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- Tasks: Prepare fresh ingredients and support chefs in a busy BBQ kitchen.
- Company: Join Hickory’s Smokehouse, crowned Best Pub Employer 2025!
- Benefits: Earn up to £15.66 per hour plus tips, with great perks.
- Why this job: Kickstart your culinary career in a fun, fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for food and teamwork; experience is a bonus but not required.
- Other info: Enjoy training, team socials, and a supportive work culture.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Start an exciting new chapter in your hospitality career at Hickory’s Smokehouse, proudly crowned Best Pub Employer 2025 at The Publican Awards. We’re looking for a Prep Chef to support our wider kitchen team in one of our busy, high-energy BBQ kitchens.
Pay & Benefits
- Up to £15.66 per hour, including Tip Jar
- That’s up to £3.00 per hour in tips
About the Role – Prep Chef
As a Prep Chef, you’ll play a vital role in keeping the kitchen running smoothly by preparing fresh ingredients and supporting our chefs during service. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to develop their skills in a professional kitchen or progress into a Chef role.
Key Responsibilities:
- Food preparation and basic cooking duties
- Supporting the wider kitchen team during busy services
- Maintaining high food safety and hygiene standards
- Helping with stock prep and organisation
- Working as part of a fast-paced, supportive team
No BBQ experience? No problem — full training is provided.
Why Join Hickory’s Smokehouse?
Our kitchens are busy, exciting places — hubs of excellence for BBQ, grilling, smoking, and hands-on training. We believe in work-life balance, real progression, and investing in our people. You work hard for us — and we invest in you.
What We’re Looking For
- A passion for food and hospitality
- A positive, team-focused attitude
- Willingness to learn and develop kitchen skills
- Experience as a Prep Chef, Kitchen Assistant, Commis Chef, or similar is beneficial but not essential
Thank You’s & Benefits
- Work in a £250k bespoke-built kitchen with authentic smokers imported from the USA
- Award-winning training & progression via Hickory’s Training Academy
- Birthday reward meal for you & your friends – every year
- Free BBQ food on shift
- Christmas Day off – every year
- Paid occasion days off (weddings, moving home, family moments & more)
- Team Player Card – 25% discount (up to 50% with long service)
- Wellbeing support & 24-hour wellness programme
- Regular team socials & events
- Fundraising opportunities for Cash For Kids
- Up to £500 Refer a Friend bonus
If you’re looking for a Prep Chef role, or a way to start or grow your career in hospitality, click apply now and join the Hickory’s Smokehouse team. One heck of a ride awaits.
Prep Chef in Crewe employer: Hickory's Smokehouse
Contact Detail:
Hickory's Smokehouse Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prep Chef in Crewe
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen vibe! If you can, pop by Hickory’s Smokehouse for a casual chat with the team. It shows your enthusiasm and gives you a feel for the place.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for food! When you get the chance, share your favourite BBQ dishes or cooking experiences during your interview. It’ll help you stand out as a genuine foodie.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to learn! Emphasise your willingness to pick up new skills and adapt in a fast-paced environment. Hickory’s is all about growth, so show them you’re keen to develop.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Hickory’s family.
We think you need these skills to ace Prep Chef in Crewe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food and hospitality shine through. Share any experiences or moments that sparked your interest in the kitchen — we want to see your enthusiasm!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Prep Chef role at Hickory’s Smokehouse. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences, even if they’re from different roles — we appreciate a diverse background!
Keep It Clear and Concise: We love a well-structured application! Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use bullet points for key skills or experiences to make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy — just a few clicks and you’re on your way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hickory's Smokehouse
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with common ingredients and cooking techniques relevant to BBQ and grilling. Being able to discuss your favourite dishes or how you would prepare certain items can show your passion for food and hospitality.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work in a fast-paced team environment. Share examples from past experiences where you supported your colleagues during busy times, as this is crucial for a role in a bustling kitchen like Hickory’s Smokehouse.
✨Ask About Training Opportunities
Since Hickory’s offers extensive training, don’t hesitate to ask about the training process during your interview. This shows your eagerness to learn and develop your skills, which aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Highlight Your Hygiene Knowledge
Food safety and hygiene are paramount in any kitchen. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of these standards and how you’ve applied them in previous roles, even if they were informal or at home.
