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Restaurant Prep Cook Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Jackson's

Prep Cook

Reston, VA · On-site

$17/hr

Great American Restaurants has an award-winning collection of 14 restaurants, 3 artisan bakeries ... Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience! Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen?

Artie's

Prep Cook

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$17/hr

Great American Restaurants has an award-winning collection of 14 restaurants, 3 artisan bakeries ... Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience! Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen?

Mike's American

Prep Cook

Springfield, VA · On-site

$17/hr

Great American Restaurants has an award-winning collection of 14 restaurants, 3 artisan bakeries ... Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience! Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen?

Sweetwater Tavern Merrifield

Prep Cook

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$17/hr

Great American Restaurants has an award-winning collection of 14 restaurants, 3 artisan bakeries ... Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience! Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen?

Conejo Cocina Mexicana

Prep Cook

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Prep CookConejo, Mexican restaurant in Richmond, VA, is seeking part-time and full-time prep cooks to join our kitchen team! Starting prep cook wages of $16-$22/hour. Responsibilities include ...

WILLIAM & MARY THS LLC

Prep Cook

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Prep Cook Why This Job is Amazing: * Flexible Schedule : Enjoy working 32 weeks during the school ... restaurant. * Career Growth : Opportunity for growth in a supportive and engaging work environment.

The Capital Burger

Prep Cook

Reston, VA

$12.77 - $20.25/hr

Eligibility May Apply With genuine hospitality and a passion for teamwork, a Prep Cook will prep and prepare all food items offered in the restaurant while following recipe guidelines. A Prep Cook ...

Capital Grille

Prep Cook

Reston, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $20.25/hr

Eligibility May Apply With genuine hospitality and a passion for teamwork, a Prep Cook will prep and prepare all food items offered in the restaurant while following recipe guidelines. A Prep Cook ...

The Capital Burger

Prep Cook

Reston, VA

$12.77 - $20.25/hr

Eligibility May Apply With genuine hospitality and a passion for teamwork, a Prep Cook will prep and prepare all food items offered in the restaurant while following recipe guidelines. A Prep Cook ...

Thrive Restaurant Group

Prep Cook / Kitchen

Alexandria, VA

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

HomeGrown is different from any other restaurant job. We've taken the idea of everyday kindness and ... Prep Cook (Kitchen Team Member) Invitation: To love people by serving up great tasting and great ...

The Capital Grille

Prep Cook

Reston, VA

$12.77 - $20.25/hr

Eligibility May Apply With genuine hospitality and a passion for teamwork, a Prep Cook will prep and prepare all food items offered in the restaurant while following recipe guidelines. A Prep Cook ...

Emmy Squared Pizza

Prep Cook

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Minimum 1 year experience as a prep cook in a full-service restaurant (previous dough experience ... strongly preferred) * Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and prioritize responsibilities ...

Metro Diner

Prep Cook

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

PREP COOKS Established in 1992 as a family-owned eatery in Jacksonville, Florida, Metro Diner is ... Metro Diner is an Equal Opportunity Employer We offer great restaurant culinary careers for line ...

Thrive Restaurant Group

Prep Cook / Kitchen

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

HomeGrown is different from any other restaurant job. We've taken the idea of everyday kindness and ... Prep Cook (Kitchen Team Member) Invitation: To love people by serving up great tasting and great ...

Tucanos Brazilian Grill

Prep Cook

Newport News, VA · On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

Tucanos Brazilian Grill is a fun and festive restaurant concept, that values hard working and ... Prep Cook: As a prep cook at Tucanos, you will be responsible for preparing and providing ...

Torchy's Tacos

Prep Cook

Glen Allen, VA

$12 - $15/hr

Prep Cook/Tortilla Prep The Torchy's legacy began in Austin, Texas in 2006 with an idea, a dedicated executive chef, and a food trailer to now operating restaurants nationwide. Here's what we need:

Texas Roadhouse

Prep Cook

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Texas ... We have a fun culture with flexible work schedules, discounts in our restaurants, friendly ...

Ford's Garage

Prep Cook

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $16.75/hr

Ready to quit your day job and jump into the restaurant industry with us? We're not your average restaurant, and we don't want your average Prep Cook, better known as a Heart of House Hero. Are you ...

