Culinary Intern, Restaurant Associates / Houston, TX

Compass Group USA; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Group USA is seeking a Culinary Intern for Restaurant Associates in Houston. This internship offers hands-on experience with professional chefs, supporting daily kitchen operations, food preparation, and event catering.

You will learn by doing in a fast-paced, real-world setting and gain insight into food service management. Ideal candidates are currently enrolled in a culinary program, available 20–40 hours per week, and eager to develop practical skills while upholding safety and

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in a college or university pursuing a degree in Culinary Arts.
• Meets the university GPA requirement for internship.
• Sanitation training completed.
• Relevant knife skills and/or Intro to Culinary coursework completed.
• Available to work 20–40 hours per week.
• College credit is not required, but documentation can be provided if necessary.

Responsibilities

• Support daily culinary operations including food preparation, service, and kitchen organization.
• Assist with receiving, storage, inventory, and purchasing tasks.
• Execute menu items following standardized recipes and presentation guidelines.
• Uphold food safety, sanitation, and uniform standards.
• Contribute to guest service excellence and problem-solving during events.
• Gain exposure to the business side of food service, including quality assurance.

Skills

Culinary arts interest

Education

Currently enrolled in a college or university pursuing a degree in Culinary Arts

Job description

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Culinary Intern, Restaurant Associates / Houston, TX

We are hiring a Culinary Intern!

• Timing:
  • SPRING 2027 -January 2027 - April 2027
  • SUMMER 2027 -May 2027 - August 2027
  • FALL 2027 -September 2027 - December 2027
• Location: Houston Space Center - 1601 Nasa Parkway, Houston, TX 77058
• Schedule: Full-time / to be discussed further upon interview.
• Requirements: Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in Culinary Arts.
• Pay Rate:$16.00 per hour.

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry’s leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations!Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards-Best Places to work This is R/A !

Restaurant Associates - Culinary Internship

Are you passionate about food and ready to take the next step toward a career in the culinary or hospitality industry? Join our Culinary Internship program and gain hands‑on experience working alongside professional chefs and food service leaders in a fast‑paced, real‑world environment. As a Culinary Intern, you’ll be immersed in the day‑to‑day operations of contract food service, developing practical skills and industry insight that will set the stage for your future success.

Restaurant Associates is a premier, chef‑driven hospitality company dedicated to delivering exceptional culinary and guest experiences. For more than 75 years, we have partnered with business organizations, top higher education institutions, and preeminent museums, performing arts centers & attractions, all the while creating and operating notable, award‑winning restaurants. Our reputation is built on culinary excellence, unmatched service, and a commitment to wellness, sustainability, and forward‑thinking technology. At Restaurant Associates, we believe great food has the power to inspire, connect, and create meaningful experiences every day.

What You’ll Learn & Do:

• Support daily culinary operations including food preparation, service, and kitchen organization
• Execute menu items following standardized recipes and presentation guidelines
• Uphold food safety, sanitation, and uniform standards
• Assist with receiving, storage, inventory, and purchasing
• Contribute to guest service excellence, innovation, and problem‑solving
• Assist with catering and special events, from preparation and set up to execution.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and efficiently
• Participate in associate learning and development activities
• Gain exposure to the business side of food service, including financials and quality assurance

Learning Objectives:

• Develop awareness, understanding, and practical skills to work effectively in diverse, inclusive hospitality environments
• Gain hands‑on experience across a variety of functions within culinary arts and food service operations through observation, mentorship, and active participation

Internship candidates must meet the criteria below to be eligible for the Culinary Internship Experience Program:

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in a college or professional culinary program
• Meet university’s GPA requirement for internship
• Successful completion of sanitation standards training
• Successful completion of relevant knife skills and/or Intro to Culinary coursework
• Must be available to work 20 - 40 hours a week based on business needs & internship requirements
• College credit is not required, but we will provide appropriate documentation if necessary.

Ideal Candidates Will Have an Interest in One or More of the Following:

• Culinary, Baking, or Pastry Arts
• Farm-to-Fork practices and sustainability in food service
• Reducing the carbon “foodprint”
• Food safety and quality assurance

This is more than an internship, it’s an opportunity to launch your culinary career with real‑world experience and meaningful mentorship.

About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation.Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.