Specialty Cook 2 Red Lotus

PENN Entertainment, Inc.; Joliet, Northern (IL, KY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Hollywood Casino Joliet is seeking an experienced Specialty Cook II to lead the hot line, mentor junior cooks, and ensure plates reflect the chef's vision of elegance and flavor.

The role requires mastering multiple stations, strong leadership, and adherence to HACCP and safety standards in a high-energy casino kitchen.

If you have 3–5+ years in upscale kitchens and possess ServSafe and IGB licensing, you will help shape the dining experience from day one.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of progressive experience in upscale or fine-dining kitchens.
• Leadership experience coordinating service and training teams.
• Advanced culinary skills across multiple stations and high-volume service.
• ServSafe certification preferred and IGB Occupational Licensing required.
• Illinois Food Handler certification within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead the hot line during service — managing pacing, timing, and plate quality across all stations.
• Ensure recipe accuracy, flavor balance, and flawless presentation.
• Coordinate daily prep and production plans, conducting tastings and line checks.
• Mentor and train Specialty Cook III team members, ensuring development and consistency.
• Support menu development, tastings, and seasonal rollouts.
• Run the pass/expo when assigned, working side by side with FOH leaders.
• Uphold HACCP, sanitation, and safety standards while monitoring inventory and waste.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary skills

HACCP compliance

Mentoring

High-volume service

Education

ServSafe Certification

IGB Licensing (Illinois Gaming Board)

Illinois Food Handler Certification

Job description

Introduction

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Overview

Hollywood Casino Joliet – Chicagoland’s Newest Casino Destination

Bring your culinary expertise to the grand stage at Red Lotus, Hollywood Casino Joliet.

As a Specialty Cook II, you’ll be the orchestrating service with precision, mentoring junior cooks, and ensuring every plate that leaves the kitchen reflects Chef vision of elegance and flavor.

This is more than a kitchen role — it’s your chance to help shape an iconic dining experience from day one.

Responsibilities

• Lead the hot line during service — managing pacing, timing, and plate quality across all stations.
• Ensure recipe accuracy, flavor balance, and flawless presentation.
• Coordinate daily prep and production plans, conducting tastings and line checks.
• Mentor and train Specialty Cook III team members, ensuring development and consistency.
• Support menu development, tastings, and seasonal rollouts.
• Run the pass/expo when assigned, working side by side with FOH leaders.
• Uphold HACCP, sanitation, and safety standards while monitoring inventory and waste.

Requirements

• 3–5+ years of progressive experience in upscale or fine-dining kitchens with mastery of multiple stations.
• Proven leadership experience coordinating service and training teams.
• Advanced culinary skills: fresh pasta, risotto, sauces, butchery, and plating discipline.
• Strong palate, attention to detail, and ability to deliver at a high-volume pace.
• ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification preferred.
• Must obtain and maintain Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) Occupational Licensing.
• Illinois Food Handler certification (within 30 days of hire).
• Ability to stand for long periods, lift 35–50 lbs., and thrive in a high-energy casino restaurant environment.

Why Join Us?

At Hollywood Casino Joliet, you won’t just be joining another kitchen — you’ll be stepping into a celebrity-driven concept where excellence is the standard and innovation is encouraged.