Lead Cook - Banquets

Turfway Park Racing & Gaming; Florence (KY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Churchill Downs Incorporated is seeking a Lead Cook - Banquets at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming in Florence, KY. You will prepare banquet dishes to standard recipes, assist the Banquet Chef, and supervise kitchen staff during events.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years in a professional kitchen, a high school diploma or equivalent, and a culinary degree is preferred. Strong leadership, communication skills, and ability to work nights and weekends are essential.

Qualifications

• Leadership and interpersonal skills required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced team environment.
• Advanced knowledge of kitchen sanitation and safety regulations.
• Strong knowledge of food handling techniques and culinary terminology.

Responsibilities

• Prepares all food items according to standard recipes and menu for consistency.
• Assists the Banquet Chef in planning and executing banquets.
• Provides direction to cooks assisting with banquets.
• Serves as a contact in the absence of the Banquet Chef.
• Operates kitchen equipment (slicers, steamers, fryers, ovens, grills, mixers).
• Trains staff to cook, prepare, and plate menu items.
• Ensures proper sanitation and nutrition practices are followed by staff.
• Performs general cleaning and upkeep of prep areas and equipment.
• Creates sauces and derivatives from mother sauces.
• Monitors portion sizes, quality, and dating of ingredients.

Skills

Leadership abilities

Verbal and written communication

Detail oriented

Teamwork

Sanitation knowledge

Culinary terminology

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary school degree or technical degree

Job description

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Churchill Downs Incorporated has expanded through the development of live and historical racing entertainment venues, the growth of the TwinSpires horse racing online wagering business and the operation and development of regional casino gaming properties. Churchill Downs Incorporated is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We’re always learning, evolving and growing. We innovate through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision.

Title: Lead Cook - Banquets

Requisition ID#: 4863

Location: Florence, KY, US, 41042

Property: Turfway Park Racing & Gaming

About Turfway Park Racing & Gaming

Owned and operated by Churchill Downs, Turfway Park Racing & Gaming is the ultimate place to play in Northern Kentucky. Take a spin on over 800 of the latest and greatest games and experience the rush of seasonal live thoroughbred racing or simulcast horse racing year-round. Plus, with two great restaurants and live entertainment, the stage is always set for winning moments on and off the gaming floor. We even have your next business meeting, social event or annual awards covered with an amazing 17,000 square feet of event space that we customize to create the perfect experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares all food items according to standard recipes and menu to ensure consistency of product to the guest
• Assists the Banquet Chef in planning and executing banquet
• Provides direction to cooks assisting with banquet
• Serves as a point of contact during the absense of Banquet Chef
• Operates kitchen equipment, including slicers, steamers, deep fryers, ovens, broilers, grills, mixers, kettles, and griddles
• Actively trains and participates with staff and to cook, prepare, dish, and assemble all menu items
• Verifies that all sanitation and nutrition practices are maintained by kitchen staff
• Performs general upkeep and cleaning duties, such as mopping floors, wiping countertops, cleaning food prep areas, etc.
• Creates compound sauces and derivatives of the mother sauces
• Verifies that all portion sizes, quality standards, departmental rules, policies, and procedures are maintained by kitchen staff, and supervises the production of all food items, including checking daily for date labels on prep and ensuring dating/rotating is being done accurately.
• Prepare written food requisition for supplies and food items for production in the workstation and inventory purposes
• Ensures the safety and security of staff and guests
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Required Skills And Abilities

• Demonstrated leadership abilities and interpersonal skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Detail-oriented and thorough with strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced environment as part of a team
• Advanced knowledge of kitchen sanitation and regulations for workplace safety
• Advanced knowledge of food handling techniques, preparation, cooking procedures, and culinary terminology

Education And Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Culinary school degree or two-year technical degree preferred
• Three to five years of experience in a professional kitchen
• Must obtain valid gaming license, where applicable

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• The employee is required to stand for the duration of the shift.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit or stand; walk; use hands to finger reach, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
• The employee may be required to lift up to 50 pounds.
• The employee is subject to endure heat and moisture in a kitchen setting.
• The employee may be required to work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
• The work environment may vary in levels of crowds, noise, and smoke, depending on the assigned station and customer volume.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Work With Us

Churchill Downs Incorporated is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We’re always learning, evolving and growing. We innovate through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision.

Nearest Major Market: Cincinnati