Prep Cook - Steakhouse

Wind Creek Hospitality is a renowned hospitality company dedicated to delivering exceptional dining and entertainment experiences across its diverse establishments. With a commitment to hospitality excellence combined with a vibrant and inclusive work culture, Wind Creek Hospitality creates an environment where employees are empowered and guests are treated to superior service and memorable moments. Located in the Chicago Southland region, the company operates multiple departments, including steakhouses that focus on delivering quality cuisine and outstanding customer service. This full-time opportunity as a Prep Cook is pivotal in maintaining the high culinary standards that Wind Creek Hospitality is known for, ensuring that every dish that reaches the customer's table is prepared according to precise recipes and quality benchmarks.

The Prep Cook role at Wind Creek Hospitality's steakhouse in Chicago Southland involves a variety of food preparation tasks that are essential to the smooth operation of the kitchen. The primary responsibility includes timely preparation of food items adhering strictly to recipes and quality standards. The Prep Cook sets up line cooking stations efficiently and prepares menu items at various stations such as pantry, grill, broiler, sauté, and garde manger. This role demands a thorough understanding of food handling safety, sanitation protocols, and an organized approach to managing refrigeration and storage areas.

The ideal candidate will engage genuinely with their teammates and guests, contributing positively to the workplace atmosphere while upholding the company’s value system that emphasizes doing everything right, having fun, and striving to be the best. Attention to detail is critical as the Prep Cook assembles dishes per written specifications and ensures adherence to quality standards. Responsibilities also include sharpening and handling kitchen knives carefully, slicing and dicing fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients, and preparing various dressings, sauces, and hors d’oeuvres. The overall goal is to support the kitchen team by maintaining a clean and organized workspace and delivering quality food that aligns with the culinary vision of the steakhouse.

Candidates for this position should possess a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant cooking experience preferably in a high-volume or banquet setting, and demonstrate strong communication skills in English. The job requires physical stamina as it involves standing, walking, lifting, and operating kitchen equipment safely under various conditions. The company values maturity, punctuality, and dependability in its team members and expects adherence to safety, sanitation, and operational policies including completion of Serve Safe Sanitation training. The Prep Cook should be flexible to working irregular hours and be willing to travel for training opportunities.

Wind Creek Hospitality offers a competitive base pay ranging from $15.00 to $20.63 per hour depending on experience and skillset. Employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with access to flexible spending accounts. Additional perks include an Employee Assistance Program, paid time off, 401K matching, shift differentials, and discretionary quarterly bonuses. Wind Creek Hospitality fosters a drug-free work environment and maintains a strict policy against discrimination, emphasizing diversity and inclusion throughout its hiring practices.

Joining Wind Creek Hospitality as a Prep Cook is a rewarding career opportunity for culinary professionals who are passionate about food preparation, committed to quality, and eager to contribute to a dynamic team in a fast-paced kitchen environment. This role not only sharpens culinary skills but also provides a platform for growth within an established hospitality company recognized for its commitment to people and excellence in service.