Banquet Cook

About the role

Cook Up Unforgettable Celebrations in Paradise Valley At El Chorro, every banquet is an occasion—and every plate helps create a memory. Set beneath the dramatic desert beauty of Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley, our iconic Arizona lodge brings together timeless hospitality, remarkable events, and food worth talking about long after the last toast. We’re looking for a talented, dependable kitchen professional who thrives in the energy of banquet service. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, you’ll help deliver beautifully prepared hot and cold menu items with precision, pride, and genuine care. If you love the rhythm of a busy kitchen, take ownership of your station, and enjoy being part of a team that makes special events shine, this is your place.

Responsibilities

• Prepare hot and cold food items according to daily prep lists, standardized recipes, and Chef direction.
• Maintain exceptional quality, flavor, freshness, and presentation throughout preparation and service.
• Organize prepared food by event date, function, and group name, ensuring every item is properly completed and ready for execution.
• Follow portion-control standards, including recipe measurements, weights, and counts.
• Fire food for service and support the banquet service line with focus, speed, and accuracy.
• Store, rotate, label, and handle food properly when removing items from or returning items to walk-ins.
• Keep prep areas, walk-ins, equipment, and workstations clean, organized, and ready for action through a consistent “clean as you go” approach.
• Maintain kitchen spaces and equipment in accordance with Health Department and El Chorro standards.
• Assist fellow culinary team members wherever needed, including transporting food and equipment to satellite service locations across the property.
• Take on other supportive culinary responsibilities as assigned by the Chefs.

Requirements

• At least two years of cooking and food‑preparation experience.
• A current Maricopa County Food Handler’s Card.
• A high school diploma is preferred; culinary education is a plus, but not required.
• Comfort reading recipes, following procedures, and using basic math for measurements, yields, weights, and portions.
• Confidence using kitchen tools and equipment, including choppers, graters, mixers, and other prep equipment.
• A sharp eye for quality, organization, sanitation, and detail.
• The ability to work successfully in confined kitchen spaces and in varying temperatures.
• The ability to reach, lift, carry, push, or pull products and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds.
• The ability to safely clean with abrasive kitchen cleansers and maintain a sanitary workspace.

Working Conditions

Attendance as scheduled is a critical element in all positions at El Chorro. El Chorro’s leaders and associates believe each guest (internal and external) should be treated with respect, kindness, and professionalism. We believe that “Making Space for Genuine Hospitality” is our purpose, enticing our guests to return again and again. To be successful at El Chorro, associates must embrace our Purpose, Pillars and 21 Service Essentials. This includes being hands on and heartfelt, sincere and focused, collaborate and curious, and conscientious, possessing and demonstrating a high level of care and attention to internal and external guests. Our forward‑thinking, fun, friendly, engaging and enthusiastic associates treat every guest as if they were our only guest. A true customer focus is essential to success with our property and company.