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Cook Jobs in Portage, MI (NOW HIRING)

Insight

Cook

Coldwater, MI

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Cook Job Summary: Prepares, seasons and cooks food for hospitals patients, employees and visitors. Performs lead role for kitchen service activities and the delivery of food in consultation with the ...

Insight

Cook

Coldwater, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Cook Job Summary: Prepares, seasons and cooks food for hospitals patients, employees and visitors. Performs lead role for kitchen service activities and the delivery of food in consultation with the ...

Insight

Cook

Coldwater, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Cook Job Summary: Prepares, seasons and cooks food for hospitals patients, employees and visitors. Performs lead role for kitchen service activities and the delivery of food in consultation with the ...

Crow's Nest

Line Cook

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

A line cook at the Crow's Nest primary role is accurately preparing our varied menu items for our guests. While the restaurant specializes in breakfast and brunch options, it is well known for a ...

Crow's Nest

Line Cook

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

A line cook at the Crow's Nest primary role is accurately preparing our varied menu items for our guests. While the restaurant specializes in breakfast and brunch options, it is well known for a ...

Battle Creek Health Care Center

Cook

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

We are currently seeking a Cook. Job Responsibilities and Duties: * Handle and store raw materials, cooked food, and non-food supplies properly * Order, restock, and maintain inventories for kitchen ...

Applebee's

Cook - Applebee's

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

The line cook fosters a culture aligned with the TSFR Roadmap, including Our Core Purpose, Vision, Mission and Core Values. Essential Job Functions Primary Duties: * Prepare ingredients then cook and ...

TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants

Cook - Applebee's

Portage, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

The line cook fosters a culture aligned with the TSFR Roadmap, including Our Core Purpose, Vision, Mission and Core Values. Essential Job Functions Primary Duties: * Prepare ingredients then cook and ...

Applebee's

Cook - Applebee's

Hastings, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

The line cook fosters a culture aligned with the TSFR Roadmap, including Our Core Purpose, Vision, Mission and Core Values. Essential Job Functions Primary Duties: * Prepare ingredients then cook and ...

TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants

Cook - Applebee's

Hastings, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

The line cook fosters a culture aligned with the TSFR Roadmap, including Our Core Purpose, Vision, Mission and Core Values. Essential Job Functions Primary Duties: * Prepare ingredients then cook and ...

TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants

Cook - Applebee's

Sturgis, MI · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

The line cook fosters a culture aligned with the TSFR Roadmap, including Our Core Purpose, Vision, Mission and Core Values. Essential Job Functions Primary Duties: * Prepare ingredients then cook and ...

TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants

Cook - Applebee's

Portage, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

The line cook fosters a culture aligned with the TSFR Roadmap, including Our Core Purpose, Vision, Mission and Core Values. Essential Job Functions Primary Duties: * Prepare ingredients then cook and ...

TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants

Cook - Applebee's

Portage, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

The line cook fosters a culture aligned with the TSFR Roadmap, including Our Core Purpose, Vision, Mission and Core Values. Essential Job Functions Primary Duties: * Prepare ingredients then cook and ...

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Cook information

See Portage, MI salary details

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How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Portage, MI is $15.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cook do?

A Cook—also called a Chef—is ultimately responsible for preparing the food that is served in restaurants or other dining establishments. As the head of the kitchen, Cooks also supervise other work and oversee the kitchen to ensure it all runs smoothly. In some restaurants, Cooks are responsible for creating recipes and menus, planning events, ensuring that food and kitchen regulations are followed, and sticking to a restaurant budget. There are different levels of this position that you can earn, meaning that there can be a wide range to all the potential possibilities and responsibilities of a daily Cook. For example, there’s the Head Chef who runs the kitchen while the other Cooks are responsible for specific types of food.

What does a cook do?

A cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties include following recipes, measuring ingredients, operating kitchen equipment, and ensuring food safety and cleanliness. Cooks may also help with menu planning, inventory management, and maintaining kitchen supplies. They work closely with other kitchen staff to deliver meals efficiently and meet customer expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cook, you need a solid grasp of culinary techniques, food safety standards, and menu preparation, often supported by a high school diploma or culinary training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong time management, teamwork, and attention to detail help Cooks stand out in busy kitchen environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for consistently delivering safe, high-quality dishes and maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

What are some common challenges cooks face during busy service hours, and how can they effectively manage them?

