Dishwasher / Prep Cook – Modern Persian Restaurant
Location: Newport Beach, CA
VATAN is an upscale, chef-driven Persian restaurant in Newport Beach offering a modern interpretation of Persian cuisine through refined small plates, premium California ingredients, and elegant presentation.
We are looking for a dependable, hardworking Dishwasher / Prep Cook to join our kitchen team. This is an important hands-on role responsible for keeping the kitchen clean, organized, and running efficiently while also assisting the culinary team with food preparation.
We are looking for someone who takes pride in keeping a clean workplace, works well as part of a team, and is willing to learn and take on additional kitchen responsibilities.
Responsibilities
* Wash and sanitize dishes, cookware, utensils, kitchen equipment, and food-preparation tools.
* Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient dishwashing area throughout the shift.
* Keep floors, sinks, work surfaces, storage areas, and kitchen equipment clean and sanitary.
* Properly handle trash, recycling, and waste.
* Return clean dishes, cookware, and equipment to their proper locations.
* Assist cooks and chefs with basic food preparation as needed.
* Wash, peel, cut, portion, and prepare vegetables, herbs, and other ingredients according to chef direction.
* Assist with portioning, labeling, dating, and properly storing prepared foods and ingredients.
* Help receive and organize food and supply deliveries.
* Restock kitchen stations and supplies as needed.
* Follow proper food handling, sanitation, and storage procedures.
* Follow all food safety and health department requirements.
* Support the kitchen team during busy service periods and help wherever needed to keep operations running smoothly.
Qualifications
* Previous restaurant, dishwasher, kitchen utility, or food-preparation experience preferred, but not required.
* Willingness to learn basic food preparation and kitchen techniques.
* Reliable, punctual, and able to maintain a consistent work schedule.
* Strong attention to cleanliness and organization.
* Able to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
* Positive attitude and willingness to help other members of the kitchen team.
* Able to follow instructions and established kitchen procedures.
* Comfortable standing for extended periods and performing physical kitchen work, including lifting, carrying, bending, and cleaning.
* Food Handler Certification or ability to obtain one as required.
* Persian or Middle Eastern culinary experience is not required.
Compensation & Benefits
* Competitive hourly pay based on experience.
* Opportunities for additional hours and advancement as the restaurant grows.
* On-the-job training in food preparation and professional kitchen operations.
* Opportunity to develop culinary skills and potentially grow into a Prep Cook or Line Cook position.
* Opportunity to grow with an independent, chef-driven restaurant.
Why VATAN?
At VATAN, every member of the kitchen team plays an important role in the quality of the restaurant.
A clean, organized kitchen is the foundation of great food and great service. We value team members who are dependable, work with urgency, take pride in their work, and are willing to help wherever needed.
For someone interested in learning more about professional cooking, this position also provides an opportunity to gain hands-on food preparation experience and develop skills that can lead to additional kitchen responsibilities.
If you’re hardworking, dependable, and interested in joining a growing modern Persian restaurant in Newport Beach, we’d love to meet you.
Please submit your resume or a brief summary of your restaurant or kitchen experience.
