Prep Cook

Cotton Patch Cafe is a well-established Texas-based restaurant chain known for its scratch-made Texas favorites and warm hospitality. With 46 locations across two states, Cotton Patch Cafe has built a solid reputation in the culinary industry by focusing on quality ingredients, exceptional customer service, and a welcoming atmosphere. The company is passionate about its people, food, and local communities, reflecting its commitment to not only delicious food but also a positive work environment and community involvement. As a growing brand, Cotton Patch Cafe emphasizes employee growth and promotes from within, offering team members opportunities to advance their careers in the foodservice industry.

The Prep Cook role at Cotton Patch Cafe is a vital position within the kitchen team. This role suits individuals who take pride in maintaining a clean workspace, work efficiently, and enjoy being part of a collaborative team that truly cares about food quality and preparation. The position offers both full-time and part-time opportunities with flexible scheduling to accommodate varied lifestyles. The company's competitive pay and instant pay access further enhance the attraction of this role.

As a Prep Cook, you will engage in a variety of essential kitchen tasks that support day-to-day restaurant operations. These include washing, peeling, cutting, and portioning vegetables, proteins, and other food items according to specific recipe guidelines. You will diligently follow all food safety and sanitation standards, including temperature logging, to ensure the highest standards of food quality and safety. In addition, you will be responsible for stocking and rotating prep stations before service starts, assisting with receiving inventory deliveries, and maintaining cleanliness of prep areas and kitchen equipment throughout your shift. Communication and teamwork are critical, as you'll support line cooks during service and ensure smooth coordination across the kitchen staff.

The role requires candidates with prior kitchen experience, preferably one to two years in a restaurant, catering, or institutional setting. Strong knife skills and comfort with basic cooking techniques are essential. Knowledge of food safety practices and possession of a valid food handler certification are required to ensure safe food preparation processes. Physical stamina is important since the role demands standing for extended periods and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Cotton Patch Cafe values reliability, punctuality, and teamwork, so these attributes will help you thrive in this role.

Working at Cotton Patch Cafe means joining a team that recognizes and rewards employees with paid training, including opportunities to learn scratch-made cooking techniques. The company offers advancement opportunities, meal discounts for team members and their families, and closes for major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas so employees can spend quality time with loved ones. Additional benefits include tenure bonuses, team recognition programs, and voluntary benefits options, creating an appealing and supportive workplace for culinary professionals of all experience levels.

Cotton Patch Cafe is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. They celebrate differences among team members and comply rigorously with all federal, state, and local laws protecting against discrimination. All hires are subject to employment eligibility verification through E-Verify ensuring a legal and trustworthy workforce. By joining Cotton Patch Cafe, you become part of a respected dining experience that embraces its community, valued employees, and authentic Texas cuisine.