Cook I - Banquets (Full Time)

loewshotels; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Training & development

Tuition reimbursement

Pet insurance

Employee rates at hotel properties

Complimentary meals for staff

Golf discount

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, AZ seeks a Banquet Cook I to prepare and present high-quality banquet items for weddings and events. You will work with the banquet team to maintain timelines and guest satisfaction, ensuring safety and presentation standards are met.

Ideal candidates bring knife skills, station experience, and the ability to handle high-volume service. Weekend and holiday shifts are typical, with opportunities to grow within a luxury resort.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; culinary training or associate degree preferred.
• Minimum 2 years in a hotel, banquet, or catering kitchen.
• Banquet-style service, buffet prep, and large-volume cooking techniques.
• Food safety and sanitation knowledge; SERV Safe certification preferred.
• Flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and variable shifts.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Stand for extended periods; lift up to 50 lbs.
• Weekend/holiday availability.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present banquet menu items in line with hotel recipes and guest expectations.
• Set up and stock workstations with all supplies for banquet service.
• Coordinate food preparation with banquet event timelines to ensure timely delivery.
• Collaborate with banquet and catering teams to meet event requirements, including dietary restrictions.
• Follow hotel brand standards for quality, presentation, and sanitation.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment and prep areas.
• Assist with buffet setup, plating, and live cooking stations as needed.
• Ensure food safety and sanitation per local regulations and hotel policy.

Skills

Knife skills

Pantry & grill

Grill & sauté

Mother sauces

Under pressure

Kitchen equipment

Lift 50 lbs

Stand long shifts

Education

High school diploma

Culinary training / associate degree

Job description

Recognized as an AZ Central Top Workplace, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort offers careers at a luxury resort in Tucson's Catalina Foothills. Team members create memorable stays for guests seeking relaxation and adventure across 398 guest rooms, five dining outlets, spa, recreation, and event spaces.

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 & more
• Complimentary meals in Team Member Café while working
• Golf discount at The Lodge at Ventana Canyon
• Community volunteer opportunities

Benefits are subject to eligibility and may vary by position.

What We're Looking For :

The Banquet Cook I is responsible for preparing and presenting high-quality food for banquet functions and events hosted at the hotel. This position plays a key role in ensuring exceptional guest experiences through consistent food preparation, presentation, and service. The Banquet Cook I works closely with the Banquet Chef and kitchen team to execute menus for weddings, conferences, meetings, and other group events.

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, cook, and present banquet menu items in accordance with hotel recipes, portion control standards, and guest expectations.
• Set up and stock workstations with all necessary supplies and ingredients for banquet service.
• Coordinate food preparation with banquet event timelines to ensure timely delivery of meals.
• Collaborate with banquet and catering teams to meet specific event requirements, including dietary restrictions or themed meals.
• Follow all hotel brand standards for quality, presentation, and sanitation.
• Ensure cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment, banquet prep areas, and walk-in coolers.
• Assist with buffet setup, plating, carving stations, or live cooking stations as needed.
• Maintain high standards of food safety and sanitation in accordance with local health department regulations and hotel policies.
• Assist in inventory management and notify supervisor of shortages in ingredients or supplies.
• Train and mentor junior cooks and kitchen staff when assigned.
• Adapt to last-minute changes and problem-solve effectively in a fast-paced event environment.
• 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

• High school diploma or equivalent required; formal culinary training or associate degree preferred.
• 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 (SERV Safe 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.