Production Cook

Lyle Pearson; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Puff ’n Stuff is seeking a high-energy Production Cook to support onsite kitchen operations for events of all sizes. The role encompasses preparing hors d'oeuvres, buffet and plated items, and ensuring food leaves the kitchen in peak condition.

The position requires standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and maintaining strict cleanliness per health regulations. Prior banquet/catering kitchen experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience in a Banquet/Catering Kitchen.
• Ability to visualize finished dishes.
• Clear and effective communication.
• Ability to stand for the full shift and move around the work area freely.
• Capable of lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Serve Safe or comparable food certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare reception hors d'ouerves, buffet and plated menu items.
• Wash, peel, cut, and seed vegetables and fruits.
• Clean, cut, and grind meats, poultry, and seafood.
• Prepare cold sauces, dressings, salads, and desserts.
• Ensure that all prepared food items leave kitchen in peak condition.
• Keep all work areas clean in accordance with health regulations.
• Operate general kitchen equipment.

Skills

Banquet/Catering kitchen

Visualize finished dishes

Clear communication

Stand for full shift

Lift up to 50 pounds

Food safety certification preferred

Job description

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for food, customer service, and operational excellence. Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where creativity and trust are at the heart of everything you do. If so, we want you to join our team as a Production Cook at Puff ‘n Stuff, a premier catering company dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences.

At Puff ‘n Stuff, we don’t just cater events—we create memorable experiences. Our team is driven by four core values:

• Passion: We love what we do and take pride in delivering exceptional food and service.
• Customer Focus: We go above and beyond to exceed client expectations.
• Trust: We build lasting relationships with clients, partners, and team members through integrity and reliability.
• Creativity: We embrace innovation to craft unique culinary and event experiences.

Job Overview

Puff 'n Stuff is looking for high energy and efficient entry level chefs to work in our onsite kitchen preparing food for events of all sizes.

The kitchen team generally operates between 5 am and 4 pm, depending on the scale and complexity of current and upcoming events. Since each day brings different events with unique requirements, there is always something interesting going on, and attention to detail is a must to be successful.

Production Cook Basics

• Prepare reception hors d'ouerves, buffet and plated menu items
• Wash, peel, cut, and seed vegetables and fruits
• Clean, cut, and grind meats, poultry, and seafood
• Prepare cold sauces, dressings, salads, and desserts
• Ensure that all prepared food items leave kitchen in peak condition.
• Keep all work areas clean, including all counter tops, utensils, equipment, garbage, and refrigeration by state, county, and company health regulations.
• Operate general kitchen equipment including but not limited to, ovens, grills, fryers, flattops, braisers, steamers, slicers, immersion blenders, traditional blenders, robot coupes, etc.

Production Cook Qualifications

• Experience in a Banquet/Catering Kitchen.
• Able to picture what the finished product will look like.
• Communicate clearly and effectively
• Able to stand for entire shift and move around the work area freely
• Must be able to lift and carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds
• Serve Safe or comparable food certification preferred