Prep Cook

About Maria Isabel

Maria Isabel is an upcoming Mexican restaurant grounded in heritage, craft, and community. Our cooking is rooted in the regional traditions of Mexico—shaped by memory, seasonality, and place—while expressing them through the lens of Northern California’s extraordinary produce and purveyors. The food is soulful and generous, built on time-honored techniques, vibrant flavors, and a deep respect for origin.

Our approach to hospitality mirrors our philosophy in the kitchen: warm, human, and intentional. We believe restaurants are built by people first, and that meaningful work happens when a team grows together—sharing knowledge, responsibility, and pride in the experience we create for our guests.

Maria Isabel is scheduled to open in February, and we are currently assembling our founding team. This is an opportunity to help shape a restaurant from the ground up—its culture, its standards, and its voice—alongside a leadership team committed to mentorship, inclusivity, and long-term growth.

Our Values

Integrity | Humility | Team Spirit | Empathy | Focus ] Dynamicism

The Opportunity

We are seeking a motivated, dependable, and detail-oriented Utility & Prep Cook to join our culinary team. This role is essential to the daily success of our kitchen and ideal for someone who takes pride in organization, cleanliness, and supporting a high-performing fine-dining operation. You are a team player with a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a genuine interest in food and hospitality.

This position offers hands-on experience in a professional kitchen with opportunities to learn prep techniques and grow within the culinary team.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Follow instructions according to recipes and menu direction from the Chefs while maintaining consistency, quality, and presentation standards.
• Support daily kitchen operations through prep work, organization, and sanitation
• Maintain cleanliness of all kitchen areas, including dishwashing stations, prep areas, and storage spaces
• Ensure proper handling, labeling, storage, and rotation of food products
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and allergy protocols
• Work efficiently and calmly in a fast-paced, high-standards environment
• Communicate clearly and work collaboratively with the culinary team
• Contribute to a respectful, positive kitchen culture
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications & Competencies

• Previous kitchen, prep, or utility experience preferred
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to detail
• Willingness to learn and follow direction
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to remain focused and organized under pressure
• Knowledge of food safety practices, allergy protocols, and proper handling/storage procedures
• Reliability and flexibility to work varied schedules, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and occasional support across sites
• California Food Handler Certification (or ability to obtain within required time frame)

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk 8-10 hours per shift
• Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds
• Ability to focus and multitask in a fast-paced, high-pressure dining environment
• Flexible schedule required, including nights, weekends, and holidays based on business needs and event operations
• Work in hot, cold, and variable kitchen environments, including confined, busy, and noisy spaces
• Navigate stairs, slick surfaces, and all kitchen areas safely
• Travel between San Francisco locations as needed

What We Offer

• Personalized structured career development plan and advancement opportunities
• A supportive, growth-oriented environment with structured professional development
• A culture rooted in craftsmanship, collaboration, and respect
• Consistent scheduling
• Family meal everyday you work
• Generous dining in discounts and retail-cost wine
• 401K matching after 6 months of employment
• Paid sick days
• Subsidized Health, Vision & Dental insurance

Maria Isabel’s Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

Maria Isabel is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our team, enrich our hospitality, and deepen our connection to the community we serve.