Prep Cook (Long Island City, NY)

Magnolia Operating•Long Island City, NY

About The Position

Magnolia Bakery is a retail bakery and desserts brand with locations and businesses in the United States and internationally. The Prep Cook prepares and bakes menu items according to recipes, production requirements, and Magnolia quality standards, while maintaining a safe and sanitary food-service environment and upholding the company’s SWEET Values and commitment to brand integrity and quality. The role includes preparing and labeling ingredients and desserts, maintaining supplies and inventory, cleaning the prep area and equipment, and keeping production management informed about progress and shortages. When prep tasks are complete, the Prep Cook assists other back-of-house staff as needed. Hours may vary and can include day, weekend, and overnight shifts.

Requirements

High-energy, positive attitude and ability to work with a diverse group of people.
Follow policies and procedures.
Take direction well, get started promptly, and ask questions when needed.
Understand the expectations of the role and work within its boundaries.
Be organized and have good time-management skills.
Ability to stand and walk for 3–5 hours without a rest break.
Ability to occasionally lift and carry moderate to heavy items, bend, and reach overhead.
Manual dexterity to use and operate necessary equipment.

Responsibilities

Prepare dessert items according to production requirements, recipes, and Magnolia quality standards.
Start items that need to be prepared ahead of time, date food containers, and notify the Kitchen Manager about out-of-stock items or possible shortages.
Follow safe food-handling practices and safety procedures when using equipment and cleaning supplies.
Operate and monitor equipment, including mixers, choppers, and meat slicers, and sanitize the work area during and after use.
Complete the prep cook list assigned by the Production Manager and/or Production Supervisor.
Assemble, measure, weigh, portion, and label ingredients according to standard recipes and guidelines.
Prepare listed items, including buttercream and chocolate icing, banana pudding, red velvet icing, cream cheese icings, cheesecakes, shredded carrots, chopped and toasted nuts, and ingredients for crisps and pies.
Stock the prep cook area with supplies needed for the shift.
Clean the prep cook area, including walls, tables, mixers, and floors.
Stock supplies for the next prep cook shift, including butter to allow it to soften.
Track icing and filling inventory and replenish items as needed.
Keep the Production Manager or Floor Supervisor informed about progress and low or depleted stock.
When prep tasks are complete, assist back-of-house staff with tasks such as removing cupcakes from pans, wrapping cupcakes, stocking or cleaning the baker’s refrigerator, and helping porters and cake icers.