Prep Cook - Early Starts, Big Events, and a Kitchen That Runs on Your Prep
Domenico Catering & Events · San Carlos, CA · Primarily AM Shifts · Part-Time/Hourly Position
Before the guests arrive, the magic begins in the kitchen.
It's 8 a.m. at Domenico Catering & Events. The kitchen is coming to life. Fresh vegetables are being chopped, sauces are simmering, proteins are being portioned, and ingredients are being prepared for a 250-guest wedding happening later that evening.
By the time the event chefs arrive for service, everything needs to be ready: properly prepped, portioned, labeled, organized, and up to our quality standards.
That's where you come in.
At Domenico, we host approximately 300 events a year, from intimate private dinners to weddings, corporate celebrations, and 600-guest galas. Behind every successful event is a kitchen team that makes it happen, and great preparation is where it all starts.
We're looking for a dependable, detail-oriented Prep Cook who takes pride in their work, enjoys staying organized, and understands that every perfectly executed event begins long before the first guest arrives.
If you love working with food, enjoy a productive morning in the kitchen, and want to be part of a team that creates memorable experiences, we'd love to meet you.
What you'll do
- Follow recipes, daily prep lists, and production sheets to prepare ingredients for upcoming catering events
- Wash, peel, chop, slice, dice, and portion vegetables, fruits, proteins, and other ingredients
- Prepare sauces, dressings, marinades, stocks, grains, vegetables, and other menu components
- Follow standardized recipes and portion specifications to maintain consistency and quality
- Properly label, date, cover, and store prepared foods, following FIFO rotation procedures
- Maintain clean, sanitized, organized, and properly stocked prep stations
- Safely operate kitchen equipment, including knives, mixers, food processors, slicers, and ovens
- Follow food safety, sanitation, and temperature-control standards
- Communicate ingredient shortages, quality concerns, and prep needs to the Chef or Sous Chef
- Assist with receiving, organizing, and storing food deliveries as assigned
- Complete assigned prep responsibilities accurately and within established production timelines
- Support other Catering & Events kitchen stations when prep responsibilities are complete
- Leave your station clean, equipment properly stored, and ingredients organized for the next shift
What you bring
- Previous prep cook, kitchen, catering, or food preparation experience preferred
- Basic knife skills and familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment
- Ability to follow recipes, prep lists, and portion specifications accurately
- Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation, and proper food storage practices
- A valid California Food Handler Card, or ability to obtain one within the required timeframe
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage time efficiently
- A dependable, positive attitude and willingness to support your teammates
- Ability to work independently while following direction from the Chef or Sous Chef
- Ability to stand for extended periods and safely perform the physical responsibilities of a commercial kitchen
- Availability for primarily morning shifts, with occasional flexibility for weekends and event-related scheduling
Most importantly, you take pride in doing things right. You understand that a well-organized kitchen, properly prepared ingredients, and consistent attention to detail make everyone's job easier and every event better.
What we offer
Pay and growth
- Hourly compensation based on experience
- Opportunities to develop culinary skills and expand responsibilities
- Hands-on experience preparing food for high-volume catering and special events
- A collaborative kitchen environment with experienced culinary leadership
Schedule
- Primarily AM prep shifts, allowing you to focus on preparation before event service
- Scheduling based on catering and event production needs
- Weekend availability required depending on the event calendar
Team perks
- 50% off Domenico wines
- 25% off food and beverage at the Osteria (on-shift meals and to-go)
- 25% off retail merchandise and 30% off Cantina refills
- Quarterly team-building events and employee recognition awards
- Additional benefits based on employment classification and eligibility
Who we are
Domenico Winery is a family-owned urban winery, Italian restaurant, and event venue in San Carlos, making award-winning wine for more than 20 years. We're Italians who love hospitality, and we treat our guests and our team like family.
Our Catering & Events division creates memorable experiences through exceptional food, thoughtful service, and attention to every detail. Whether we're hosting an intimate gathering or a 600-guest celebration, our culinary team plays an essential role in making each event successful.
Our culture runs on our GRAPES values:
- Gratitude: We appreciate every guest, team member, and opportunity
- Respect: We honor our clients, partners, and one another
- Accountability: We own our actions and outcomes
- Positivity: We lead with optimism and solutions
- Excellence: We aim for the highest standards in everything we do
- Synergy: We win together through teamwork and collaboration
We work hard, support one another, and take pride in creating experiences our guests will remember.
Ready to be part of the team behind the celebration?
If you're organized, dependable, passionate about food, and enjoy the satisfaction of a productive day in the kitchen, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and join the Domenico Catering & Events culinary team!