Commissary Prep Cook

Prep Cook – Culinary Lab

Job Details

About Chama Mama

At Chama Mama, we do more than serve food—we create memorable experiences through hospitality, culture, wine, and genuine human connection.

Inspired by the rich traditions of Georgia, the birthplace of wine, we bring authentic Georgian cuisine to New York City with a modern approach while preserving centuries-old culinary traditions. Every detail of our restaurants reflects our commitment to exceptional hospitality, from our custom-built clay ovens that bake fresh Georgian bread daily to one of the country's most extensive collections of natural Georgian wines.

Today, Chama Mama continues to grow across New York City through multiple restaurant locations, catering services, a centralized Culinary Lab, and bakery operations. As we expand, we are looking for passionate culinary professionals who believe that a guest is a gift from God and who take pride in preparing exceptional food with consistency, care, and attention to detail.

Who You Are

As a Prep Cook at Chama Mama's Culinary Lab, you play an essential role in bringing our Georgian culinary traditions to life across our restaurant locations.

You are more than someone who prepares ingredients—you are a key contributor to the quality, consistency, and authenticity of every dish we serve.

You are organized, detail-oriented, dependable, and passionate about food preparation. You thrive in a fast-paced production environment, take ownership of your responsibilities, and understand that exceptional guest experiences begin long before a dish reaches the table.

What You'll Do

Deliver Exceptional Food Preparation

• Prepare vegetables, meats, fruits, and other ingredients according to Chama Mama's standardized recipes.

• Assist with preparing sauces, marinades, fillings, appetizers, and other culinary products.

• Follow established recipes, preparation methods, portion sizes, and production schedules.

• Support high-volume food production while maintaining consistent quality and presentation.

• Assist chefs and kitchen leadership with cooking, baking, boiling, and other preparation processes.

Ensure Packaging & Product Quality

• Accurately portion, package, seal, and label prepared products for distribution to Chama Mama restaurant locations.

• Verify product quantities, packaging accuracy, and labeling requirements before completion.

• Follow established production and packaging sign-off procedures to ensure accountability and product traceability.

• Document completed production and packaging tasks accurately, including required employee sign-offs.

• Immediately communicate missing products, incorrect quantities, packaging concerns, or quality issues to kitchen leadership.

Maintain Organization & Inventory Accuracy

• Keep ingredients, supplies, equipment, and workstations organized and accessible.

• Assist with receiving, inspecting, and organizing food deliveries.

• Monitor ingredient and product inventory and report shortages to management.

• Follow proper food storage, labeling, and stock rotation procedures.

• Support the Culinary Lab leadership team in maintaining accurate production and inventory records.

Maintain Food Safety & Operational Excellence

• Follow all applicable NYC Department of Health food safety and sanitation requirements.

• Maintain proper food handling, temperature control, and storage practices.

• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, workstations, and preparation areas.

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized working environment throughout each shift.

• Collaborate with team members and management to ensure production deadlines and operational standards are consistently met.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience as a Prep Cook, Commissary Cook, or in a professional restaurant, hotel, or central kitchen preferred.

• Experience with high-volume food preparation and production.

• Knowledge of food portioning, packaging, sealing, and labeling procedures.

• Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and various cooking techniques.

• Ability to read, understand, and follow standardized recipes and production instructions.

• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management skills.

• Ability to work independently while maintaining a collaborative, team-first mindset.

• Understanding of food safety, sanitation, and proper storage procedures.

• NYC Food Protection Certificate preferred.

• Positive attitude, reliability, and willingness to learn and grow.

• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive kitchen tasks.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Flexible availability based on production schedules, including weekends and holidays when needed.

What You'll Receive

At Chama Mama, we believe our people are our greatest investment. We are committed to helping every team member grow personally and professionally.

As a Prep Cook, you'll enjoy:

• Competitive hourly pay.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (for eligible employees).

• 401(k) with company matching.

• Employee dining discounts.

• Ongoing culinary training and professional development.

• Opportunities for career growth within our expanding restaurant group.

• The opportunity to work with authentic Georgian recipes and traditional culinary techniques.

• A collaborative environment where teamwork, quality, and professional development are valued.

Our Hospitality Principles

At Chama Mama, every team member lives by a few simple beliefs:

• A Guest Is a Gift from God.

• We Are Cultural Guardians.

• Hospitality Begins with Our Team.

• Lead by Example.

• Never Stop Growing.

Why Chama Mama?

Joining Chama Mama means becoming part of a growing hospitality company with a clear vision for the future. We are building more than restaurants—we are building careers, preserving Georgian culture, and creating unforgettable experiences for our guests every day.

Our Culinary Lab is at the heart of our operations, ensuring that every Chama Mama location delivers the quality, authenticity, and consistency our guests expect.

If you're passionate about food, take pride in your craftsmanship, and want to develop your culinary career with a team that values dedication and teamwork, we'd love to meet you.

Grow with Chama Mama. Preserve Tradition. Create Excellence in Every Dish.

Chama Mama is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to grow and succeed.