Prep Cook

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is a renowned casual dining restaurant chain that has been delighting guests for over 35 years with its innovative California-style cuisine and unique culinary creations. Known for its diverse menu, warm atmosphere, and dedication to excellent customer service, CPK fosters a culture that emphasizes respect, opportunity, communication, kindness, and service excellence, collectively known as the R.O.C.K.S philosophy. This philosophy not only shapes the dining experience customers expect but also influences the workplace environment, encouraging team members to thrive and develop their careers in a supportive and dynamic setting.

As an established player in the restaurant industry, CPK offers more than just a meal; it provides a memorable experience through carefully crafted dishes and attentive service. The company’s commitment to its employees is evident in its comprehensive benefits package, competitive wages, flexible shifts, and career advancement opportunities. With full and part-time positions available, CPK welcomes individuals who are passionate about food and customer service to join its diverse and enthusiastic team.

The Prep Cook position at California Pizza Kitchen is an exciting opportunity for individuals who enjoy working in a lively and fast-paced environment. This entry-level role is perfect for those who have a passion for culinary arts and want to build a solid foundation in food preparation and kitchen operations. Prep Cooks at CPK play a critical role in maintaining the highest standards of food quality and sanitation by adhering to established recipes, procedures, specifications, and techniques. They are responsible for assisting in receiving goods, conducting daily inventories of prepared foods, and ensuring proper storage and rotation of ingredients to maintain freshness and prevent waste.

A Prep Cook at CPK also demonstrates strong attention to safety by practicing and teaching sanitary handling of kitchen tools such as cutting boards, counters, knives, and equipment, helping to maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment. They also monitor equipment temperatures and perform essential station opening, closing, and side work duties every shift, contributing to smooth kitchen operations and readiness. The role demands an enthusiastic individual who can work collaboratively with a team, show care for food presentation and safety, and uphold the company’s exceptional service standards.

CPK’s workplace culture encourages every team member to be themselves, have fun, and be part of a team that is obsessed with service details and passionate about the menu offerings. By living out the company’s High 5 service principles—loving what they do, being authentic, collaborating as a team, obsessing over service details, and passionately promoting the menu—Prep Cooks contribute to memorable dining experiences for guests.

This role offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $16.90 to $18.90, reflecting the company’s recognition of the valuable contributions made by its kitchen staff. Moreover, eligible employees have access to a variety of benefits, including 401(k), health, dental, and disability insurance through CPK’s designated providers, as well as team member dining discounts. CPK is committed to a nondiscriminatory hiring process, providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, or any other legally protected classification. Potential candidates interested in learning more about job specifics, including physical demands, can request a full job description from the employer.

Joining California Pizza Kitchen as a Prep Cook means becoming part of a company that values diversity, offers excellent training programs, and supports career advancement in the culinary field. Whether you are just starting out or looking to grow your skills in food preparation and kitchen teamwork, this position is a stepping stone to a vibrant and solid foodservice career.