Prep Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Old Carolina Barbecue Company (BBQ)

Full-Time or Part-Time Position

Pay: $16.00 - $20.00 per hour (includes tips)

Actual earnings may vary based on position, hours worked, and tip participation.

Old Carolina Barbecue Company is looking for dependable, detail-oriented individuals who take pride in preparing quality food and supporting a successful kitchen operation.

As a Kitchen Prep Associate, you’ll play a critical role in preparing the ingredients, products, and BBQ that our guests enjoy every day. From food preparation and smoker support to inventory organization and food safety, your work helps ensure every guest receives the quality experience they expect from Old Carolina Barbecue Company.

Whether you have kitchen experience or are looking to build valuable culinary skills, we’ll provide the training, support, and opportunities needed to succeed.

Old Carolina Barbecue Company was built on a passion for authentic barbecue and a commitment to great hospitality. Before opening our first restaurant in Massillon, Ohio, we started as a competitive BBQ team dedicated to perfecting the craft of slow-smoked barbecue.

While our home is in North Canton, Ohio, our recipes, traditions, and cooking techniques are inspired by the rich barbecue heritage of the Carolinas. Today, Old Carolina Barbecue Company proudly operates eight locations throughout Northeast Ohio and Pennsylvania, serving authentic BBQ made with quality ingredients, time-honored methods, and a genuine commitment to our guests.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for team members who are passionate about food, quality, and being part of a company that values teamwork, development, and operational excellence.

• Competitive hourly earnings that include tip income

• Flexible full-time and part-time schedules

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for eligible team members

• Paid vacation for eligible full-time team members

• Free meals during shifts

• Company-provided uniforms

• Paid training

• Opportunities for advancement and promotion from within

• Supportive and team-oriented culture

Our Kitchen Prep Associates help ensure that every restaurant is prepared for success before service begins.

As a Kitchen Prep Associate, you’ll learn food preparation techniques, BBQ production methods, smoker operations, food safety standards, inventory organization, and kitchen operations while working alongside a team committed to excellence.

Many of our leaders began their careers in hourly positions and advanced through hard work, reliability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

• Prepare food products according to company recipes and quality standards

• Follow preparation procedures for meats, side dishes, and other menu items

• Ensure food quality, freshness, consistency, and presentation standards are met

• Date, rotate, and properly store food products

• Recognize and remove products that do not meet company quality standards

• Reheat and handle products according to food safety guidelines

• Assist with loading and unloading meats from smokers

• Support daily BBQ production processes

• Help maintain product readiness and food preparation schedules

• Follow company procedures for handling smoked products

• Follow daily and weekly prep schedules

• Assemble, label, and organize bulk and catering orders

• Maintain proper inventory and stock levels

• Assist with completing par sheets and food level checks

• Stock and organize workstations for current and upcoming shifts

• Complete required prep, production, and sanitation checklists

• Communicate effectively with managers, cooks, and front counter team members

• Support overall restaurant readiness and operational success

• Assist teammates as needed to ensure smooth operations

• Promote teamwork, accountability, and professionalism

• Follow food safety, sanitation, and health department requirements

• Follow proper knife safety procedures

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment

• Properly clean and maintain prep areas, equipment, and workstations

• Previous restaurant, kitchen, food preparation, culinary, or food production experience preferred

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality

• Ability to work independently and stay organized

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

• Dependable attendance and punctuality

• Strong work ethic and positive attitude

• Safety-focused mindset

• Ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team

• High school diploma or GED preferred

No experience? No problem. We are willing to train motivated individuals who are eager to learn and grow.

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday

• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed

• Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds

• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment

• Ability to safely operate kitchen equipment, knives, and food preparation tools

This position may be offered as either full-time or part-time based on business needs and candidate availability.

Flexibility to work mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required based on operational needs.

This position is classified as non-exempt and is eligible for overtime compensation in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Old Carolina Barbecue Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Over 20 years ago, high school buddies Brian Bailey and Tim Hug discovered a world of sights, aromas, and tastes on a road trip to “The Cradle of Q” — the Carolinas. They discovered a not-so-secret world where recipes and techniques have been passed down through the generations in smokehouses, pits, and shacks. They fell in love with the mystique and the method, so Brian and Tim decided to bring Carolina low and slow BBQ up north to their native Ohio.
Everyone’s welcome at Old Carolina, and when you walk through the door you’re greeted by a smiling crew member ready to take your order. And with our “love at first bite or we’ll make it right” guarantee, we’ll do what it takes to ensure your meal is extraordinary. And when you leave, you’ll hear a “See ya next time!” Because after the first visit, you’re part of our family and we know you’ll be back.