Prep Cook

At Forest Theater
, we’re not simply restoring a historic landmark. We’re helping shape the future of South Dallas. As a key initiative of Forest Forward
, the reimagined Forest Theater will serve as a hub for arts, education, culture, and economic opportunity. Every role on our team contributes to a larger mission: creating pathways for individuals, families, and communities to thrive.

As a Prep Cook
, you play an important role in creating exceptional culinary experiences for guests attending performances, community events, private functions, and special programs. Through your commitment to quality, teamwork, and hospitality, you’ll help deliver food and beverage experiences that enhance every visit to Forest Theater while supporting a venue that celebrates culture, creativity, and community connection.

The Prep Cook supports the daily operations of the kitchen by preparing ingredients, maintaining food safety standards, and assisting culinary leadership with food production for performances, private events, community gatherings, and hospitality programs. This role is responsible for ensuring ingredients are properly prepared, stored, and organized while helping maintain a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen environment.

Working closely with the Executive Chef, Sous Chefs, and culinary team, the Prep Cook helps deliver high-quality food experiences while supporting Forest Theater’s commitment to excellence, hospitality, and community engagement. This position is ideal for an individual who is dependable, detail-oriented, eager to learn, and passionate about food, service, and teamwork.

Food Preparation & Production

• Prepare ingredients, seasonings, stocks, sauces, and other food items according to recipes, production sheets, and culinary standards.
• Follow daily preparation lists and instructions provided by culinary leadership.
• Assist with the preparation of menu items for performances, events, catering functions, and hospitality operations.
• Support chefs with food preparation, cooking assistance, and other culinary tasks as assigned.
• Ensure food items are properly labeled, stored, and organized for efficient kitchen operations.

Food Safety & Quality Control

• Maintain the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department requirements.
• Monitor food temperatures and maintain appropriate temperature logs and related documentation.
• Assist with receiving and inspecting deliveries to ensure product quality and freshness.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and rotation of ingredients and prepared foods.
• Set up, organize, and sanitize workstations before, during, and after food preparation.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and sanitary kitchen environment.
• Support inventory organization and storage throughout kitchen and food service areas.
• Properly operate kitchen equipment and tools in accordance with established safety procedures.
• Assist with event preparation, load-in activities, and other operational needs as assigned.

Contribute to Our Mission and Culture

• Serve as an ambassador for Forest Theater through professionalism, teamwork, and hospitality.
• Support a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and service excellence.
• Help create memorable experiences that connect guests to arts, culture, and community.
• Demonstrate respect for colleagues, guests, vendors, and community partners.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support culinary operations and organizational goals.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• One or more years of kitchen, food service, hospitality, restaurant, or catering…