Join a Culinary Team Raising the Standard for School Nutrition.
At The School Gourmet, we’re committed to preparing fresh, nutritious meals that students enjoy and families trust. We’re seeking experienced, detail-oriented Kitchen Assistants (Prep Cooks) who take pride in their craft and thrive in a professional kitchen environment.
This is more than a prep cook position—it’s an opportunity to join a growing culinary team that values excellence, consistency, and teamwork.
What You’ll Do
● Prepare fresh ingredients according to standardized recipes and production schedules
● Assist in producing high-volume breakfast and lunch meals with precision and consistency
● Ensure food is prepared, portioned, and presented according to company standards
● Follow all food safety, sanitation, and HACCP procedures
● Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workstation throughout each shift
● Assist with receiving deliveries, rotating inventory (FIFO), and proper food storage
● Support the Head Chef and kitchen leadership in daily operations
● Contribute to a positive, professional team culture
Required Qualifications
● Minimum 1–2 years of commercial kitchen, catering, institutional, cafeteria, or restaurant prep experience
● Strong knife skills and knowledge of proper food preparation techniques
● Ability to accurately follow recipes and production sheets
● Working knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
● Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen
● Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds
● Reliable transportation and excellent attendance record
Preferred Qualifications
● ServSafe Food Handler or ServSafe Manager Certification (preferred; certification may be required after hire if not currently certified)
● Experience in school nutrition, colleges, universities, hospitals, catering, or other institutional food service
● Experience preparing meals in high-volume production kitchens
● Familiarity with USDA school meal standards or large-batch cooking is a plus
● Culinary school coursework or formal culinary training is a bonus
We’re Looking For Professionals Who...
● Hold themselves to a high standard of excellence
● Take ownership of their work
● Have exceptional attention to detail
● Work with urgency while maintaining quality
● Are dependable, punctual, and accountable
● Thrive in a collaborative team environment
● Maintain a clean and organized workspace without being reminded
● Have a genuine passion for preparing quality food
Why The School Gourmet?
● Competitive pay based on experience
● Consistent weekday schedule with improved work-life balance
● Growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding company
● Professional, team-oriented kitchen environment
● Opportunity to make a lasting impact by serving nutritious meals to students every day
We’re Growing!
The School Gourmet is hiring 20+ team members across multiple departments.
This position is based at Savannah Classical School in Savannah, Georgia. We’re also expanding throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area, with multiple new opportunities becoming available as we continue to grow.
Apply Today
If you’re an experienced culinary professional who values quality, teamwork, and purpose, we’d love to hear from you.
At The School Gourmet, every meal matters—and every team member helps set the standard.
Work Location: In person
Read LessLead a Kitchen That Makes a Difference.
At The School Gourmet, we’re redefining what school meals can be. We believe every child deserves fresh, nutritious, chef-inspired meals prepared with excellence, and we’re looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead our culinary team.
This is not your typical restaurant position.
We’re seeking a culinary leader who is passionate about food, thrives in high-volume production, builds strong teams, and takes pride in creating systems that deliver exceptional quality every single day.
If you’re an experienced chef who enjoys mentoring others, maintaining high standards, and leading with integrity, we’d love to meet you.
Reports To: Director of Operations / Executive Leadership
Salary negotiable based on experience and qualifications
What You’ll Be Responsible For
Kitchen Leadership & Operations
Oversee daily operations of the central kitchen and/or onsite school kitchensEnsure consistency, quality, and efficiency in high-volume meal productionMaintain clean, organized, and compliant kitchen environmentsManage food preparation, packaging, and service executionMenu Development & Food Quality
Develop and execute menus aligned with National School Lunch Program (NSLP)standardsCreate nutritious, appealing meals using whole, high-quality ingredientsStandardize recipes and ensure consistency across all sitesContinuously improve menu offerings based on feedback and performanceStaff Training & Development
Train kitchen and production staff on culinary techniques, food safety, and operational proceduresEstablish clear systems for food prep, storage, and serviceLead by example in professionalism, organization, and kitchen excellenceInventory, Procurement & Cost Control
Order supplies and manage vendor relationshipsOversee food costing and maintain budget targetsMonitor inventory levels and reduce wasteCompliance & Safety
Ensure compliance with USDA, NSLP, and local health department regulationsMaintain ServSafe and food safety standards across all operationsCollaboration & Growth
Work closely with leadership to scale and improve operationsParticipate in hiring and onboarding kitchen staffSupport events, tastings, and community engagement initiativesWhat Success Looks Like
Consistently delivering high-quality, nutritious meals at scaleBuilding a well-trained, efficient, and accountable kitchen teamCreating systems that improve consistency, speed, and food qualityDriving student satisfaction and engagement with mealsMaintaining strong cost control and operational excellenceRequired Qualifications
Culinary degree is preferred OR experienced applicants with verifiable references2–5+ years of professional culinary experience (high-volume preferred)Previous kitchen leadership or supervisory experienceServSafe Certified (or ability to obtain)Experience with school nutrition programs or NSLP (preferred)Strong understanding of food costing and kitchen operationsPassion for nutrition and cooking for childrenPreferred Qualifications
We’re Looking For Someone Who...
We’re Growing!
The School Gourmet is hiring 20+ team members across multiple departments.
This Head Chef position is one of several leadership opportunities available as we expand our operations. We also have multiple positions opening throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area, creating exciting opportunities for long-term career growth.
Apply Today
If you’re an experienced culinary professional looking to lead with purpose, build exceptional teams, and leave a lasting impact on the next generation, we’d love to hear from you.
Excellence starts in the kitchen. Help us set the standard for school nutrition.
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