Prep Cook

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is a renowned restaurant brand that has been serving innovative and flavorful dishes for over 35 years. Known for its commitment to quality, creativity, and exceptional guest service, CPK has established itself as a leader in the casual dining industry. With a strong emphasis on fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture, CPK’s philosophy centers around R.O.C.K.S — Respect, Opportunities, open Communication, Kindness, and Service — principles that define the company’s vibrant and dynamic environment.

As a company, California Pizza Kitchen prides itself on offering competitive compensation, flexible working shifts, and a diverse culture where every team member can thrive. Whether seeking full-time or part-time employment, prospective employees find a supportive atmosphere that encourages career growth and personal development. The company also values work-life balance, evidenced by holiday closures and generous team member dining discounts. Comprehensive training programs and unlimited career advancement opportunities empower employees to excel in their roles and progress within the organization.

The role of a Prep Cook at California Pizza Kitchen is vital to maintaining the restaurant's high standards for food quality and safety. This entry-level position appeals to individuals who are passionate about food and enjoy working in a fast-paced, fun, and creative atmosphere. At CPK, Prep Cooks play an essential role in ensuring that each dish served to guests meets exacting standards by following established recipes, procedures, and specifications. Attention to detail and adherence to sanitation and safety protocols are central to this position.

Prep Cooks assist in a variety of tasks including the receiving and proper storage of goods, conducting daily inventory checks of prepared foods, and maintaining the cleanliness and organization of food preparation stations. They also engage in proper rotation of products to minimize waste and maximize freshness. This role involves consistent practice and teaching of safe and sanitary handling of kitchen tools and equipment, such as cutting boards, knives, and countertops. Prep Cooks are also responsible for managing equipment temperatures and performing opening, closing, and side work duties each shift to ensure smooth kitchen operations.

Working as a Prep Cook at California Pizza Kitchen means being part of a team that values collaboration, passion for great food, and dedication to providing an outstanding guest experience. Employees embody the CPK High 5: loving the company and inviting guests to notice the difference, encouraging individuality and fun in the workplace, working as a cohesive unit to better serve guests, obsessing over service details, and passionately promoting the menu offerings. This supportive setting makes CPK a place where employees can build a #ROCKSolid career while enjoying the perks of competitive pay and comprehensive benefits.

The pay range for the Prep Cook position currently stands between $15.00 and $17.00 per hour, reflecting the company’s commitment to fair and competitive compensation. Additionally, CPK offers a range of benefits for eligible employees, including 401K retirement plans, health, dental, and disability insurance, with coverage requirements. The company is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to diversity and inclusion, offering all applicants a seat at their table regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, or any other legally protected classification.

Overall, joining California Pizza Kitchen as a Prep Cook provides an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking a rewarding, fast-paced role in the food service industry with growth potential, a caring work environment, and competitive compensation packages.