During peak service times, cooks often encounter challenges such as time pressure, managing multiple orders simultaneously, and maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation. Effective communication with team members and staying organized are crucial for keeping up with the pace. Many cooks use strategies like prepping ingredients in advance, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining a clean workstation to ensure smooth workflow and minimize mistakes. Developing these habits helps cooks deliver consistent results even in high-stress environments.

What is the difference between Cook vs Chef?

AspectCookChef
CredentialsNone required or basic culinary trainingFormal culinary education or extensive experience
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringFine dining, hotels, culinary establishments
ResponsibilitiesPreparing dishes, following recipesMenu creation, kitchen management, supervising cooks

In summary, a Cook typically prepares food following established recipes and has minimal formal training, while a Chef often has specialized culinary education and takes on leadership roles in the kitchen, overseeing cooking staff and menu development.

What jobs can you do if you like cooking?

If you enjoy cooking, you can pursue roles such as chef, line cook, pastry chef, or culinary assistant. These jobs typically require culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and sometimes certifications like a food handler's permit. Opportunities exist in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and institutional food services.
More about Cook jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Portage, MI?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Portage, MI are:

What cities near Portage, MI are hiring for Cook jobs?

Cities near Portage, MI with the most Cook job openings:

Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Portage, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,304 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Cook

Insight

Coldwater, MI

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Insight Enterprises rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 226 rated it services

Job description

Cook

Job Summary:
Prepares, seasons and cooks food for hospitals patients, employees and visitors. Performs lead role for kitchen service activities and the delivery of food in consultation with the Chef, Managers, Supervisors and Clinical Dietitians.
Duties:
  • Applies the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients/clients served, i.e., infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric.
  • Prepares, seasons and cooks food.
  • Cuts, pours, measures and mixes ingredients according to recipes.
  • Uses a variety of kitchen utensils and equipment, including choppers, slicers, mixers and blenders.
  • Previews menus and work orders to determine type and quantities of meals, vegetables, soups, salads and desserts to be obtained and prepared. Responsible for menu selection and completion. Plans and coordinates cooking schedules so that meals will be ready at requited times.
  • Assist with care and maintenance of department equipment and supplies.
  • Alerts Manager to problems and needs concerning equipment and food supplies.
  • Detects and reports spoiled or unattractive food, defective supplies/equipment or other unusual conditions.
  • Maintains established department policies, procedures, objectives, quality assurance programs and safety standards.
  • Ensures that sanitary levels are maintained throughout the food preparation process as well as throughout the workday.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.
  • Will assist all Dietary employees with additional tasks as required.
  • Will help with department audits such as: patient rounding, hostess audits, physical and food audits and handwashing audits.
Call Center Duties:
  • Provide excellent patient care to all patients.
  • See all patients as required to get meal options and follow dietary restrictions.
  • Answer the phone quickly and provide guidance for all patients and staff.
  • Will always provide excellent patient safety.
  • Will assist with wrapping silverware, helping in dish room, filling stock orders and pop machines and keeping the office clean and in standing order.
Qualifications:
  • Capable of operating kitchen equipment.
  • Have good math and communication skills.
  • Be able to read and speak English.
  • Have the ability to learn how to change and convert recipes as needed and to learn special diet production needs.
  • Be able to deal effectively with a fast-paced environment and be open to new ideas and be willing to take instruction.
  • Must have a basic understanding of culinary basics: Cooking temperatures and proper labeling/rotation of food product.
  • Preferred education: High school graduate or GED. Culinary degree.
  • Preferred 1 year in food production.
  • Must obtain Serv Safe within 1 year of employment.
Physical Requirements:
  • Occasional lifts, carries, pushes, pulls up to 50 lbs.
  • Must be able to see, hear and move intermittently, or use prosthetics that will enable to you to function adequately to assure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
  • Frequently has prolonged standing and walking.
  • Manual dexterity and mobility necessary.
  • Frequent reaching, stopping bending, kneeling and crouching.

OSHA Exposure Classification: As required by infection prevention and control policies.
Personal Protective Equipment: coat or apron, hat and non-sterile medical gloves. Exposed to electrical hazards, cuts and burns. Exposed to hot, humid, noisy equipment/environment and varying degrees of kitchen elements.
The above list of accountabilities is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the positions; it should not be considered exhaustive. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex/gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, physical or mental disability, military or protected veteran status, citizenship, familial or marital status, genetics, or other status
protected by applicable law.
Insight is an Equal Opportunity Employer Workplace

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