Banquet Cook II (Seasonal)

Loews Hotels & Co; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 37,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Team member hotel rates

Discounted parking

Complimentary meals while working

Job summary

Loews Chicago Hotel is seeking a skilled Banquet Cook II who will prepare and cook hot and cold items for hotel banquet events, including conferences and weddings. You will set up stations, assist the Banquet team, and ensure timely, well-presented servings with proper safety and cleanliness.

The role requires knife skills, grill and sauté experience, the ability to lift and move heavy trays, and a flexible weekend/holiday schedule. Veterans and military spouses are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Minimum 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.
• Flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and early/late shifts based on event needs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook hot and cold menu items according to event-specific BEOs and hotel recipes.
• Set up, operate, and maintain banquet kitchen stations (grill, sauté, carving station, buffet prep).
• Work with Cook I and Banquet Chef to ensure timely delivery with proper presentation and portion control.
• Maintain mise en place and cleanliness throughout service.
• Assist in plating and food service for buffet and plated meals.
• Ensure proper storage, labeling, and handling per health standards.
• Support junior team members with training and guidance.

Skills

Knife skills

Grill station work

Sauté techniques

Food safety knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Kitchen equipment familiarity

Job description

Loews 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, retirement benefits Paid Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays & Paid Bereavement Training & Development opportunities, career growth Tuition Reimbursement Pet Insurance & Pet Bereavement Team Member Hotel Rates, other discounts, perks & more Discounted Parking Complimentary meals in Team Member Café while working Complimentary use of the fitness center Community volunteer opportunities Benefits are subject to eligibility and may vary by position.

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 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 Qualifications 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 $27.75.

Visit this site to view benefits this role may be eligible for based on classification: Loews Hotels Benefits

About Loews Hotels & Co

Headquartered in New York City, Loews Hotels & Co is rooted in deep heritage in the hotel industry and excellence in service. As one of the only independently owned family hotel companies, we know that hospitality comes from the heart. Loews Hotels & Co owns and operates hotels and resorts across the U.S. and Canada. Located in major city centers and resort destinations, including multiple hotels in partnership with Universal Orlando Resort, Loews Hotels & Co features properties grounded in family heritage and dedicated to delivering unscripted guest moments, all with a locally handcrafted approach. We pride ourselves on the individuality and uniqueness of our offering. Joining Loews Hotels & Co means not just gaining a job, it means becoming a part of a family. A family where Team Member growth and empowerment are part of our DNA and have been for decades. We offer progressive benefits including paid parental leave, 401K matching and travel benefits, and opportunities for ongoing learning and development. But beyond that, as a member of the Loews Hotels family, you are part of a culture of diversity and inclusion, one that works hard to protect our environment with eco-friendly and sustainability programs, and one that is always a good neighbor to their communities, supporting them in ways large and small.

We welcome you to join us.

Loews Hotels & Co is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.