UNC Event/Prep Cook

Best Impressions Caterers; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocky Top Catering partnered with UNC to provide catering at the Blue Zone inside Kenan Stadium, offering elite event spaces and daily meals for student-athletes. We are seeking dependable Event Cooks to support food production and on-site execution for catered events in a fast-paced, hospitality-driven environment.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in catering or high-volume kitchens, strong organizational skills, and the ability to multitask under pressure.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience as a cook or chef in a catering or high-volume kitchen environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and problem-solve.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work well under pressure.
• Knowledge of current cooking techniques, best practices, and culinary trends.
• Reliable transportation required.

Responsibilities

• Follow prep lists accurately, efficiently, and on schedule.
• Prepare food according to established recipes and company standards.
• Label, stock, and organize ingredients to ensure accessibility and food safety.
• Maintain a clean and orderly kitchen, including dishwashing, sanitation, and trash removal.
• Uphold all health, safety, and food-handling standards.
• Complete event pack-outs for assigned events and ensure all components are prepared.
• Properly pack ingredients for safe transport and quality on delivery.
• Perform on-site cooking, finishing, plating, and garnishing as required.
• Manage event timelines from start to finish to ensure proper execution.
• Assist with load-in and load-out duties as needed.
• Review each event menu with FOH Event Manager prior to service.
• Work collaboratively with FOH managers to stay on timeline and accommodate requests.
• Take direction professionally and contribute to a team environment.

Skills

Culinary experience

Multitasking

Communication

Pressure under

Reliable transport

Job description

Rocky Top Catering proudly partners with UNC to provide catering services at the Blue Zone at Kenan Stadium. Overlooking the historic field, the Blue Zone combines modern amenities with the tradition of Carolina athletics, offering a premier setting for a wide range of events.

With versatile spaces—from the Concourse Club to private Blue Zone Suites—the venue is ideal for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings. In addition to private events, Rocky Top Catering provides daily breakfast and lunch service for UNC student-athletes during the week and supports football and basketball game-day operations.

Position Summary

We are seeking dependable, detail-oriented Event Cooks to support food production and on-site execution for catered events. This role is ideal for BOH professionals who thrive in a fast-paced, event-driven environment and value hospitality, teamwork, organization, and quality food preparation.

Key Responsibilities

• Follow prep lists accurately, efficiently, and on schedule
• Prepare food according to established recipes and company standards
• Label, stock, and organize ingredients to ensure accessibility and food safety
• Maintain a clean and orderly kitchen, including dishwashing, sanitation, and trash removal
• Uphold all health, safety, and food-handling standards

Event Execution

• Complete event pack-outs for assigned events, ensuring all menu components are prepared and accounted for
• Properly pack ingredients and menu items to ensure safe transport and quality upon delivery
• Perform on-site cooking, finishing, plating, and garnishing as required
• Manage event timelines from start to finish to ensure proper execution of the client-selected menu
• Assist with load-in and load-out duties as needed

Team Communication

• Review each event menu with the FOH Event Manager prior to service
• Work collaboratively with FOH managers to stay on timeline, accommodate special requests, and adapt as needed
• Take direction professionally and contribute positively to a team-oriented work environment

Qualifications & Requirements

• 2+ years of experience as a cook or chef in a catering or high-volume kitchen environment (preferred)
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and problem-solve efficiently
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work well under pressure
• Knowledge of current cooking techniques, best practices, and culinary trends
• Reliable transportation required

Compensation

• Competitive hourly pay based on experience and availability
• Yearly raises based on performance
• Opportunities for growth and advancement within the company
• We love to promote within

Additional Information

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Employees may be asked to perform additional job-related tasks as needed to support operations.