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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

Cook (Full-Time)

Athens, GA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Enthusiastically represent the Zaxbys brand * Assist with guest service and front of house ... Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment * Maintain product levels in assigned ...

Cook (Full-Time)

Athens, GA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Enthusiastically represent the Zaxbys brand * Assist with guest service and front of house ... Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment * Maintain product levels in assigned ...

Cook (Full-Time)

Washington, GA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Enthusiastically represent the Zaxbys brand * Assist with guest service and front of house ... Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment * Maintain product levels in assigned ...

Enthusiastically represent the Zaxbys brand * Assist with guest service and front of house ... Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment * Maintain product levels in assigned ...

Cook (Full-Time)

Athens, GA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Enthusiastically represent the Zaxbys brand * Assist with guest service and front of house ... Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment * Maintain product levels in assigned ...

Enthusiastically represent the Zaxbys brand * Assist with guest service and front of house ... Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment * Maintain product levels in assigned ...

Cook (Full-Time)

Athens, GA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Enthusiastically represent the Zaxbys brand * Assist with guest service and front of house ... Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment * Maintain product levels in assigned ...

Cook (Part-Time)

Athens, GA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Enthusiastically represent the Zaxbys brand * Assist with guest service and front of house ... Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment * Maintain product levels in assigned ...

Cook (Full-Time)

Athens, GA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Enthusiastically represent the Zaxbys brand * Assist with guest service and front of house ... Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment * Maintain product levels in assigned ...

Cook (Part-Time)

Athens, GA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Enthusiastically represent the Zaxbys brand * Assist with guest service and front of house ... Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment * Maintain product levels in assigned ...

Cook (Part-Time)

Athens, GA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Enthusiastically represent the Zaxbys brand * Assist with guest service and front of house ... Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment * Maintain product levels in assigned ...

Cook (Full-Time)

Athens, GA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Enthusiastically represent the Zaxbys brand * Assist with guest service and front of house ... Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment * Maintain product levels in assigned ...

Enthusiastically represent the Zaxbys brand * Assist with guest service and front of house ... Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment * Maintain product levels in assigned ...

Cook (Full-Time)

Athens, GA

$13.50 - $18/hr

Enthusiastically represent the Zaxbys brand * Assist with guest service and front of house ... Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment * Maintain product levels in assigned ...

Prep Cook

Athens, GA

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Have a positive energy, be ready to assist fellow support staff and work as a team player * Must be able to speak, read and understand basic cooking directions * Ability to communicate effectively ...

Prep Cook

Athens, GA · On-site

$12 - $15/hr

Have a positive energy, be ready to assist fellow support staff and work as a team player * Must be able to speak, read and understand basic cooking directions * Ability to communicate effectively ...

... cooking tasks as needed. - Following food safety and sanitation standards to ensure quality and ... assist wherever needed. - A commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food ...

Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen area. * Assist in inventory management and ... Understanding of basic cooking techniques and kitchen equipment. * Ability to work well under ...

Showing results 41-60

Cooking Assistant information

What is a cooking assistant?

Cooking Assistants, sometimes known as kitchen assistants or prep cooks, are entry-level staff members who support chefs and cooks in the preparation and organization of food in a kitchen. Their duties typically include washing and chopping ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, organizing supplies, and occasionally assisting with simple cooking tasks. Cooking Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the kitchen runs efficiently and that food is prepared quickly and safely.

What are some common challenges faced by cooking assistants during busy service periods?

Cooking Assistants often experience high-pressure situations during peak meal times, where quick and accurate preparation of ingredients is crucial. Managing multiple tasks simultaneously—such as chopping vegetables, prepping proteins, and maintaining a clean workstation—can be challenging but is essential for a smooth kitchen operation. Clear communication with chefs and other kitchen staff helps prevent mistakes and ensures timely service. Adapting to a fast-paced environment and staying organized are key to overcoming these challenges.

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

To thrive as a Cooking Assistant, you need basic culinary knowledge, food safety awareness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling procedures, and certifications like a Food Handler’s Permit are typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient food preparation, a safe kitchen environment, and smooth collaboration within the culinary team.

