Prep Cook
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time or Part-Time
About CARNE
At CARNE, great food is about more than what’s on the plate. It’s about craftsmanship, hospitality, and a deep respect for the people, producers, and traditions behind every ingredient. Located in Santa Cruz, CARNE is a butcher shop, local marketplace, and eatery built around an unwavering commitment to quality. We source premium meats from some of the finest ranches and fisheries in the country and honor the principles of whole-animal butchery, responsible sourcing, and timeless culinary techniques.
Our eatery brings these ingredients to life through elevated barbecue and steakhouse-inspired cuisine, alongside a hot bar featuring thoughtfully prepared meals made fresh each day. Our marketplace serves as a neighborhood gathering place, offering a curated selection of local goods, artisanal cheeses, fresh produce, specialty ingredients, and everything needed to create memorable meals at home. At CARNE, excellence is the standard. We take pride in every detail, from the products we source to the experiences we create. We are looking for team members who share our passion for quality, hard work, and serving the community with genuine care.
Role Summary
The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing the high-quality ingredients that serve as the foundation of everything we create at CARNE. Working alongside our culinary team, this position ensures that meats, vegetables, sauces, rubs, and other components are consistently prepped, organized, and ready for service. The Prep Cook plays a critical role in maintaining an efficient kitchen while upholding the highest standards of quality, cleanliness, and food safety.
The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, and takes pride in precision and consistency. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to grow their culinary skills while working with premium ingredients in a professional, fast-paced kitchen.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare meats, vegetables, sauces, seasonings, and other ingredients according to established recipes and specifications.
- Portion, trim, marinate, season, and organize ingredients for daily kitchen operations.
- Assist with preparing proteins for the line, hot bar, smokers, and daily specials.
- Follow prep lists and prioritize tasks to ensure kitchen readiness before service.
- Maintain proper food storage, labeling, rotation, and inventory organization.
- Monitor product quality and report any issues to kitchen leadership.
- Keep prep stations, equipment, walk-ins, and storage areas clean and organized.
- Follow all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.
- Assist Line Cooks and kitchen staff during busy service periods as needed.
- Support a collaborative kitchen environment focused on efficiency, consistency, and excellence.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Minimum 1 year of professional kitchen or food preparation experience required.
- Experience in a barbecue, steakhouse, butcher shop, or high-volume restaurant is preferred.
- Basic knowledge of knife skills, food preparation techniques, and kitchen equipment.
- Ability to follow recipes and maintain consistent product quality.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
- Food Handler Certification required or ability to obtain upon hire.
- Availability to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive hourly wage based on experience.
- Employee meal and marketplace discounts.
- Opportunities for advancement into Line Cook and other culinary positions.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Opportunity to work with premium ingredients sourced from top ranches and fisheries.
- Supportive, team-oriented environment committed to craftsmanship, hospitality, and continuous improvement.
Pay: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
