Prep Cook 1

Canton Rodeo is a dynamic and rapidly growing restaurant brand known for its commitment to delivering exceptional culinary experiences rooted in quality, speed, and hospitality. Anticipated to open its first location in Paramus, New Jersey in August 2026, Canton Rodeo is expanding its team to build a strong foundation that will embody the company’s core values and mission from day one. The restaurant is focused on creating a welcoming and fun environment for both guests and staff, emphasizing a culture where growth, excellence, and teamwork are at the forefront. Canton Rodeo aims to blend traditional and modern culinary techniques to serve fresh, flavorful dishes in a fast-paced, high-quality setting.

The role of Prep Cook 1 (Dishes and Veggie Prep) is an essential entry-level position within Canton Rodeo’s kitchen team. Reporting directly to the Assistant Manager or General Manager, the Prep Cook 1 will be part of the Back of House team responsible for preparing vegetables, managing dish operations, and ensuring that the kitchen is fully prepared and organized for smooth service. This role is vital in maintaining ingredient freshness, adhering to safety standards, and optimizing kitchen efficiency so that the culinary team can execute at speed without compromising quality. Working as Prep Cook 1 at Canton Rodeo provides an excellent opportunity to join a structured culinary career path where individuals demonstrating strong dedication and skill may advance into higher-level prep and leadership roles.

The compensation for this full-time role ranges from $18.50 to $19.50 per hour, reflecting both the importance and responsibility of the position within the organizational structure. The candidate will be expected to uphold the company’s core values of Hospitality First, Excellence, Growth Mindset, Speed with Purpose, Clean and Proud, and Fun. Canton Rodeo emphasizes an engaging, collaborative work environment where team members contribute to a consistent, memorable guest experience each shift. Responsibilities include precise vegetable cutting according to recipe specifications, minimizing food waste, maintaining daily food safety and temperature logs, and ensuring that dishes, pans, and utensils are sanitized and ready for continued use. This position requires keen attention to detail, the ability to multitask efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen setting, and the willingness to support team members in peak service periods.

Prep Cook 1 will also be responsible for kitchen readiness, anticipating supply needs, monitoring inventory levels, and ensuring all prep items and cooking areas meet cleanliness and safety standards. Sanitation and dish operations will be continuously managed to support seamless production, requiring strict adherence to chemical handling procedures and proper use of washing, rinsing, and sanitizing steps. Additionally, Prep Cook 1 will need to demonstrate competency in knife skills, complete safety certifications, and maintain personal and workspace cleanliness according to Canton Rodeo’s uniform and hygiene guidelines.

This opening role is designed not only to support the current team but also to foster professional growth and skill development. The ideal candidate will have a friendly, outgoing personality combined with clear communication skills, a strong sense of urgency, flexibility with scheduling, and reliability. While prior kitchen experience and certifications such as Food Handler are considered a plus, Canton Rodeo is open to training promising individuals eager to develop their culinary skills. Working at Canton Rodeo will involve physical demands including standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 lbs, and working in conditions involving temperature variations, wet surfaces, and the safe handling of kitchen tools and chemicals. Overall, this position is critical for maintaining the quality and operational standards that will define Canton Rodeo’s reputation in Paramus and beyond.