The Grist Craft Kitchen & Brewery is a vibrant, high-volume restaurant and on-site brewery known for its energetic atmosphere, creative food, and commitment to exceptional hospitality.

We are a family-owned and operated business built on teamwork, dedication, and attention to detail. We believe every role in our kitchen is essential, every team member contributes to our success, and great food begins with great preparation.

Our culinary team works in a demanding, fast-paced environment where organization, consistency, and teamwork are the foundation of successful service.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a highly motivated, experienced, and organized Lead Prep Cook to take ownership of our daily kitchen preparation operations.

This is an important hands-on leadership position within our culinary team. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating daily prep activities, maintaining product consistency, monitoring inventory and par levels, and ensuring our kitchen is fully prepared for service.

We need someone who can think ahead, establish priorities, work independently, and lead by example.

The ideal candidate understands that successful kitchen operations begin long before the first order comes in.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Prep Operations & Planning

- Anticipate preparation requirements for upcoming services, weekends, special events, and high-volume periods.
- Ensure all kitchen stations are adequately stocked and prepared for efficient service.
- Communicate prep progress, shortages, and operational concerns to kitchen management.

Food Quality & Consistency

- Prepare ingredients, sauces, proteins, vegetables, and other menu components according to established recipes and specifications.
- Maintain consistent food quality, portion sizes, flavour profiles, and preparation standards.
- Ensure all food products are properly labelled, dated, stored, and rotated.
- Follow standardized recipes and established preparation procedures.




- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency without compromising food quality.

Inventory & Waste Management

- Follow FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory rotation principles.
- Identify low-stock items and communicate ordering requirements to kitchen management.
- Minimise food waste through accurate preparation, portion control, and proper storage practices.
- Monitor product freshness, quality, and shelf life.

Teamwork & Leadership

- Provide guidance and direction to prep team members when required.
- Lead by example through professionalism, punctuality, organization, and accountability.
- Work closely with kitchen management and line cooks to maintain smooth daily operations.
- Support other kitchen stations during service when operationally necessary.

Food Safety & Kitchen Standards

- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary prep area at all times.
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and established kitchen procedures.
- Follow proper food handling, cooling, storage, and temperature-control practices.
- Maintain cleanliness and proper use of kitchen equipment.
- Complete assigned opening, closing, and cleaning responsibilities.

Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 3 years of professional kitchen experience, preferably in a high-volume restaurant.
- Previous experience in a lead prep, senior prep cook, or similar kitchen position is strongly preferred.
- Culinary education or equivalent practical experience.
- Strong knife skills, cooking techniques, and food preparation knowledge.
- Proven ability to manage multiple preparation tasks and meet deadlines.
- Excellent organisational, communication,



and time-management skills.
- Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, FIFO, and inventory management.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a team-oriented environment.
- Physical ability to stand for extended periods and perform the duties of a busy commercial kitchen.
- Availability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.

Who We're Looking For We're not simply looking for someone who can follow a prep list. We're looking for someone who can take ownership of the prep operation and help keep our kitchen running at its best.

You should be

- Proactive: You plan ahead and anticipate what the kitchen will need.
- Organized: You understand that preparation, cleanliness, and consistency are essential.
- Accountable: You take responsibility for your work and follow through on commitments.
- Efficient: You know how to prioritize tasks and maintain productivity under pressure.
- Team-Oriented: You communicate effectively, support your colleagues, and lead by example.
- Passionate: You take genuine pride in preparing quality food and contributing to a successful kitchen.

What We Offer
- Full-time employment in an established, high-volume restaurant and brewery.
- Competitive wages based on experience and qualifications.
- A generous kitchen tip-out program supported by strong restaurant and brewery sales.
- A collaborative, family-owned work environment.
- The prospect to take on a meaningful leadership role within our culinary team.

Join Our Team If you're an experienced culinary professional who thrives in a busy kitchen, takes pride in organisation and preparation, and enjoys being part of a hardworking team, we'd love to hear from you.

Position: Full-time Lead Prep Cook

Compensation: Based on experience, plus kitchen tip-out.

Pay: From $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35.0 – 45.0 per week

Benefits

- Flexible schedule
- Store discount

Work Location: In person

📌 Lead Prep Cook (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
🏢 The Grist
📍 Niagara-on-the-Lake