Catering Event Chef

Trolley Hospitality Companies, Inc.; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

401k matching after first year

Discounts at Trolley House Hospitality

Job summary

Groovin' Gourmets, the catering division of Trolley Hospitality Companies, invites you to join a fast-paced, guest-facing catering team in the Richmond and Hampton Roads regions. You will craft beautiful, delicious dishes and actively engage guests during events.

The role emphasizes teamwork, strong food knowledge, and physical stamina to handle event setups and live stations with pride and professionalism.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of culinary experience in catering, banquet, or similar setting.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation and presentation.
• Food safety practices and standards knowledge.
• Team-focused mindset with excellent communication.
• Physical stamina to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to thrive in indoor and outdoor event venues.

Responsibilities

• Begin each event by unloading and setting up the kitchen or prep areas.
• Create visually appealing food stations aligned with the event plan.
• Plate and present dishes with high standards of quality and presentation.
• Engage with guests at live action stations while providing exceptional service.
• Collaborate with the catering team to ensure smooth service from start to finish.
• Break down and clean the prep areas, leaving the venue organized.

Skills

Culinary skills

Food safety

Team player

Physical stamina

Communication

Job description

• Winner of Hampton Roads 2026 Top Workplaces Award***
• Flexible scheduling-perfect for someone looking for a second job!***

About Us

• Winner of Hampton Roads 2026 Top Workplaces Award***
• Flexible scheduling-perfect for someone looking for a second job!***

Groovin' Gourmets

Groovin' Gourmets is the catering division of Trolley Hospitality Companies, a Richmond-based hospitality group serving the greater Richmond and Hampton Roads regions. We specialize in delivering fresh, chef-crafted meals and seamless service for corporate functions, weddings, and social events of all sizes.

Our commitment to quality extends beyond the food--we believe our success starts with our people. Driven by a shared purpose of delivering happiness to our customers, community, and team, we focus on fostering a supportive and positive workplace where everyone's contributions are valued. We hope you will join us!

Our Values - The Trolley Way

• No excuses
• Do the right thing
• Can-do attitude
• Always growing
• Help first--be part of the solution
• Transparency and honesty-no BS

Please visit our website at www.trolleyhouseva.com to learn more!

About You

• You thrive in a fast-paced, guest-facing environment.
• You take pride in delivering food that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
• Teamwork makes your heart sing--nothing excites you more than working together to pull off a seamless event.
• You enjoy engaging with guests and creating positive dining experiences.
• You're energized by the hustle and excitement of catering events.

How You Will Make An Impact

• Begin each event by efficiently unloading and setting up the kitchen or prep areas, ensuring everything is ready for service.
• Assist with creating visually appealing and well-organized food and action stations that align with the event plan and venue guidelines.
• Plate and present dishes with precision and care, maintaining the highest standards of quality and presentation.
• Step into the spotlight at live action stations (like carving or pasta stations), engaging with guests professionally while delivering exceptional service.
• Collaborate with the catering team to ensure smooth, efficient service from start to finish.
• End the event on a high note by breaking down and cleaning the prep areas, leaving the venue spotless and organized.

What You Bring To The Table

• At least 1 year of culinary experience in a catering, banquet, or similar setting.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, presentation techniques, and food safety practices.
• A team-focused mindset with excellent communication skills.
• Physical stamina to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds for extended periods.
• The ability to thrive in diverse environments, including indoor and outdoor event venues.

The Good Stuff!

• $20-22/hr
• Discounts at all Trolley House Hospitality companies including catering services, Gourmet Gang delis, and vending items in our warehouse
• Part-time employees who work at least 1,000 hours a year are eligible for 401k matching after the first year
• Flexible scheduling-perfect for someone looking for a second job!

Salary: $20 - $22 per hour