Texas Roadhouse

Prep Cook

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $22/hr

As a Prep Cook your responsibilities would include: * Reading a prep sheet * Following Bubba's 33 ... We have a fun culture with flexible work schedules, discounts in our restaurants, friendly ...

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All JobsRestaurant Prep Cook JobsRestaurant Prep Cook Jobs in Virginia

Restaurant Prep Cook information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do restaurant prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant prep cook in Virginia is $15.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by restaurant prep cooks, and how can they be managed effectively?

Restaurant prep cooks often face challenges such as working efficiently during busy periods, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and adhering to strict food safety standards. Staying organized, communicating clearly with other kitchen staff, and maintaining a clean workspace are key strategies for managing these demands. Additionally, prep cooks frequently adapt to changing menus and special requests, so flexibility and a strong attention to detail are essential for success in this role.

What is a restaurant prep cook?

Restaurant Prep Cooks are culinary professionals who work in the kitchen to prepare ingredients and assist chefs and cooks in the efficient production of menu items. Their primary responsibilities include washing and chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, preparing sauces, and ensuring that all food items are properly stored and labeled. Prep cooks play a vital role in maintaining kitchen organization and ensuring that meals are prepared quickly and safely. They often work behind the scenes but are essential to the smooth operation of any restaurant kitchen.

What is the difference between Restaurant Prep Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectRestaurant Prep CookLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesPreparing ingredients, chopping, portioning, basic food prepCooking dishes, managing station, plating
Skills & CertificationsBasic food safety, knife skills, food prep techniquesCooking techniques, timing, knife skills
Work EnvironmentKitchen prep area, early shiftsCooking stations, busy service hours
Typical EmployerRestaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering

While both roles work in restaurant kitchens, a Restaurant Prep Cook focuses on preparing ingredients and basic food prep, often before service begins. A Line Cook actively cooks and plates dishes during service. Both roles require food safety knowledge and knife skills, but the Prep Cook's work is more preparatory, whereas the Line Cook handles the cooking process during busy hours.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a restaurant prep cook?

To thrive as a Restaurant Prep Cook, you need a solid understanding of basic food preparation techniques, knife skills, and adherence to food safety standards, usually gained through on-the-job experience or culinary training. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, commercial-grade tools, and food storage systems is essential for efficient workflow. Attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are critical soft skills that set top performers apart in this fast-paced role. These skills and qualities ensure consistent food quality, operational efficiency, and a safe kitchen environment.
Restaurant Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Prep Cook job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,348 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Prep Cook

Jackson's

Reston, VA • On-site

$17/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Great American Restaurants has an award-winning collection of 14 restaurants, 3 artisan bakeries and a BBQ spot in Northern Virginia and Maryland offering fantastic cuisine and plenty of fun. We have been named a Top Workplace by The Washington Post, consistently ranking in the top employers in the area for more than 10 years. The dedication of our people is what sets our company apart, offering the best hospitality to our guests and each other every day.

Prep Cooks start at $17/hr or more based on experience!

Do you love to cook in a scratch kitchen? Are you quick with your hands? Then you should apply for our Prep Cook position! Our prep cooks are dedicated professionals who work as a team to guarantee our guests become raving fans. They know that Food is Fun and put extra love into every recipe!

Skills necessary include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Able to multitask
  • Cool and calm under pressure
  • Clean and organized
  • Thriving on a team
  • Flexibility
  • Work with a sense of urgency 100%

We believe that happy people make happy food. You’ll have a package of benefits:

  • Opportunity for growth
  • Great pay in a fast-paced setting (and paid training)
  • Employee food discount
  • Health insurance, PTO, and 401K based on eligibility

Great American Restaurants owns and operates 14 high volume restaurants, 3 artisan bakeries, and a BBQ spot in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Our locations include: Patsy’s American – Randy’s Prime Seafood & Steaks – Ozzie’s Good Eats – Jackson’s – Artie’s – Carlyle – Mike’s American – Silverado – Best Buns – Coastal Flats – Sweetwater Tavern – Stupid Good BBQ

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