Omakase Prep Cook

Job Type: Location Type: On-site

 

Situated in Downtown’s 2nd Street District, Austin Proper Hotel and Residences offers an artful immersion in lifestyle and wellbeing. With an emphasis on collaboration, Austin Proper features both inspired interiors by acclaimed designer Kelly Wearstler and is guided by the culinary creativity of Austin tastemaker MML Hospitality. Essentials include 238 rooms and suites; 99 branded residences; four unique settings for dining and drink; a focus on wellness with a dedicated spa and fitness center; and a variety of atmospheric event spaces. And it wouldn’t be Proper without a 5th floor pool deck offering small-batch tequilas and sunset views.

A new, intimate tasting menu restaurant is set to open at Austin Proper Hotel later this year. This chef-driven project will focus on precision and storytelling through food, offering a highly personalized and immersive dining experience. The culinary team brings international acclaim, and a philosophy rooted in discipline, creativity, and innovation. The concept will be rooted in French and Japanese styles.

The Omakase Prep Cook plays a vital support role within the culinary team. This entry-level position focuses on base prep, workstation maintenance, and both back-of-house and light guest-facing responsibilities. The Omakase Prep Cook must ensure readiness of ingredients, cleanliness of work areas, and smooth coordination with both kitchen and service teams, particularly in a kappo-style counter environment where visibility and speed are critical.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prep base items (stocks, sauces, vegetables, rice, garnish components)
• Support kitchen operations by assisting with mise-en-place and station handoff
• Hand dishes to guests at the counter when needed
• Clear plates discreetly during peak service periods
• Assist with pouring water, tea, or other beverages when FOH is under pressure
• Label and store inventory accurately per rotation schedule (FIFO)
• Maintain cleanliness of assigned prep and service areas
• Assist FOH team with light service duties as requested
• Reset and sanitize workstations between turns
• Support clearing, ware returning, and tidiness coordination with steward team
• Check and organize storage areas during daily opening tasks
• Assist prep team during bulk mise or closing shifts
• Maintain direct reporting line to the Head Chef – Kappo Counter

Additional Functions:

• Participate in team cleaning rotations and restocking
• Support closing and end-of-service reset checklist tasks
• Shadow senior cooks and grow technical station knowledge
• Provide support for kitchen safety and sanitation logs

Requirements:

• 1 year minimum kitchen experience or culinary school background
• Basic understanding of food handling and hygiene protocols
• Punctual, organized, and willing to take direction
• Comfortable with guest-facing interactions in counter-style service
• Valid food handler certificate required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic knife skills and familiarity with Japanese ingredients
• Experience working in an open kitchen or fast-paced prep environment
• Ability to speak Spanish is beneficial for back-of-house coordination
• Team-oriented attitude and commitment to high standards of cleanliness

Company Overview

Proper Hospitality is made up of a diverse group of passionate individuals who share a common love for hotels and the art of hospitality. Our philosophy is simple: There is a right way to do things and anything less just isn’t proper. We are seeking out the best of the best from inside and outside of the industry to work alongside us as we grow a new kind of lifestyle Hospitality Company inspired by a centuries-old tradition. The work is challenging and fast-paced but rewarding above all.

Proper Hospitality provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federal/state protected category.

Proper Hospitality will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.