Cook I - Banquets (Full Time)

Loews Hotels & Co; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, AZ, seeks a Banquet Cook I to prepare and present high-quality banquet menu items for weddings, conferences, and events, working closely with the Banquet Chef to meet guest expectations and timelines.

The role requires 2+ years in a hotel banquet or catering kitchen, knife skills, ability to lift up to 50 lbs, and a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays. SERV Safe knowledge preferred; Loews offers benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Knife skills required; able to handle multiple courses and stations.
• Experience in banquet, hotel, or catering kitchen preferred.
• Knowledge of basic sauces and plating standards.
• Serv Safe certification preferred or equivalent food-safety knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present banquet menu items for events.
• Set up and stock workstations for banquet service.
• Coordinate with banquet events timelines for timely meals.
• Assist with buffet setup, carving, and live cooking stations as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen and walk-in coolers.
• Train and mentor junior kitchen staff when assigned.

Skills

Knife skills

Pantry station

Grill station

Sauté station

Food safety

Lifting 50 lbs

Teamwork

Flexible schedule

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

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 matchPaid Sick Days, Vacation, and Holidays, Paid Bereavement, Paid Pet BereavementTraining & Development opportunities, career growthTuition ReimbursementPet InsuranceTeam Member Hotel Rates, other discounts, perks and moreWhat 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:A Banquet Cook I must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation: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:RequiredHigh 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.PreferredHigh School Diploma or equivalent.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.