Lead Cook: High-Volume Kitchen Leader & Sauce Expert

Churchill Downs; Oak Grove (KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Churchill Downs Incorporated in Oak Grove, Kentucky, is seeking a Lead Cook to safely prepare food items across all outlets, following standard recipes and menu specifications to ensure consistent quality and guest satisfaction. The role requires 3–5 years in a professional kitchen, culinary training preferred, and ServSafe certification.

You will lead cooks, train staff, manage inventories, and uphold health and safety standards in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Culinary school degree or 2-year technical college preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in a professional kitchen.
• Advanced knowledge of culinary terms and techniques.
• Lead cooks in absence of Chef de Cuisine; develop/record recipes.
• ServSafe or equivalent food safety certification required.
• Kentucky gaming license eligibility required.

Responsibilities

• Operate kitchen equipment safely (slicer, steamer, fryer, ovens, grill).
• Prepare and assemble dishes per recipes and standards.
• Provide excellent guest service across outlets.
• Maintain food cost controls and quality.
• Lead cooks in absence of Chef de Cuisine.
• Train Cook 1–3 staff in culinary skills.
• Prepare daily inventories and place orders.
• Follow health codes and hand-washing guidelines.

Skills

Kitchen operations

Guest service

Communication

Fast-paced work

Flexible hours

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary school degree or 2-year technical college

Job description

Churchill Downs Incorporated in Oak Grove, Kentucky, is seeking a Lead Cook to safely prepare food items across all outlets, following standard recipes and menu specifications to ensure consistent quality and guest satisfaction. The role requires 3–5 years in a professional kitchen, culinary training preferred, and ServSafe certification.

You will lead cooks, train staff, manage inventories, and uphold health and safety standards in a fast-paced environment.