Banquet Captain

Workstream; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Cherokee Country Club in Knoxville, Tennessee is seeking an experienced Banquet Captain to lead our Food & Beverage team during weddings, private parties, and club events. You will oversee banquet staff, review BEOs, and ensure flawless service from setup to breakdown.

The ideal candidate has hands-on banquet leadership, strong communication, and a commitment to hospitality excellence. You will train staff, maintain standards, and coordinate with culinary and event managers to create

Qualifications

• Previous hospitality experience is required.
• Past banquet or special event experience preferred.
• Leadership and communication skills essential.
• Able to lead a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee banquet staff during events.
• Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and communicate details to the team.
• Conduct pre-shift meetings and assign responsibilities.
• Oversee event setup to meet standards.
• Coordinate with culinary, banquet management and other departments for smooth execution.
• Monitor service and adjust as needed during events.
• Maintain a visible leadership presence and anticipate guest needs.
• Ensure professional, courteous service at all times.
• Assist with training and coaching banquet staff on standards.
• Ensure staff appearance and grooming meet standards.
• Address guest concerns promptly and discreetly.
• Oversee breakdown and prep for upcoming events.
• Ensure compliance with club policies and food-safety requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Staff training

Communication

Customer service

Attention to detail

Job description

Banquet Captain

Cherokee Country Club | Knoxville, Tennessee

Cherokee Country Club is seeking an experienced, professional, and service-driven Banquet Captain to join our Food & Beverage team. This position is an important leadership role responsible for helping create exceptional experiences for our members and their guests during weddings, private parties, club events, meetings, holiday celebrations, and other special functions. The ideal candidate will have previous hospitality experience and hands‑on banquet experience, along with the leadership skills and attention to detail necessary to successfully oversee events from setup through completion.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee banquet servers and support staff during assigned events.
• Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and communicate event details, timelines, and expectations to the team.
• Conduct pre-shift meetings and assign responsibilities to banquet staff.
• Oversee event setup to ensure rooms, tables, buffets, bars, and service areas meet Cherokee Country Club standards.
• Coordinate closely with the culinary team, banquet management, and other departments to ensure smooth and timely event execution.
• Monitor food and beverage service throughout events and make adjustments when necessary.
• Maintain a visible presence during events and anticipate the needs of members and guests.
• Ensure the banquet team provides professional, attentive, and courteous service at all times.
• Assist with training and coaching banquet employees on proper service standards and procedures.
• Ensure staff members maintain appropriate uniform, grooming, and professional appearance standards.
• Address member or guest concerns promptly, professionally, and discreetly.
• Oversee event breakdown and ensure banquet and event spaces are properly cleaned, organized, and prepared for upcoming functions.
• Ensure compliance with Cherokee Country Club policies, food safety requirements, and responsible alcohol service procedures.
• Assist banquet management and the Food & Beverage team with additional responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

• Previous hospitality experience is required.
• Previous banquet or special event experience is required.
• Previous experience as a Banquet Captain, Lead Banquet Server, or similar leadership position is strongly preferred.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills and a professional demeanor.
• Ability to lead by example and motivate a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to anticipate member and guest needs and respond quickly to service requests.
• Ability to remain professional and composed during busy or high‑pressure events.
• Dependable, punctual, and committed to teamwork.
• Knowledge of proper banquet service, event setup, and food and beverage service standards.

Schedule & Physical Requirements

The Banquet Captain must have a flexible schedule, including availability for evenings, weekends, holidays, and special club events. The position requires standing and walking for extended periods and the ability to lift, carry, move, and assist with items associated with banquet setup and service.

What It Means to Work at Cherokee

At Cherokee Country Club, exceptional service is at the heart of the member experience. We are looking for a Banquet Captain who takes pride in the details, leads by example, supports fellow employees, and understands the importance of making every event memorable. The successful candidate will be someone who brings positive energy to the team, takes ownership of the event experience, and is committed to maintaining the level of hospitality and professionalism our members expect.

Join the Cherokee Country Club team and help us create exceptional experiences for our members and their guests.

Founded in 1907, Cherokee Country Club is one of Tennessee’s premier recreational and social clubs and a valued asset to the Knoxville community.
We aspire to provide an outstanding family club experience where warm hospitality and a broad selection of high quality, year-round social and recreational activities generate a culture of community among our member families. We celebrate our history and traditions while responding to the ever-changing desires of our members.