Prep Cook

Join the Opening Team at JawFish Restaurant!

Something new is making waves in Portland, and we want you to be part of it.
The soon-to-open JawFish Restaurant (11707 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97220) is building its founding culinary team — and this is your chance to get in on the ground floor of an exciting project.

JawFish is part of a bold, large-scale revitalization project with the restaurant opening in late October or early November: the hotel next door is being completely renovated into a dual-branded Hyatt, with openings planned for 2026. While the hotel project takes shape, JawFish will be the first to open its doors — setting the stage for the property’s exciting new chapter. Right now, the restaurant may be under construction, but by late fall we’ll be ready to welcome guests.

We are hiring Prep Cooks to join our kitchen brigade. If you’re passionate about food, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to help shape the identity of a brand-new restaurant, this is the place for you.

A Prep Cook is an essential back-of-house team member responsible for executing all foundational tasks that ensure the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently during service. This role requires meticulous organization, attention to detail, a focus on food safety, and clear support of the line cooks.

Key responsibilities typically include:

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  Produce Preparation: Expertly washing, peeling, cutting, and dicing a large variety of fruits and vegetables to precise specifications, ensuring consistency for all menu items.
  


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  Sauce & Liquid Prep: Preparing stocks, vinaigrettes, marinades, and sauces from scratch, often involving the use of kitchen equipment like immersion blenders or commercial food processors.
  


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  Soup Production: Taking primary responsibility for milling, pureeing, and straining soups to achieve the desired texture and consistency, often involving handling hot liquids safely.
  


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  Ingredient Management: Measuring, weighing, and portioning ingredients accurately for all recipes (mise en place), including proteins, starches, and dry goods.
  


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  Station Support: Stocking and refreshing ingredients on the main line stations (e.g., refilling cold wells, ensuring portion cups are full, moving prepped items from walk-in to the line) prior to and during service.
  


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  Cleanliness & Organization: Maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation in all prep areas, including timely cleaning of tools, surfaces, and equipment.
  

The ideal candidate is highly self-motivated, can follow complex recipes and instructions accurately, and is capable of working independently in a fast-paced environment while actively supporting the needs of the cooking staff.

Why Join the JawFish Team?

• Be part of an opening team — rare opportunities to help shape the culture, menu, and guest experience from day one.


• Work in a brand-new, revitalized property that’s bringing fresh energy and excitement to the Portland Airport hospitality scene.


• Grow with us — as the restaurant and hotel thrive, so will your career opportunities.


• Competitive pay, benefits, and a supportive team environment.

Compensation & Benefits:

• 401K


• Vision


• Dental


• Medical


• Employer Paid Life Insurance 


• Room Discounts


• PTO


• Holidays 


• Flexible Scheduling


• Referral Bonus Opportunities 

Opening late October/early November — apply now and start your journey with us before we make a splash.

EOC Statement:
Vesta Hospitality provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job-related qualifications and ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.