Prep Cook

Guardino’s traces its roots to 1908, when Sicilian fisherman Salvatore Guardino opened the Excelsior Fish Market on the San Francisco waterfront. Like many fishermen of the era, Guardino sold his catch directly from the docks, helping shape the Italian-American fishing culture that defined the early days of Fisherman’s Wharf. Over time the stand evolved into Guardino’s, and today the restaurant honors that founding legacy, serving fresh seafood on the very space where the Guardino family first opened their business.

We're looking for a dependable, motivated, and passionate Prep Cook ho takes pride in preparing high-quality food while maintaining an organized, efficient, and clean kitchen. This role is essential to delivering an outstanding guest experience by consistently executing recipes, supporting the culinary team, and maintaining the highest food safety and sanitation standards.

Opening Responsibilities
* Prepare the kitchen and dining areas for service, including indoor and outdoor seating.
* Set up, stock, and organize workstations with all necessary ingredients, tools, and equipment.
* Review production schedules and par levels to prepare for daily service.
* Complete daily prep work according to recipes and production needs.
* Inspect equipment, workstations, and kitchen areas to ensure cleanliness, organization, and proper working condition.
* Report maintenance concerns or safety hazards promptly.

Food Preparation & Service
* Prepare menu items accurately and efficiently according to established recipes, portion standards, and presentation guidelines.
* Wash, peel, chop, dice, slice, and prepare fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, and other ingredients.
* Prepare sauces, dressings, beverages, and other recipe components with consistency.
* Maintain proper food storage, labeling, dating, rotation, and inventory levels.
* Restock ingredients throughout the shift to support uninterrupted service.
* Follow production schedules and yield guides while maintaining quality and speed.
* Minimize waste and support food cost controls.
* Assist in other kitchen stations and duties as needed.

Food Safety & Kitchen Standards
* Follow all Health Department regulations, sanitation standards, and food safety procedures.
* Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation throughout each shift.
* Sanitize cutting boards, work tables, utensils, and equipment regularly.
* Update required temperature logs and maintain food safety documentation.
* Handle kitchen equipment safely and use all tools as intended.
* Transport dirty cookware to the dishwashing area while preventing unnecessary breakage or loss.

Closing Responsibilities
* Break down and clean workstations according to company standards.
* Properly wrap, label, date, and store all food products.
* Rotate inventory using FIFO procedures.
* Restock items for the next shift.
* Clean prep areas, refrigerators, shelving, equipment, and utensils.
* Organize storage areas and return equipment to designated locations.
* Turn off equipment not needed for the next shift.
* Assist with dishwashing, trash removal, and general kitchen cleaning.

What We're Looking For
* High school diploma or equivalent.
* Previous restaurant or kitchen experience preferred.
* Ability to accurately follow recipes and production standards.
* Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
* Basic math skills.
* Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen.
* Dependable with excellent time management and organizational skills.
* Team-oriented with a positive attitude and willingness to assist wherever needed.
* Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation practices.
* Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with fellow team members.

Physical Requirements

This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, reaching, twisting, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, and climbing stairs throughout the shift. Candidates must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds (with assistance when appropriate). The kitchen environment may be hot, cold, wet, noisy, and fast-paced.

Schedule
* Flexible schedule based on business needs.
* Availability to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays is required.

Why Join Our Team?

We're committed to creating a collaborative kitchen where quality, teamwork, and hospitality come first. If you enjoy preparing great food, working alongside passionate professionals, and growing your culinary skills in a fast-paced environment, we'd love to meet you.