Prep Cook
Posted on December 22, 2025
Olive Garden is a leading casual dining restaurant brand specializing in Italian-American cuisine. Known for its warm, inviting atmosphere and authentic dishes such as pasta, soup, lasagna, and signature sauces, Olive Garden prides itself on delivering a memorable dining experience to guests across the United States. As part of a larger family of restaurants under the Darden Restaurants umbrella, Olive Garden maintains a strong commitment to quality, customer service, and community. The brand emphasizes not only great food but also an inclusive work environment where team members feel valued and supported. The company culture centers on treating everyone like family, fostering teamwork, and offering opportunities for career growth and development. Olive Garden employs a diverse team of professionals who share a passion for hospitality and culinary excellence. The employment type for this position is variable depending on location, with pay adjusted accordingly to reflect local market standards.
The role of a Prep Cook at Olive Garden is integral to maintaining the high culinary standards the restaurant is known for. This position involves preparing and assembling ingredients with precision and care to contribute to the preparation of the menu items. A Prep Cook must have a strong passion for cooking and a keen attention to detail in executing recipes flawlessly. The role requires adherence to strict safety and sanitation guidelines to ensure a safe and clean kitchen environment for both team members and guests. Prep Cooks are responsible for chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, preparing sauces, and assisting chefs with recipe components, helping to support efficient kitchen operations. This entry-level kitchen position does not just demand technical cooking skills but also a dedication to teamwork and communication within a fast-paced kitchen setting.
Olive Garden values individuals who are committed to continuous learning and offer ongoing training programs to help team members build critical skills for their current and future roles. The company provides flexible scheduling to accommodate team members’ life commitments such as school, childcare, and family responsibilities. Benefits for Prep Cooks include free employee meals with a limited menu, weekly pay, anniversary pay, paid sick leave accruals, and paid family and medical leave after one year. Additionally, Olive Garden offers medical and dental insurance options, discounts on various products and services like cellphones and travel, and a 401(k) savings plan with company matching after one year of service. Employees can look forward to career advancement opportunities, with more than half of Olive Garden’s managers promoted from hourly positions. This opportunity makes the role of Prep Cook not only a great starting point in the hospitality industry but also a potential pathway to long-term career growth within the company.
In summary, working as a Prep Cook at Olive Garden means becoming part of a winning family where high standards, safety, and team member wellbeing are a priority. It is a role suited for individuals who are passionate about delivering quality meals and providing guests with a genuine Italian dining experience. Olive Garden invites motivated individuals who value a supportive work environment and the chance for career advancement to join their family and contribute to the continued success of the brand.
- Able to perform physical tasks such as lifting and standing for long periods
- Availability to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays
- Commitment to food safety and sanitation practices
- Ability to follow instructions accurately
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Reliable and punctual
- Able to work effectively as part of a team