Kitchen Cook I

Running Aces; Forest Lake (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Employee Discounts on food and merch

EAP – counseling & legal/financial aid

Career growth opportunities

Employee recognition programs

Branded apparel

Job summary

Running Aces in Columbus, MN is seeking a Cook 1 to join our fast-paced Food & Beverage team. You will prepare diverse menu items, support daily specials, and work under the guidance of the Executive Chef and Sous Chefs in a high-volume kitchen.

You will contribute to quality dishes, maintain station readiness, and follow safety standards while supporting a collaborative team during evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience working in a high-volume kitchen.
• Strong communication, organization, time management, and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of food safety and health regulations.
• Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, including fryers, char broilers, flat-tops, ovens, steamers, and woks; training provided.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Responsibilities

• Follow direction from the Executive Chef and Sous Chefs to prepare high-quality food efficiently.
• Prepare orders accurately and according to menu specifications and recipes.
• Maintain fresh, properly rotated inventory and keep stations stocked and ready for service.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of menu items and prepare recipes for all assigned stations.
• Assist with specials by bringing creativity and attention to presentation and flavor.
• Operate, clean, and maintain kitchen equipment, including regularly filtering fryers.
• Complete station setup and ensure everything is prepared for the following shift.

Skills

Kitchen experience

High-volume cooking

Food safety

Teamwork

Communication

Leadership

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Fryers

Char broilers

Flat-tops

Ovens

Steamers

Woks

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Salary Range: $20.00 To $25.00 Hourly

Cook 1

$3,000 HIRING BONUS

• Location: On-site,Running Aces Casino | Columbus, MN
• Schedule: Full time| Evenings and weekends

The Opportunity

Join our Food & Beverage team as a Cook and be part of a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen where no two shifts are the same. You’ll have the opportunity to put your culinary skills to work, prepare a variety of menu items, and contribute your creativity to daily specials while working alongside an experienced kitchen team. If you’re passionate about great food, enjoy staying active, and take pride in delivering quality dishes, this is a great opportunity to grow your culinary career at Running Aces.

What You’ll Do

• Follow direction from the Executive Chef and Sous Chefs to prepare high-quality food efficiently.
• Prepare orders accurately and according to menu specifications and recipes.
• Maintain fresh, properly rotated inventory and keep stations stocked and ready for service.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of menu items and prepare recipes for all assigned stations.
• Assist with specials by bringing creativity and attention to presentation and flavor.
• Operate, clean, and maintain kitchen equipment, including regularly filtering fryers.
• Complete station setup and ensure everything is prepared for the following shift.

What We’re Looking For

• 2+ years of experience working in a high-volume kitchen.
• Strong communication, organization, time management, and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of food safety and health regulations.
• Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, including fryers, char broilers, flat-tops, ovens, steamers, and woks; training provided.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Willingness to learn and follow company policies, procedures, and applicable state regulations.
• Ability to work flexible shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, in a hot, noisy, and fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to regularly lift 35–50 lbs. and perform physically active tasks including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Minnesota Racing Commission gaming license.

What we Offer You

• 401(k)
• Employee Discounts on food and merchandise
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – unlimited phone access to legal, financial, and work-life services and up to five free in-person counseling sessions, per situation/issue, per year
• Tools, resources and opportunities for career growth and development
• Employee recognition programs including , years of service, and employee of the quarter
• Branded apparel provided

Our company does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of their race, color, national origin, religion, creed, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, or status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission. We are committed to providing salary ranges for all open positions. Please note that the specific compensation for this role will be determined based on your experience, qualifications, location, and internal equity considerations. Copies of job postings will be kept on file.