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Food Prep Associate Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

PREP COOK

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$21/hr

Requirement: Previous food prep experience is required. * Perks: Free parking and shift meal ... At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their ...

PREP COOK

Northfield, MN · On-site

$23/hr

Requirement : Previous food prep experience is required. * Fixed Pay Rate: $23.00 per hour ... of food supply. * Resolves customer concerns. * Performs other duties as assigned. Associates at ...

Requirement: Previous food prep experience is required. * Perks: Free parking and shift meal ... At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their ...

Requirement: Previous food prep experience is required. * Perks: Free parking and shift meal ... At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their ...

Requirement: Previous food prep experience is required. * Perks: Free parking and shift meal ... At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their ...

... food prep. * Receives inventory, moves, and lifts food and beverage products and supplies ... The associate is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, taste, and smell.

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Food Prep Associate information

What are some common challenges food prep associates face during busy meal times?

Food Prep Associates often experience high-pressure situations during peak meal times, such as lunch and dinner rushes. Managing time efficiently, keeping workstations organized, and maintaining food safety standards can be challenging when orders are coming in quickly. Effective communication with kitchen staff and front-of-house teams is crucial to ensure orders are accurate and timely. Adapting to changing priorities and staying calm under pressure are essential skills for success in this fast-paced environment.

How to become a food prep associate?

To become a food prep associate, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience in food handling or kitchen work. Basic skills include knowledge of food safety practices, ability to follow instructions, and familiarity with kitchen tools and equipment. Some employers may require food safety certifications such as ServSafe.

What is the difference between Food Prep Associate vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectFood Prep AssociateKitchen Helper
ResponsibilitiesPreparing ingredients, assembling dishes, following recipesAssisting with basic kitchen tasks, cleaning, and supporting cooks
CredentialsHigh school diploma often preferred; food safety certificationsMinimal formal credentials; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesSimilar settings, often in fast-paced kitchens
Industry UsageCommonly used in restaurants and food serviceOften used interchangeably with Food Prep Associate in entry-level roles

While both roles support kitchen operations, Food Prep Associates focus more on preparing ingredients and assembling dishes, whereas Kitchen Helpers assist with basic tasks and cleaning. The roles often overlap, but Food Prep Associates typically require some food safety knowledge and specific prep skills, making them slightly more specialized.

What is a food prep associate?

Food Prep Associates are workers responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting with basic cooking tasks in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties often include washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, and following food safety procedures. They support chefs and cooks to ensure efficient meal preparation and service. This role is essential for keeping kitchen operations running smoothly and safely.

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

To thrive as a Food Prep Associate, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications (like ServSafe), and inventory systems is often required. Attention to detail, time management, teamwork, and a positive attitude are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality food preparation in a fast-paced environment, directly impacting customer satisfaction and operational success.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Prep jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Food Prep jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Prep Associate jobs in Minnesota?

For Food Prep Associate jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Prep Associate jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Prep Associate jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Food Prep Associate jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Food Prep Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Prep Associate job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,088 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 491 rated business services


Job description

Culinaire
  • We have an opening for on call PREP COOK positions.
  • Location: American Swedish Institute - 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55407. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: On call; Days and hours vary upon event schedule. Weekend availability is required. More details upon interview.
  • Requirement: Previous food prep experience is required.
  • Perks: Free parking and shift meal!
  • Fixed Pay Rate: $21.00 per hour.

We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1557257.
The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg
This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the 'job search' in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on 'referral tracking.' For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com.
CULINAIRE provides upscale food and beverage management services to a very diverse collection of national accounts to include art museums, cultural landmarks, hotels, performing theaters, restaurants, and special event venues. While our portfolio is diverse, the one constant in every operation that we manage is our total commitment to our associates to put their career path, safety, and success as top priority, and to our client to provide top quality food product and service to our customers and guests.
Job Summary
Summary: Prepares food and serves customers in accordance with applicable federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Obtains daily production schedule and preparation requirements from the Chef.
  • Prepares items on production sheets following established quantities and recipes.
  • Completes and follows daily production worksheets and waste log sheets. Tastes completed meals to ensure quality.
  • Operates and cleans equipment per department procedures after each use.
  • Stores, labels and dates all food items according to policy. Follows HACCP guidelines.
  • Completes all required documentation, reports, logs as required.
  • Complies with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures.
  • Takes orders from customer and prepare items requiring short preparation time.
  • Serves customers in an efficient and friendly manner.
  • Completes orders from steam tables and grill and serves customers at multiple stations.
  • Uses approved food recipes and production standards to ensure proper quality, serving temperatures and standard portion control.
  • Operates and cleans equipment per department procedures after each use.
  • Stores, labels and dates all food items according to policy.
  • Follows HACCP guidelines to ensure quality and safety of food supply.
  • Resolves customer concerns.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. *Los Angeles applicants: Compass Group will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring (Ban the Box ordinance).
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Associates at Culinaire are offered many fantastic benefits.
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Culinaire-Landing-Page_Feb2026.pdf

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