What is the difference between Cooking Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectCooking AssistantKitchen Helper
Required CredentialsBasic culinary skills, sometimes food safety certificationMinimal credentials, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringRestaurants, cafeterias, food prep areas
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in food service establishmentsOften used interchangeably with Cooking Assistant, but more general

The Cooking Assistant and Kitchen Helper roles both support kitchen operations, but Cooking Assistants typically have more culinary responsibilities and may require basic food safety knowledge. Kitchen Helpers usually perform more general support tasks with less emphasis on cooking skills. Both roles are essential in food service environments, but Cooking Assistants often have a slightly higher skill requirement and more involvement in food preparation.

What are the duties of a cooking assistant?

A cooking assistant helps prepare ingredients, follows recipes, and maintains cleanliness in the kitchen. They may also assist with cooking tasks, organize supplies, and ensure food safety standards are met, often working under the supervision of chefs or cooks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Athens, GA?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Athens, GA are:

What cities near Athens, GA are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs?

Cities near Athens, GA with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Athens, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Cook (Full-Time)

Zaxby's

Athens, GA • On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago


Zaxby's rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 698 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 106 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

As the team at Zaxbys expands, we're saving a seat for you!
To our guests, Zaxbys is more than just a place to eat - it's a place to have fun, spend time with friends, and enjoy great food.
To our team members, Zaxbys is an indescribably great place to work!
Cooks are directly responsible for creating a great guest experience by consistently serving quality food in a timely manner. You will receive and stock inventory, prepare, cook and assemble orders, keep the kitchen clean and organized, and maintain food safety and quality standards by following standard operating procedures.
Why work at Zax?
  • FREE Meals On Shift & 50% Off Meals Off Shift
  • Flexible Schedule
  • Early Access to Pay
  • Opportunities to Advance

Benefits
  • Recognition Program
  • Employee Referral Program
  • 401(k) With Employer Match (additional eligibility requirements)

Additional Benefits for Full-Time Team Members
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Short and Long-Term Disability
  • Employer-Paid Life Insurance

Job Duties and Responsibilities
The individual in this position is expected to engage in the following work-related activities:
  • Complete all training requirements including:
  • Zaxbys Back of House Development Plan
  • Hands-on stations training
  • Any additional training required by Zax LLC
  • Provide friendly, enthusiastic service for all guests
  • Maintain awareness of current promotions
  • Enthusiastically represent the Zaxbys brand
  • Assist with guest service and front of house operations
  • Prepare menu items according to company standards and in a safe and sanitary manner
  • Ensure food and beverages are handled according to safety regulations and guidelines
  • Safely operate food preparation and cooking equipment
  • Maintain product levels in assigned stations in order to be prepared for immediate needs
  • Prepare and cook food items according to company standards
  • Accurately assemble and package guest orders
  • Maintain a clean and safe working environment
  • Keep work areas clean and organized
  • Maintain equipment and inform management of maintenance needs
  • Assist with inventory and storage management
  • Receive and stock incoming inventory deliveries
  • Hold and store food items following food safety guidelines
  • Inform management when inventory is needed
  • Clean and organize storage areas
  • Other responsibilities
  • Complete all tasks with a sense of urgency, in a timely manner
  • Work safely and follow all safety guidelines and procedures
  • Other duties as assigned

Job Qualifications
The following requirements must be met to qualify for this position.
  • Must be 16 years of age or older
  • Part-time: Available to work 9 to 28 hours per week
  • Full-time: Available to work 32 to 40 hours per week

Capability Requirements
The following capabilities are required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue hardship on the company will be considered.
  • Sit, stand, and walk continuously
  • Occasionally stoop, bend, crouch, or climb, including the use of ladders
  • Frequently lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds, including lifting overhead
  • Continuous use of hands and wrists for grasping and fine manipulation
  • Communicate proficiently through speech, reading, and writing
  • Maintain effective audio-visual perception and judgement to observe and respond to the environment
  • Work in an environment that features hot and cold temperature variations and exposure to food allergens
  • Operate and work safely with restaurant equipment including, but not limited to, knives, fryers, and potentially hazardous equipment

Zax LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment decisions based on any factor protected by federal, state, or local law.

What Zaxby's employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


ZAXBY'S logo

About ZAXBY'S

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Zaxby's is a rapidly growing, fast casual dining restaurant that has quickly spread throughout the Southeast. Zaxby's was created in 1990 in Statesboro, GA and has grown to over 900 stores. We are one of the fastest growing restaurant chains in the US and a brand leader in our segment.

Industry

Food services and drinking places and religious organizations

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Athens, GA, US

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