Prep Cook

Urban Outfitters•Westport, CT

37d•Onsite

About The Position

Terrain Café is a chef-driven, garden-to-table restaurant that celebrates seasonal ingredients and the art of gathering through thoughtful menus and warm, welcoming spaces rooted in craftsmanship and heartfelt hospitality. We are seeking a skilled, organized, and detail-oriented Prep Cook to join our dynamic culinary team. This role is the backbone of our scratch kitchen, ideal for individuals who thrive on precision, efficiency, and mastering the foundational elements of culinary execution. Our collaborative kitchen team is dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences rooted in quality, freshness, and creativity.

Requirements

Minimum of 1–2 years of prep cook or culinary experience, preferably in a high-volume or scratch kitchen environment.
Strong knife skills and familiarity with standard kitchen equipment (e.g., food processors, slicers, scales, mixers).
Ability to follow complex, multi-step recipes accurately to maintain brand and culinary consistency.
Strong organizational skills with a strong sense of urgency, time management, and teamwork who thrives in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.
Organized, reliable, and professional under pressure.
Motivated to deliver exceptional guest experiences through beautifully prepared food.
Clear, effective, and positive communication skills within a team environment.
Must be able to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods of time, and lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
Flexible availability preferred—may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and select holidays.
Reliable transportation required.

Responsibilities

Execute Daily Prep Lists: Accurately wash, peel, chop, and portion vegetables, fruits, meats, seafood, and other ingredients according to recipe specifications.
Batch Cooking & Scratch Execution: Prepare house-made sauces, dressings, marinades, soups, and component items following strict recipe and quality standards.
Support the Line: Ensure all stations are fully and accurately stocked with fresh prep before and during service.
Maintain Quality Control: Ensure consistency in food quality, flavor profiles, and precise portioning using scales and measuring tools.
Prioritize Food Safety: Strictly follow food safety, allergen awareness, and sanitation protocols, including proper labeling, dating, and FIFO (First In, First Out) rotation.
Kitchen Organization: Maintain a clean, sanitized, and highly organized prep station and walk-in cooler throughout the shift.
Team Collaboration: Take direction from chefs and sous chefs, and communicate effectively with the team to anticipate prep needs.
Kitchen Upkeep: Assist in receiving and putting away deliveries, as well as executing station breakdown, cleaning, and closing procedures using provided checklists.
Adaptability: Support training of new prep team members, and occasionally assist in other kitchen roles (e.g., dish, line, expo) when trained.