Banquet Kitchen Lead: Craft Luxury Events

Turfway Park Racing & Gaming; Florence (KY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Churchill Downs Incorporated is seeking a Lead Cook - Banquets at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming in Florence, KY. You will prepare banquet dishes to standard recipes, assist the Banquet Chef, and supervise kitchen staff during events.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years in a professional kitchen, a high school diploma or equivalent, and a culinary degree is preferred. Strong leadership, communication skills, and ability to work nights and weekends are essential.

Qualifications

• Leadership and interpersonal skills required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced team environment.
• Advanced knowledge of kitchen sanitation and safety regulations.
• Strong knowledge of food handling techniques and culinary terminology.

Responsibilities

• Prepares all food items according to standard recipes and menu for consistency.
• Assists the Banquet Chef in planning and executing banquets.
• Provides direction to cooks assisting with banquets.
• Serves as a contact in the absence of the Banquet Chef.
• Operates kitchen equipment (slicers, steamers, fryers, ovens, grills, mixers).
• Trains staff to cook, prepare, and plate menu items.
• Ensures proper sanitation and nutrition practices are followed by staff.
• Performs general cleaning and upkeep of prep areas and equipment.
• Creates sauces and derivatives from mother sauces.
• Monitors portion sizes, quality, and dating of ingredients.

Skills

Leadership abilities

Verbal and written communication

Detail oriented

Teamwork

Sanitation knowledge

Culinary terminology

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary school degree or technical degree

Job description

Churchill Downs Incorporated is seeking a Lead Cook - Banquets at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming in Florence, KY. You will prepare banquet dishes to standard recipes, assist the Banquet Chef, and supervise kitchen staff during events.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years in a professional kitchen, a high school diploma or equivalent, and a culinary degree is preferred. Strong leadership, communication skills, and ability to work nights and weekends are essential.