Prep Cook

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is a renowned casual dining restaurant chain known for its innovative and delicious California-style pizzas and diverse menu offerings. For over 35 years, CPK has cultivated a unique workplace culture centered around the philosophy of R.O.C.K.S, which stands for Respect, Opportunities, open Communication, Kindness, and epic Service. This philosophy reflects the company’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where team members can thrive professionally and personally. CPK prides itself on being an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and ensures everyone has a seat at their table, making it an ideal workplace for individuals from all backgrounds.

The Prep Cook role at CPK is an entry-level position that offers individuals a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic, fun, and creative team with a passion for food. Working as a Prep Cook means becoming a vital part of a team dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of food quality and sanitation. This role involves following detailed recipes, procedures, specifications, and cooking techniques to ensure that every dish prepared upholds the CPK brand’s reputation for excellence. Prep Cooks assist in essential kitchen operations such as receiving goods, managing daily inventory of prepared foods, and ensuring proper storage and rotation of ingredients to maintain freshness and safety.

In addition to culinary responsibilities, Prep Cooks at CPK also play an important role in practicing and teaching safe and sanitary handling of kitchen tools and equipment including cutting boards, countertops, and knives. They are entrusted with maintaining proper equipment temperatures and performing station opening and closing duties, including side work tasks, each shift. CPK emphasizes a team-oriented approach where collaboration is key to delivering exceptional dining experiences. Prep Cooks are encouraged to embrace the company’s High 5 principles, which focus on a love for CPK, encouraging team members to be their authentic selves, working as a cohesive team to better serve guests, obsessing over service details, and passionately selling the menu items.

Working at California Pizza Kitchen provides an environment that not only values excellent service but also offers ample opportunity for career advancement. Prep Cooks benefit from competitive compensation ranging from $16.00 to $22.25 per hour, flexible shifts, and options for both full-time and part-time employment. CPK supports their team members with comprehensive benefits that may include health, dental, disability insurance, and 401K plans, as well as generous holiday closures, team member dining discounts, and an excellent training program designed to help individuals build and expand their skills.

Overall, joining California Pizza Kitchen as a Prep Cook means embarking on a #ROCKSolid career path in a company that blends culinary creativity, team spirit, and a culture of respect and kindness. Whether you are just starting your career or looking to grow within the food service industry, CPK offers a welcoming and engaging environment where you can develop professionally while contributing to memorable dining experiences for guests.