Prep Cook

The Detroit People's Food Co-op -- a Black-led, community-owned grocery store that aims to promote Black food sovereignty through a storefront in Detroit's Historic North End -- is currently seeking enthusiastic and dedicated prep cooks to join our team. As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for our members and customers while supporting the smooth operation of our co-op.

Prep Cooks contribute to excellent customer service and store experiences and to achieve the co-op’s overall goals through food preparation, production, merchandising and teamwork in the prepared foods, bakery and specialty cheese departments.

Status

• Reports To: Prepared Foods Manager
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt, part-time
• Pay rate: starts at $14 per hour

Essential Responsibilities and Functions

• Exceed our customers’ expectations for service and provide a clean, organized, inclusive store environment and store experience for all people, in accordance with the Co-op’s customer service standards.
• Provide outstanding internal and external customer service: consistent, prompt, friendly, courteous and professional.
• Ensure quick response to customer questions and concerns. Maintain communication through the customer comment box and other methods as directed.
• Maintain a calm and friendly attitude with all customers and in all situations, striving to deescalate challenging situations with the support of the store team.
• Inform customers of co-op information, for example new products, specials, educational materials, and upcoming events.
• Understand and communicate the ‘cooperative difference’ and the particulars of membership to shoppers and staff alike.
• Work to advance the mission of the Co-op through outstanding service to everyone we touch every day.
• Ensure accurate prepared foods signage and menu is posted daily.
• Provide detailed product information to customers when requested.
• Communicate customer requests and/or concerns with Food Service Director.
• Prep for and assemble hot entrees, soup, salad bar, sandwiches/wraps, compound salads, and other deli items to meet demand and department standards per daily production plan.
• Ensure flavor, texture and quality in all food offerings is consistent and meets co-op standards.
• Practice safe food handling.
• Make sure all food temperatures are recorded on a temp log and action is taken for any foods that fall outside of the critical control point.
• Make certain that kitchen and food storage areas are maintained in a sanitary, orderly condition meeting all Department of Health standards.
• Properly store and label items per kitchen procedures.
• Track spoilage.
• Support with purchasing, receiving, stocking and merchandising needs as requested by Food Service Director and Lead Cooks.
• Keep department equipment and utensils clean to a high standard.
• Monitor equipment condition and inform Food Service Director when equipment is in need of repair.
• Maintain open communication with all kitchen and store staff on an operational level.
• Assist Food Service Director in meeting objectives for sales, margin and turns.

Find a complete job description here: 6

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

• 2+ years of professional kitchen experience preferably in natural foods and/or a cooperative setting.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to prioritize work tasks, multi-task, and maintain focus.
• Obtain and maintain a state Food Handler’s permit and any other necessary licenses.