Line Cook/Prep Cook
About The Position
Citarella is seeking dependable, motivated Prep Cooks and Line Cooks to join its culinary production team at the Bronx Distribution Center. The role prepares and cooks high-quality, chef-prepared foods for distribution to Citarella retail locations while maintaining standards for freshness, flavor, consistency, and food safety. Candidates may focus on ingredient preparation and knife skills or on cooking, recipe execution, and related production tasks. The position involves working in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen, following chef instructions, and contributing to a collaborative production team. The responsibilities listed are the primary functions of the position and are not exhaustive. Associates may receive additional duties based on operational needs, and Citarella may revise the job description as business needs and working conditions change.
Requirements
- Previous hands-on experience in a professional kitchen, restaurant, catering operation, commissary, or food production environment.
- Basic to intermediate knife skills, including chopping, slicing, dicing, and ingredient preparation.
- Familiarity with food preparation techniques and commercial kitchen equipment.
- Ability to follow recipes, preparation instructions, and food quality standards appropriate to experience level.
- Understanding of proper food handling, sanitation, and kitchen safety practices.
- Ability to work efficiently and maintain quality in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen.
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management.
- Ability to follow direction, communicate effectively, and collaborate with a culinary team.
- Dependability, punctuality, and commitment to high food quality and safety standards.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull items weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks involving bending, reaching, chopping, slicing, and food preparation.
- Ability to work in environments with varying temperatures, including refrigerated and heated kitchen areas.
- Ability to safely operate kitchen equipment, utensils, and food preparation tools.
- Ability to maintain proper personal hygiene and follow food safety and sanitation procedures.
- Ability to report on time, neatly groomed, and wearing the appropriate uniform and required protective equipment.
- Ability to work flexible schedules, including overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays, based on operational needs.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience as a Prep Cook, Line Cook, Production Cook, or in a similar culinary position.
- Hands-on cooking experience preparing proteins, vegetables, sauces, and other hot or cold dishes.
- Ability to independently follow standardized recipes, accurately measure ingredients, and execute assigned cooking tasks.
- Experience with sautéing, grilling, roasting, and other professional cooking techniques.
- Experience in high-volume kitchens, catering, commissary operations, or large-scale food production.
- Familiarity with batch cooking, portion control, and maintaining consistency across large production quantities.
- Food Handler's Certification.
- Bilingual communication skills in English and Spanish.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and cook meats, seafood, vegetables, and other food products according to recipes, production schedules, and chef instructions.
- Perform food preparation tasks such as washing, peeling, chopping, slicing, dicing, trimming, and portioning ingredients.
- Work across assigned kitchen preparation and cooking stations to support daily production.
- Use cooking techniques such as sautéing, grilling, roasting, boiling, and simmering, depending on experience and assigned responsibilities.
- Follow standardized recipes, measure ingredients accurately, and maintain consistent flavor, quality, and portion sizes.
- Assist with large-batch cooking and preparation to meet production needs for retail locations.
- Monitor cooking times, food temperatures, and preparation methods to meet quality and food safety standards.
- Label, date, store, and rotate ingredients and finished food products properly.
- Maintain clean, organized, and sanitized workstations, equipment, and utensils.
- Follow food safety, sanitation, temperature-control, and workplace safety procedures.
- Safely operate commercial kitchen equipment and report maintenance or safety concerns.
- Collaborate with chefs, supervisors, and team members to maintain efficient workflow and meet daily deadlines.
- Minimize food waste through proper handling, portioning, storage, and preparation.
- Perform additional kitchen preparation and production duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
