Prep Cook Lead - Miller's Smorgasbord Restaurant

Serving Lancaster County Since 1929!

Few companies can claim over 95 years in business, but we can at Thomas E. Strauss, Inc. We owe our ongoing success to our exceptional staff and solid management team who are dedicated to an excellent guest experience.

Here is your opportunity to be part of a dedicated team at Thomas E. Strauss, Inc.

Our business is booming, and we are seeking outstanding team members who take pride in their work, and ownership of the position to ensure we are living up to our high standards and providing a friendly guest experience.

What we expect from you:

• A friendly, professional demeanor toward coworkers and guests – after all, our mission is to make people feel valued. We expect that of you, and we do our best to make YOU feel valued as well!
• Self-starter who owns the responsibilities of the role.
• A commitment to show up on time for every shift - ready to work hard alongside your team members.
• Your dedication to our values of diversity, integrity, excellence, accountability, community, and especially your willingness to have FUN!

Here’s what we offer to you:

• Competitive pay.
• Excellent benefit package and employee perks.
• Ability to earn unlimited employee referral bonuses.
• Ability to work in other business units within the hospitality group to make extra cash or gain new work experience. The more you know, the more you grow!
• A “work-to-live” not a “live-to-work” workplace!

Our Mission: Make people feel valued.

Our Values: Diversity, Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, Community and FUN!

Thomas E. Strauss, Inc., is a local family-owned hospitality group. Our businesses include Miller’s Smorgasbord, Miller’s Bakery, The Quilt Shop at Miller’s, Locally Made Food Shop, Anna’s Gifts & Sundries, Plain & Fancy Farm, AmishView Inn and Suites, Smokehouse BBQ and Brews, and Plain & Fancy Country Store.

Position Summary

We are looking for an ambitious Lead Prep Cook to assist in the daily preparation of recipes. You’ll perform routine kitchen tasks such as setting up workstations and organizing ingredients, so that food can be prepared according to recipes.

A great lead prep cook will be quick and diligent and willing to improve on the job. You will be deft in the kitchen and able to follow instructions, as well as all health and safety rules. The ideal candidate will also be able to function in a fast-paced, busy environment. You will be responsible for managing a small team and following tasks of the restaurant.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Ensure all recipes, procedures, storage, rotation and product specifications are followed daily to ensure our guests dine on high quality and safe food.
• Stock stations to manager prescribed levels in preparation to meet all our guests' needs.
• Act and communicate with a manager when product levels might be low or running out.
• Maintain the highest quality and sanitation practices throughout the shift.
• Maintain temperature logs for hot and cold food.
• Always keep workstations and equipment clean.
• Look for ways to minimize waste and reduce breakage of equipment and service ware.
• Look for work what needs to be done and always be ready to assist any back of the house team members that may need help.
• Be sure to complete all assigned duties and work in the allotted time as prescribed by your manager.
• Create and follow a daily prep list.
• Receiving orders and making sure products are per company specifications.
• Signing for products in absence of manager.
• Ensure cooks are following recipes while tasting final products for approval.
• Perform other kitchen duties that are provided by management team members.
• Evolve the menu by implementing new dishes on a regular basis.
• Order product as needed.
• Hold team accountable for all tasks assigned by you or the management team.
• Communicate daily with kitchen management team.
• Reports to assistant kitchen manager.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• ServSafe Certified or ability to pass course.
• Time management skills required.
• "Safety First" and "Guest First" focus.
• Able to follow directions and communicate with both guests and team members effectively.
• Display a positive attitude at all times.
• Produce a high quality of work to ensure we are delivering top notch service.
• 1 years’ experience as a supervisor/manager.
• Able to safely operate cutting tools, kitchen utensils and kitchen equipment.
• Team player with exceptional communication skills.
• Patient with an ability to stay positive under pressure.