Banquet Cook (Seasonal Full-Time)

This is your opportunity to be part of something exceptional. Join a distinguished culinary team led by Michelin-starred Executive Chef and Culinary Director Nick Dostal, where classic technique meets modern creativity in a kitchen dedicated to excellence. Refine your skills, work with premium ingredients, and grow alongside some of Chicago’s most respected chefs. Be part of a historic club — and help shape culinary history, one plate at a time.

Job Summary: The Banquet Cook will play a key role in preparing high-quality meals for large events, ensuring food consistency, taste, and presentation meet the highest standards. The ideal candidate will have a passion for cooking, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a high-pressure environment while maintaining excellent food quality.

Reports to: Nick Dostal (Executive Chef & Culinary Director), Executive Sous Chef & Banquet Chef on duty

Role Status: Seasonal Full-Time (Benefits Eligible)

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation: Prepare and cook food for banquet events in accordance with established recipes and standards, ensuring timely and efficient production.

Quality Control: Ensure the quality, taste, and presentation of all dishes meet company standards. Monitor the consistency and presentation of food to ensure it is visually appealing and flavorful.

Menu Adherence: Follow banquet menus and recipes precisely, making adjustments, when necessary, while ensuring portion control and food safety standards are maintained.

Collaboration: Work closely with the Banquet Chef and other kitchen staff to plan and coordinate the preparation of large-scale events. Communicate effectively with team members to ensure smooth kitchen operations.

Food Safety: Adhere to all food safety and sanitation guidelines, including proper storage, handling, and temperature control of food items.

Consistency: Maintain consistency in taste, texture, and presentation for each banquet event. Ensure that food is consistently prepared to meet or exceed guest expectations.

Kitchen Maintenance: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment, including cleaning equipment, utensils, and workstations after use.

Special Requests: Accommodate special dietary requests or menu modifications as needed, ensuring that all guests' needs are met.

Inventory: Assist with loading in items and unpacking as needed, including cleaning and organizing the coolers to ensure FIFO.

All other duties as assigned by the chef on duty.

Qualifications/Requirements

At least 1 year of experience as a banquet cook in a high-volume setting or similar role

High School diploma: must be able to read/write in English, have Basic math skills, and understand units of measurement.

Must have a valid Food Handler’s Certificate and always maintain it.

Must be able to report to work on time Monday-Friday and have the flexibility to work weekends and/or overtime.

Knowledge of food preparation techniques, cooking methods, and kitchen safety standards.

Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining a focus on quality.

Strong communication and teamwork skills.

A passion for cooking and an eye for detail.

Ability to follow recipes, portion controls, and adjust for large-scale food production.

Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required for special events.

Physical Demands

Must be able to stand and walk for the duration of the shift; up to 12 hours.

Must be able to use hands to handle objects, tools, kitchen appliances & pots, and pans.

Must be able to reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop or crouch, taste, and smell.

Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 40lbs

Must be able to hear, see and taste to ensure up to standard food quality.

Must be able to comply with personal grooming and uniform guidelines.

We participate in E-Verify / Participamos en E-Verify

*Due to the high volume of candidates, please refrain from calling directly*

Hourly Compensation Range: $23.00 - $25.00

Benefits & Perks: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, 401k, Commuter Benefits, Free uniforms, and Employee meals