Job Overview

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Employment Type

Part-time
Hourly
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Work Schedule

Flexible
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Benefits

flexible schedules
Free Employee Meal
weekly pay
Anniversary pay
Paid sick leave
Paid Family and Medical Leave
Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
ongoing training
Employee Discounts
401(k) savings plan
Management career advancement opportunities

Job Description

Olive Garden is a premier restaurant franchise known for its genuine Italian dining experience, focusing on delivering hearty, flavorful dishes such as soup, sauce, pasta, and lasagna. As part of the Darden Restaurants family, Olive Garden has built a reputation for warm hospitality, quality meals, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes every guest feel like part of the family. With numerous locations nationwide, Olive Garden thrives on a culture of teamwork, integrity, and dedication to excellent service, making it one of the most recognized Italian dining establishments in the United States. The company emphasizes continuous growth and development, offering a range of career opportunities, especially in management positions where more than 50 percent of managers have been promoted internally from hourly roles.

This position is for a Prep Cook at Olive Garden, a vital culinary role responsible for preparing and executing menu items with great attention to detail and a commitment to quality. The Prep Cook is essential in ensuring that all dishes meet the high standards of the Olive Garden brand by flawlessly executing recipes and maintaining the authenticity of Italian flavors. This position involves a range of culinary tasks that contribute directly to the guests' dining experience, from prep work to ensuring all ingredients are fresh and handled with care.

In addition to culinary skills, the Prep Cook must strictly adhere to safety and sanitation protocols to maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment, which is a top priority for Olive Garden. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about food and quality preparation who want to be part of a community-focused workplace that values its employees as family. Olive Garden supports flexible scheduling to accommodate life commitments such as school, childcare, and family care, and offers weekly pay to help team members manage their finances effectively.

Olive Garden offers competitive benefits that include paid sick leave, paid family and medical leave after one year of service, medical and dental insurance, and ongoing training to build critical skills for current and future roles. Team members also receive discounts on electronics, travel, cellphones, and more, along with a 401(k) savings plan with a company match after one year. Employees enjoy a free meal from a limited menu during their shift, recognizing the value of the dedication they bring to the restaurant every day.

Overall, joining Olive Garden as a Prep Cook means becoming part of a family committed to quality, safety, and career growth, in a positive, supportive environment where team wellness and development are paramount. This role is suited for individuals eager to start or advance their careers in the culinary industry, with multiple opportunities for advancement within the company. Olive Garden's high standards combined with its dedication to health, safety, and employee satisfaction make it an outstanding place to work and grow.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Ability to stand for extended periods
  • Ability to lift and move heavy items
  • Availability to work flexible schedules including weekends and holidays
  • Willingness to adhere to safety and sanitation protocols
  • Physical stamina and manual dexterity
  • Basic understanding of culinary techniques

Job Qualifications

  • Previous experience as a cook or in food preparation preferred
  • Knowledge of kitchen safety and sanitation practices
  • Ability to follow recipes accurately
  • Strong work ethic and attention to detail
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills
  • Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment

Job Duties

  • Prepare ingredients and menu items according to Olive Garden recipes
  • Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in the kitchen
  • Follow food safety standards and health regulations
  • Assist with kitchen inventory and stock management
  • Support team members with culinary tasks
  • Ensure all food preparation meets high-quality standards
  • Comply with scheduling and shift requirements

Job Criteria

Experience

Entry Level (1-2 years)


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