Morning Prep Cook - Max Downtown

Job Details: Job Location: Max Downtown - HARTFORD, CT, Salary Range: $17.50 - $20.00Hourly, Job Category: Restaurant - Food Service, MORNING PREP COOK – MAX DOWNTOWN, HARTFORD, CT

Join the Max Hospitality Team!

Max Downtown, located in the heart of Hartford, CT, is seeking a detail-driven and experienced Morning Prep Cook with open availability to join our award-winning culinary team. If you’re passionate about culinary excellence, thrive in a fine-dining kitchen, and take pride in precision and consistency, we want to hear from you!

Max Hospitality is dedicated to delivering world-class dining experiences through outstanding cuisine, exceptional service, and a commitment to growth and hospitality. We cultivate an environment where culinary professionals can elevate their craft and grow within a high-performance team.

Max Downtown is the flagship restaurant of the Max Hospitality group and a cornerstone of Hartford’s fine dining scene. Known for its refined steakhouse menu, award-winning wine list, and nationally recognized whiskey program, Max Downtown blends classic sophistication with modern culinary innovation. As a Prep Cook, you will play a key role in upholding the impeccable standards our guests expect.

Benefits:

Competitive Pay

Employee Discount on Meals

Flexible Scheduling

Opportunities for Growth and Advancement

401(k) with Matching up to 4%

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off & Paid Sick Time

Referral Program

Life, Accident, Critical Illness, & Pet Insurance

Career Development within the Max Hospitality Group

Responsibilities:

Assist in the daily operation of the kitchen.

Assist in the proper storing of all goods and inventory.

Knowledge of knife skills, food items and food safety.

Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment at all times to ensure that kitchen equipment and stations are in good working order

Follow recipes and plating specifications to ensure consistency and quality

Assist with daily prep tasks, including chopping, butchering, and sauce preparation

Rotate and store ingredients properly to maintain freshness and minimize waste

Work closely with the Executive Chef, Sous Chefs, and fellow cooks to ensure smooth service

Contribute to a positive and collaborative kitchen environment focused on teamwork and growth

Qualifications: What We’re Looking For

Experience:

Proven experience as a Prep Cook (1–2 years strongly preferred)

Experience working in a fast-paced kitchen environment, particularly with upscale-casual or multi-concept venues is a PLUS

Familiarity with high-volume, scratch kitchens and attention to detail

Ability to work all stations, including grill, sauté, and prep

Skills & Qualities:

Work a varied schedule including nights and weekends.

Walk and stand for long periods of time; lift 45 pounds without assistance.

Bend, kneel, reach overhead, squat as needed

Excellent knife skills and attention to detail

Strong work ethic, reliability, and punctuality

Ability to follow recipes, plating standards, and prep instructions with precision

Ability to work well under pressure and in a team-focused environment

Knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and proper food handling procedures

A passion for food and commitment to maintaining high culinary standards

Diversity Creates a Healthy Atmosphere:

Max Hospitality is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic.

Applicants with criminal backgrounds are encouraged to apply.