Dishwasher / Prep Cook

Old Carolina Barbecue Company (BBQ)

Full-Time or Part-Time Hourly Position

Pay: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour (includes tips)

Actual earnings may vary based on hours worked and tip participation.

Great BBQ Starts Behind the Scenes. Be Part of the Team That Makes It Happen.

Old Carolina Barbecue Company is looking for dependable, hardworking individuals who take pride in keeping a kitchen clean, organized, and ready to deliver great food.

As a Dishwasher / Prep Cook, you'll play an essential role in supporting our restaurant team through dishwashing, kitchen sanitation, and hands-on BBQ preparation. From maintaining clean equipment to helping prepare and load meats into our smokers, your work helps ensure our guests enjoy the authentic barbecue Old Carolina is known for.

Whether you have previous restaurant experience or are looking for your first opportunity in the industry, we'll provide the training, support, and opportunities needed to succeed.

About Old Carolina Barbecue Company

Old Carolina Barbecue Company was built on a passion for authentic barbecue and a commitment to great hospitality. Before opening our first restaurant in Massillon, Ohio, we started as a competitive BBQ team dedicated to perfecting the craft of slow-smoked barbecue.

While our home is in North Canton, Ohio, our recipes, traditions, and cooking techniques are inspired by the rich barbecue heritage of the Carolinas. Today, Old Carolina Barbecue Company proudly operates eight locations throughout Northeast Ohio and Pennsylvania, serving authentic BBQ made with quality ingredients, time-honored methods, and a genuine commitment to our guests.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for team members who value teamwork, reliability, food quality, and being part of a company committed to operational excellence.

Why Join Old Carolina Barbecue Company?

• Competitive hourly earnings that include tip income
• Flexible full-time and part-time schedules
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for eligible team members
• Paid vacation for eligible full-time team members
• Free meals during shifts
• Company-provided uniforms
• Paid training
• Opportunities for advancement and promotion from within
• Supportive and team-oriented culture

The Opportunity

Every great restaurant depends on a strong team working behind the scenes.

Our Dishwasher / Prep Cooks help keep Old Carolina Barbecue Company running smoothly by maintaining clean dishes, equipment, and workspaces while assisting with the preparation of our signature slow-smoked BBQ.

You'll gain valuable experience in kitchen operations, food preparation, smoker procedures, sanitation, and teamwork.

For individuals interested in learning more about restaurant operations, this position can provide a foundation for future opportunities as a Cook, Kitchen Prep Associate, or other positions within our growing company.

Key Responsibilities

Dishwashing & Kitchen Organization

• Wash, rinse, and sanitize dishes, utensils, cookware, and kitchen equipment according to company procedures
• Maintain clean and organized dishwashing and storage areas
• Return clean dishes, utensils, and equipment to their designated locations
• Ensure clean dishes and kitchen equipment are readily available for restaurant operations
• Maintain proper sanitation practices throughout the shift

BBQ Preparation & Smoker Support

• Assist with preparing pork, brisket, and other BBQ products according to company recipes and procedures
• Apply seasonings and rubs to meats according to established standards
• Assist with loading meats into smokers following company procedures and safety requirements
• Support BBQ production and preparation activities as directed by management
• Follow proper food handling, storage, and sanitation procedures

Kitchen Cleaning & Maintenance

• Clean and sanitize smokers and smoker doors as directed by management
• Maintain cleanliness of smoker room tables, floors, and surrounding work areas
• Sweep, mop, and maintain kitchen and backroom floors
• Remove trash and maintain designated waste disposal areas
• Keep kitchen equipment, workstations, and storage areas clean and organized
• Complete assigned cleaning and sanitation tasks

Teamwork & Operational Support

• Communicate effectively with managers and fellow team members
• Assist with additional kitchen preparation and cleaning responsibilities as needed
• Follow daily procedures, checklists, and management direction
• Work efficiently to support restaurant readiness and smooth operations
• Promote a positive, dependable, and team-oriented work environment

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous restaurant, dishwashing, kitchen, food preparation, or food service experience preferred
• Strong work ethic and dependable attendance
• Ability to follow instructions and established procedures
• Attention to cleanliness, organization, and food safety
• Ability to work independently and manage assigned responsibilities
• Willingness to learn BBQ preparation and smoker procedures
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment
• Positive attitude and team-oriented mindset
• High school diploma or GED preferred

No experience? No problem. We are willing to train motivated individuals who are dependable, hardworking, and eager to learn.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed
• Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Ability to handle dishes, kitchen equipment, food products, and cleaning supplies safely
• Ability to work in a kitchen environment that may include heat, moisture, and moderate noise
• Ability to safely operate dishwashing equipment and assist with smoker-related tasks following established procedures
• Ability to work in indoor kitchen areas and occasionally in outdoor conditions as required

Work Schedule

This position may be offered as either full-time or part-time based on business needs and candidate availability.

Flexibility to work mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required based on operational needs.

This position is classified as non-exempt and is eligible for overtime compensation in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Old Carolina Barbecue Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Over 20 years ago, high school buddies Brian Bailey and Tim Hug discovered a world of sights, aromas, and tastes on a road trip to “The Cradle of Q” — the Carolinas. They discovered a not-so-secret world where recipes and techniques have been passed down through the generations in smokehouses, pits, and shacks. They fell in love with the mystique and the method, so Brian and Tim decided to bring Carolina low and slow BBQ up north to their native Ohio.
Everyone’s welcome at Old Carolina, and when you walk through the door you’re greeted by a smiling crew member ready to take your order. And with our “love at first bite or we’ll make it right” guarantee, we’ll do what it takes to ensure your meal is extraordinary. And when you leave, you’ll hear a “See ya next time!” Because after the first visit, you’re part of our family and we know you’ll be back.

Salary

$15.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits

Tips, Flexible schedule, Paid time off, Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Disability insurance, Referral program, Employee discount, Paid training

Job Type

Full time, Part time

Schedule

Night shift, Weekend availability