Lead Cook: Master of Sauces & High-Volume Kitchens

Churchill Downs Incorporated; Oak Grove (KY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Churchill Downs Incorporated in Oak Grove, KY is seeking a Lead Cook to safely prepare food items for all outlets in a high-volume gaming and hospitality environment.

The role requires 3–5 years of professional kitchen experience, culinary training, and strong knowledge of recipes, menu specifications, and health codes. You will lead kitchen staff, manage inventories, and ensure timely, quality service for guests.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Culinary school degree or 2-year technical college degree preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in a professional kitchen.
• Advanced knowledge of culinary terms and techniques.
• Ability to work all stations in multiple kitchens.
• ServSafe or equivalent food-safety certification required.
• Able to obtain Kentucky gaming/racing license.

Responsibilities

• Safely prepare food items according to recipes for all outlets.
• Operate kitchen equipment (slicer, steamer, fryer, ovens, broiler, grill, mixer, kettle, griddles).
• Provide excellent guest service to internal and external guests.
• Greet guests and ensure satisfaction.
• Read, write, and understand recipes and measurements in English.
• Adhere to health codes and hand washing guidelines.
• Prepare inventories and daily requisitions for production.
• Lead cooks in absence of the Chef de Cuisine.
• Develop and document recipes.
• Submit daily inventories and place orders.

Skills

Team leadership

Customer service

Communication

Fast-paced environment

Reading and basic English

Culinary skills

Food safety

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary school degree or 2-year technical college (preferred)

3–5 years in a professional kitchen

Advanced culinary terms knowledge

Advanced culinary techniques

All-kitchen stations experience

Supervisory training completed

ServSafe certification

Kentucky gaming/racing license obtainable

Tools

Slicer

Steamer

Ovens

Broiler

Grill

Mixer

Kettle

Job description

Churchill Downs Incorporated in Oak Grove, KY is seeking a Lead Cook to safely prepare food items for all outlets in a high-volume gaming and hospitality environment.

The role requires 3–5 years of professional kitchen experience, culinary training, and strong knowledge of recipes, menu specifications, and health codes. You will lead kitchen staff, manage inventories, and ensure timely, quality service for guests.