cleaning drains
• Support the kitchen or café team when needed — grabbing supplies, doing light prep, or organizing storage areas

WHO YOU ARE

• A passionate and motivated culinary professional with a strong attention to detail
• Efficient, organized, and capable of multitasking in a fast-paced environment
• Eager to learn and grow your skills, with a commitment to excellence
• A reliable and collaborative team player who values communication and support

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Minimum 2 years of experience in commercial kitchens 
• Strong knife skills and a thorough understanding of cooking techniques

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Involves standing and walking the entire shift
• Requires using hands to perform daily tasks
• Involves frequent reaching, bending, and lifting
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly during the shift

REPORTS TO: Head Chef, Owners

COMPENSATION: $18-$22 per Hour 

BENEFITS: Through our benefits partner, we provide access to affordably priced preventative care, crisis services, mental & physical wellness, continuing education, family planning & support, and culinary tools & apparel. Full details will be shared in the hiring process.

GENERAL WORKING HOURS: 

• Proposed Operating Hours of business: Mon-Sat 8am-7pm; Sun 8am-5pm
• Schedule TBD
• May include extra hours and working weekends, events, additional hours, or holidays as needed

DISCLAIMERS

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mister Cheeks provides equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

At-Will Employment

Employment with Mister Cheeks is on an at-will basis. This means that either the employee or Mister Cheeks may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice, subject to applicable federal, state, or local laws.