Lead Prep Cook in Charlotte, North Carolina at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery LLC

Set the prep standard. Lead the foundation.

Reports To: Corporate Executive Chef & Executive ChefLocation: BallantynePosition Type: Hourly

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (OMB) is one of Charlotte's premier destinations for craft beer. Founded in 2009, OMB brews exclusively to the German Purity Law of 1516 — Reinheitsgebot — which requires every beer be made with only four ingredients: water, barley, hops, and yeast. That standard of tradition and authenticity runs through everything we do.

Our original location sits in Charlotte's Lower South End (LoSo) and features a state-of-the-art production facility, a full-service restaurant, and a one-acre biergarten. In Spring 2024, we expanded with a second location in Ballantyne — a two-story, 14,000-square-foot restaurant and biergarten built to host even more of our community. Our beers are distributed across North Carolina through an independent wholesaler network.

OMB is proud of its community involvement and its place in Charlotte's beer scene — an iconic representation of German brewing tradition in the South.

Serve as a member of OMB's Culinary Management Team, frequently interacting with both the Culinary Team and Service Team. Lead OMB's prep operation at the Ballantyne location.

• Prepare ingredients for daily prep pars.
• Organize and measure ingredients accurately.
• Wash, peel, and chop vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
• Prepare proteins.
• Prepare sauces, dressings, and other condiments.
• Label and date prepared items to ensure freshness and proper rotation.
• Safely utilize kitchen equipment such as knives, slicers, peelers, food processors, blenders, and mixers.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace.
• Ensure that each OMB food item is prepared with the highest quality care and craftsmanship.
• Follow all recipes and guidelines set forth by culinary management.
• Ensure that all stations remain stocked and that logs and par sheets are maintained.
• Oversee daily prep operations, setting prep pars and prioritizing the prep list to keep the kitchen ahead of service.
• Conduct regular quality checks on ingredients and prepared items to ensure they meet OMB's standards.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate ordering needs to culinary management.
• Understand temperature regulations and manage temperature logs.
• Train and mentor prep staff, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in handling changing priorities and high-pressure situations.
• Follow food service guidelines set forth by the health department.
• Perform additional duties as requested by the Executive Chef.
• Assist in catered event execution.

• Culinary degree or culinary training at a high-volume food establishment.
• Knowledge of professional cooking and knife handling skills.
• Previous prep cook experience.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Knowledge of safety, sanitation, and food handling procedures.
• Experience using both a slicer and a food processor.
• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and managers.
• Ability to transport up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure.
• Understanding of proper use and maintenance of major kitchen equipment.
• Team player attitude.
• Punctual and reliable.
• Embodies OMB's 6 core values.

• Compensation: $20–$22/hour base pay, dependent on qualifications.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision (full-time employees).
• 401(k): Retirement plan with company match.
• Beer Stipend: Free beer stipend for OMB staff.
• Employee Discount: On food, merchandise, and beer.
• Family Dinner: Complimentary family meal.
• Growth: Room to grow across both locations and departments.
• Culture: Join a team that takes its craft — and its guests — seriously.

1. Dedication to quality, no shortcuts
2. Integrity, do the right thing
3. Service-minded
4. Point of pride in the community
5. Lead, don't follow
6. Team

All candidates must pass a pre-employment / post-offer background check. Applications are reviewed regularly for both locations; if we'd like to move forward, HR will reach out via phone or email. Positions are posted and maintained regularly — if you have not received communication from HR, we may not have an open position at this time, but may contact you for a future one. OMB participates in E-Verify for employment verification. OMB is an equal opportunity employer that hires individuals based on job-related qualifications and abilities.

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery • Charlotte, NC • Since 2009