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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Dietary Cook

Warren, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Our ideal candidate is passionate about good food and has had some experience cooking in a restaurant capacity. Other duties that our dietary cooks assist with are, taking part in cleaning routines ...

Chicken Shack Cook

Macomb, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

... assist in preparing and cooking a variety of dishes, including our signature chicken dishes, sides, and sauces. You will work closely with our kitchen team to ensure that all dishes are cooked to ...

Chicken Shack Cook

Utica, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

... assist in preparing and cooking a variety of dishes, including our signature chicken dishes, sides, and sauces. You will work closely with our kitchen team to ensure that all dishes are cooked to ...

Chicken Shack Full Time Cook

Clawson, MI · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

... assist in preparing and cooking a variety of dishes, including our signature chicken dishes, sides, and sauces. You will work closely with our kitchen team to ensure that all dishes are cooked to ...

cook

Birmingham, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

Monitor inventory levels and assist with ordering supplies as needed. * Collaborate with front-of ... Knowledge of various cooking methods, ingredients, and equipment. * Ability to work efficiently ...

Full time Cook

Detroit, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

... assist in preparing and cooking a variety of dishes, including our signature chicken dishes, sides, and sauces. You will work closely with our kitchen team to ensure that all dishes are cooked to ...

Cook

Rochester, MI · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Execute all aspects of scratch meal preparation , cooking, and plate presentation with a fine ... Ability to assist with cleaning tasks, dishwashing, and overall kitchen maintenance as needed ...

Cook

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Execute all aspects of scratch meal preparation , cooking, and plate presentation with a fine ... Ability to assist with cleaning tasks, dishwashing, and overall kitchen maintenance as needed.

Cook

Bloomfield Hills, MI · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Execute all aspects of scratch meal preparation , cooking, and plate presentation with a fine ... Ability to assist with cleaning tasks, dishwashing, and overall kitchen maintenance as needed.

Cook

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Execute all aspects of scratch meal preparation , cooking, and plate presentation with a fine ... Ability to assist with cleaning tasks, dishwashing, and overall kitchen maintenance as needed ...

Cook

Rochester, MI · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Execute all aspects of scratch meal preparation , cooking, and plate presentation with a fine ... Ability to assist with cleaning tasks, dishwashing, and overall kitchen maintenance as needed.

Cook

Bloomfield, MI · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Execute all aspects of scratch meal preparation , cooking, and plate presentation with a fine ... Ability to assist with cleaning tasks, dishwashing, and overall kitchen maintenance as needed ...

COOK

Southfield, MI

$17 - $20/hr

Maintain consistency in food quality, taste, and portion control * Assist with food prep including ... Previous cooking experience preferred * Basic knowledge of cooking methods and food safety ...

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Cooking Assistant information

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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Detroit, MI? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Detroit, MI are:
Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$16 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Nino Salvaggio rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discounts
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

BE AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTOR TO OUR BUSY KITCHEN!
Nino Salvaggio is currently looking for a Prep Cook for our Troy location.
RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Prepare and cook lasagna according to company recipes.
  • Cut and prepare vegetables for soups following the direction of management.
  • Operate large-volume cooking equipment, such as grills, kettles, griddles and smoker.
  • Turn or stir foods to ensure even cooking.
  • Assist in packaging soup and other products made in the commissary kitchen.
  • Ensure food is stored and cooked at correct temperature by regulating temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters.
  • Observe and test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently, using methods such as tasting, smelling, or piercing them with utensils to ensure quality standards.
  • Clean and inspect galley equipment, kitchen appliances and work areas to ensure cleanliness and functional operation.
  • Inspect and clean food preparation areas, such as equipment and work surfaces, to ensure safe and sanitary food-handling practices.
  • Operate all necessary and authorized equipment according to company policies, procedures and safety guidelines.
  • Handle any damaged and/or spoiled product according to company guidelines and assist in controlling the level of damaged goods.
  • Comply with safety and sanitation policies and procedures as outlined in the employee handbook, postings, and manuals, etc.
  • Notify management immediately of any safety or equipment issues or violations.
  • Assist in training associates when necessary.
  • Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:

  • One year of cook experience, preferred.
  • Must have reliable transportation.
  • Must have some weekend availability.
  • High school diploma or GED preferred, but not required.
  • Knowledge of the quality standards, varieties, preparation methods, etc. of the various products/food products available in the department.
  • Must be able to work with all products and equipment available within the department including ovens, grills, stoves, knives, slicers*, etc. (*Must be 18 years old to use slicers).
  • Ability to work in extreme cold and wet and/or humid conditions.
  • Must be able to stand and/or walk for 8 or more hour periods.
  • Must be able to regularly bend, lift and/or move 25 pounds.
BENEFITS:

  • 401K match
  • Employee discount
  • Health
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Flexible Spending
  • Supplemental Benefits
If you are interested in this position, please follow the 2 step application process which includes a formal application after some initial questions.         
EOE           

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