Banquet Cook II

Loews Hotels & Co; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition Reimbursement

Team Member Hotel Rates

Pet Insurance

Health & wellness benefits

401(k) & company match

Paid Sick Days

Vacation and Holidays

Paid Bereavement

Job summary

Loews Chicago Hotel is seeking a Banquet Cook II to join our culinary team. You will prepare and cook hot and cold items for conferences, weddings, and corporate events, delivering dishes with consistency and pace.

You’ll set up and maintain banquet kitchen stations, coordinate with Banquet Chef and Cook I, ensure proper presentation and portioning, and uphold food safety standards while supporting a positive, collaborative service environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years’ hotel/banquet or catering kitchen experience.
• Knowledge of banquet service, buffet prep, large-volume cooking.
• ServSafe preferred.
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays and early/late shifts.
• Strong communication and teamwork.
• Able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook hot and cold menu items according to BEOs and recipes.
• Set up, operate, and maintain assigned banquet kitchen stations (grill, sauté, carving station, buffet prep).
• Work with Cook I and Banquet Chef to ensure on-time delivery with proper presentation.
• Maintain mise en place and cleanliness throughout service.
• Assist in plating and food service for buffet and plated meals.
• Ensure food is stored, labeled, and handled per health/sanitation standards.

Skills

Knife skills

Pantry & station setup

Grill & sauté techniques

Mother sauces

Food safety knowledge

Teamwork

Stamina / standing long hours

Flexibility

Equipment operation

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

## Banquet Cook IIApplylocations: IL - Chicago - Loews Chicago Hoteltime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: R0086685Loews Chicago Hotel offers careers steps from Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile. Team members deliver elevated hospitality with skyline and lake views in a central location that blends city energy, convenience and the comforts of home for guests. **Who We Are**: Founded in 1960, Loews Hotels & Co operates iconic hotels and resorts across the U.S. Together, our diverse and welcoming teams craft exceptional experiences in iconic destinations. **Growth and belonging start here**; you’ll be valued for who you are and the goals you have. Whether your next career chapter involves making memories for guests or supporting our properties in our Corporate Office, every role—from Guest Services to Finance, Culinary to IT—offers opportunities to grow and make a meaningful impact. Creating a Team Member experience where you belong no matter what age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status that makes you, you is a daily focus for us. **What We Offer**:* Competitive health & wellness benefits, 401(k) & company match* Paid Sick Days, Vacation, and Holidays, Paid Bereavement, Paid Pet Bereavement* Training & Development opportunities, career growth* Tuition Reimbursement* Pet Insurance* Team Member Hotel Rates, other discounts, perks and more **What We’re Looking For**:The Banquet Cook II is a skilled, mid-level position responsible for preparing and cooking high-quality food for hotel banquet events, including conferences, weddings, corporate functions, and private dining. This role supports the Banquet Cook I and culinary leadership in executing large-volume food production with consistency, efficiency, and professionalism.**Who You Are**:A Banquet Cook II must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation:* Experienced in knife skills.* Ability to work pantry, grill and sauté station.* Knowledge on grill cooking temperature, and sauté techniques.* Knowledge of basic mother sauces.* Ability to work under pressure, handle multiple tasks and difficult situations.* Knowledge of operating all kitchen equipment.* Ability to lift and carry food service trays weighting 35+ pounds.* Ability to stand, stoop, bend repetitively during entire shift.* Veterans and military spouses are encouraged to apply.**What You’ll Do**:* Prepare and cook hot and cold menu items according to event-specific Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and hotel recipes.* Set up, operate, and maintain assigned banquet kitchen stations (e.g., grill, sauté, carving station, buffet prep).* Work with Cook I and Banquet Chef to ensure all food is delivered on time, with proper presentation and portion control.* Maintain mise en place and cleanliness throughout service.* Assist in plating and food service for buffet and plated meal functions.* Ensure food is stored, labeled, and handled in compliance with health department and hotel sanitation standards.* Support Cook III and junior team members with training and guidance as needed.* Collaborate with event service staff to ensure banquet timelines and guest expectations are met.* Respond to last-minute changes or requests with flexibility and a solutions-oriented attitude.* Regular attendance in conformance with standards.* May be required to work varying schedules to reflect business needs.* Required to attend all mandatory training sessions and meetings.* Perform other duties as assigned.**Your Qualification Include**:**Required*** Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a hotel, banquet, or catering kitchen.* Knowledge of banquet-style service, buffet preparation, and large-volume cooking techniques.* Familiarity with food safety and sanitation standards (ServSafe Certification preferred).* Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and early/late shifts based on event needs.* Strong communication and teamwork skills.* Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.* Ability to work flexible schedule to include weekends and holidays.**Preferred*** High School Diploma or equivalent.The wage for this position is $26.94.Visit this site to view benefits this role may be eligible for based on classification:Loews Hotels Benefits