Prep Cook

Prep Cook Position Job Description

King's Famous Barbecue
Location: 2910 S Crater Rd, Petersburg, VA 23805

Job Type: Full-time / Part-time (Flexible shifts, including early mornings for prep, weekends, and support during service hours)

Reports to: Kitchen Manager / Operations Manager / Pitmaster

King's Famous Barbecue is a cherished Petersburg landmark founded in 1946, famous for its authentic Virginia-style pit-smoked barbecue — whole hog pork, shoulders, beef, and chicken — slow-cooked over wood, hand-chopped to order, and served with our signature sauce and beloved homemade sides like potato cakes, hush puppies, coleslaw, Brunswick stew, and more. After a 30-month closure, the restaurant is actively preparing to reopen in 2026
, with owner Matt Keeler leading the revival to bring back this community icon. The Prep Cook is an essential behind-the-scenes role, focusing on foundational prep work to support the pitmaster, meat cutters, line cooks, and overall kitchen flow, ensuring fresh, high-quality ingredients are ready for every shift and every legendary plate.

• Wash, peel, chop, slice, dice, and portion fresh produce, vegetables, herbs, and other ingredients for sides, salads, sauces, and garnishes
• Prepare homemade sides and staples in bulk — mixing hush puppy batter, forming potato cakes, prepping coleslaw, barbecue beans, and other Southern classics according to King's time-honored recipes
• Measure, mix, and prepare sauces, marinades, rubs, and dressings to maintain consistent flavor profiles
• Assist with basic meat prep as directed (trimming, portioning raw meats for smoking, or supporting post-smoke handling)
• Stock and organize kitchen stations for efficient service, labeling and dating items, and rotating stock using FIFO (first in, first out) to minimize waste
• Monitor ingredient inventory, notify management of low stock or needs, and help receive/put away deliveries
• Maintain strict food safety and sanitation standards — proper temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and thorough cleaning of prep areas, tools, and equipment
• Perform deep cleaning tasks during slower periods, including breaking down stations, sanitizing surfaces, washing dishes and organizing walk-ins/coolers
• Support the team during busy rushes by jumping in on basic assembly, plating support, or other kitchen duties as needed
• Follow opening/closing checklists for the prep area, ensuring everything is set up or broken down properly

• Previous prep cook, kitchen helper, or restaurant prep experience preferred (especially in Southern, barbecue, or scratch kitchens), but we provide solid training for motivated candidates!
• Strong knife skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow recipes precisely for consistency
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, hot kitchen environment and stand for long periods
• Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented — we're a family-run business rebuilding together
• Physical ability to lift 50+ lbs (cases of produce/meat, heavy pots) and work in varying temperatures
• Basic food safety knowledge (food handler's certification or willingness to obtain one required)
• Enthusiasm for authentic Virginia barbecue and eagerness to contribute to the 2026 reopening

• Be part of an exciting revival — help restore an 80-year-old Petersburg tradition and serve generations of fans!
• Free or discounted meals during shifts
• Competitive pay for the area
• Flexible scheduling in a close-knit, family-oriented kitchen
• Opportunities to cross-train and advance (e.g., to line cook, meat cutter, or other roles) as we grow post-reopening
• Pride in prepping the fresh ingredients that make King's melt-in-your-mouth barbecue and sides so special

If you're detail-oriented, hardworking, and passionate about quality food, the Prep Cook position at King's Famous Barbecue is a great opportunity to join our dedicated team as we reopen in 2026!