Prep Cook Position Job Description
King’s Famous Barbecue Location: 2910 S Crater Rd, Petersburg, VA 23805
Job Type: Full-time / Part-time (Flexible shifts, including early mornings for prep, weekends, and support during service hours)
Reports to: Kitchen Manager / Operations Manager / Pitmaster
King’s Famous Barbecue is a cherished Petersburg landmark founded in 1946, famous for its authentic Virginia-style pit-smoked barbecue — whole hog pork, shoulders, beef, and chicken — slow-cooked over wood, hand-chopped to order, and served with our signature sauce and beloved homemade sides like potato cakes, hush puppies, coleslaw, Brunswick stew, and more. After a 30-month closure, the restaurant is actively preparing to reopen in 2026, with owner Matt Keeler leading the revival to bring back this community icon. The Prep Cook is an essential behind-the-scenes role, focusing on foundational prep work to support the pitmaster, meatcutters, line cooks, and overall kitchen flow, ensuring fresh, high-quality ingredients are ready for every shift and every legendary plate.
Key Responsibilities
- Wash, peel, chop, slice, dice, and portion fresh produce, vegetables, herbs, and other ingredients for sides, salads, sauces, and garnishes
- Prepare homemade sides and staples in bulk — mixing hush puppy batter, forming potato cakes, prepping coleslaw, barbecue beans, and other Southern classics according to King’s time-honored recipes
- Measure, mix, and prepare sauces, marinades, rubs, and dressings to maintain consistent flavor profiles
- Assist with basic meat prep as directed (trimming, portioning raw meats for smoking, or supporting post-smoke handling)
- Stock and organize kitchen stations for efficient service, labeling and dating items, and rotating stock using FIFO (first in, first out) to minimize waste
- Monitor ingredient inventory, notify management of low stock or needs, and help receive/put away deliveries
- Maintain strict food safety and sanitation standards — proper temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and thorough cleaning of prep areas, tools, and equipment
- Perform deep cleaning tasks during slower periods, including breaking down stations, sanitizing surfaces, washing dishes and organizing walk-ins/coolers
- Support the team during busy rushes by jumping in on basic assembly, plating support, or other kitchen duties as needed
- Follow opening/closing checklists for the prep area, ensuring everything is set up or broken down properly
Requirements & Qualifications
- Previous prep cook, kitchen helper, or restaurant prep experience preferred (especially in Southern, barbecue, or scratch kitchens), but we provide solid training for motivated candidates!
- Strong knife skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow recipes precisely for consistency
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, hot kitchen environment and stand for long periods
- Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented — we’re a family-run business rebuilding together
- Physical ability to lift 50+ lbs (cases of produce/meat, heavy pots) and work in varying temperatures
- Basic food safety knowledge (food handler’s certification or willingness to obtain one required)
- Enthusiasm for authentic Virginia barbecue and eagerness to contribute to the 2026 reopening
What You Can Expect
- Be part of an exciting revival — help restore an 80-year-old Petersburg tradition and serve generations of fans!
- Free or discounted meals during shifts
- Competitive pay for the area
- Flexible scheduling in a close-knit, family-oriented kitchen
- Opportunities to cross-train and advance (e.g., to line cook, meatcutter, or other roles) as we grow post-reopening
- Pride in prepping the fresh ingredients that make King’s melt-in-your-mouth barbecue and sides so special
If you’re detail-oriented, hardworking, and passionate about quality food, the Prep Cook position at King’s Famous Barbecue is a great opportunity to join our dedicated team as we reopen in 2026!