Part-Time Kitchen Helper - Café Food Prep Jobs Hiring Now

About the Role

A popular café group is hiring part-time Kitchen Helpers to support food prep and back-of-house operations. Kitchen helpers are the foundation that keeps a café running smoothly — prepping ingredients, assembling cold food items, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting the front-of-house team with a steady supply of ready-to-serve food. This role is for people who prefer a behind-the-scenes role with real impact on the café's ability to serve customers well.

What You Will Do

• Wash and prep fresh ingredients — slicing, portioning, and organizing produce, proteins, and bread items for the day's menu
• Assemble cold sandwiches, wraps, grain bowls, and snack boxes according to standardized recipe cards
• Keep the prep kitchen clean — wiping cutting boards, sanitizing prep surfaces, and washing prep utensils throughout the shift
• Rotate stock in the walk-in cooler and dry storage following FIFO (first-in, first-out) procedures
• Wash dishes, pans, and kitchen tools using the commercial dish machine and ensure they are properly dried and stored
• Restock the front display case with freshly prepared food items as directed by the kitchen supervisor
• Follow all food safety standards including proper glove use, temperature logging, and cross-contamination prevention
• Notify the kitchen supervisor when ingredients are running low or when food quality does not meet standards

What You Need

• Willingness to work in a kitchen environment — standing in a busy prep area for a full shift
• Attention to cleanliness and food safety — proper hygiene practices are non-negotiable in a commercial kitchen
• Physical ability to lift 25 – 30 lb supply boxes, stand for 4 – 5 hours, and work in a warm kitchen environment
• Reliability — the front-of-house team depends on kitchen helpers to have food ready before service begins
• Availability for at least 2 shifts per week — early morning and midday shifts preferred for this role
• Must be 16 or older — no prior kitchen experience required

Nice to Have

• Previous kitchen assistant, prep cook, or dishwasher experience in any food service setting
• ServSafe Food Handler certification or state equivalent
• Knowledge of basic knife skills and food prep techniques

What We Offer

• Pay of $13 – $15 per hour with tip pool participation where policy allows
• Flexible part-time scheduling — shifts available early morning through midday
• Free meals and beverages during every shift
• Learn real kitchen skills that transfer across food service careers
• Clean, organized kitchen environment with proper equipment and clear supervision
• Paid sick leave per applicable law

Kitchen helper roles are one of the most practical ways to enter the food service industry — you learn real prep skills, work with a great team, and leave every shift knowing exactly what you contributed to the day. Apply today. No prior kitchen experience required.

Confidential employer — details provided upon application review and screening.