Banquet Cook II (Part-time)

loewshotels; Rosemont (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) match

Paid time off

Training & development

Tuition reimbursement

Pet insurance

Hotel discounts

Job summary

Loews Chicago O'Hare is seeking a skilled Banquet Cook II to prepare high-quality food for large events. You will work with Cook I and culinary leadership to deliver consistent, timely service for conferences, weddings, and corporate functions.

Ideal candidates have at least 2 years in hotel banquet or catering kitchens, knowledge of large-volume cooking and food safety. Elevate guest experiences with precise mise en place, teamwork, and a professional approach.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years 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.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook hot and cold menu items per event-specific 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.

Skills

Knife skills

Pantry, grill & sauté

Grill cooking techniques

Sauté techniques

Mother sauces

Food safety & sanitation

Pressure handling

Teamwork

Communication

Stamina for long shifts

Lift up to 50 lbs

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

Situated between vibrant Downtown Chicago and O'Hare International Airport, Loews Chicago O'Hare combines accessibility, comfort and style. Guests enjoy spacious and sophisticated accommodations, luxury amenities and complimentary airport shuttle service all designed to create a seamless stay for both business and leisure travelers.

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

• 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 weighing 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 $22.60. Visit this site to view benefits this role may be eligible for based on classification: Loews Hotels Benefits