Banquet Prep Cook (Up to $20/hr)

Who We Are

Hotels done differently. It's not just a slogan or catchphrase—it is who we are in everything we do. We believe in the power of People, Place, and Character, ensuring our properties are places where individuals are valued and celebrated as a tribute to the neighborhoods and communities we serve. The Detroit Foundation Hotel has transformed the historic Detroit Fire Department Headquarters into a 100-room independent hotel that adds another piece to Detroit's ongoing renaissance. Home to The Apparatus Room, our culinary team partners with local farmers, brewers, distillers, and artisans to create an authentic Detroit dining experience. Managed by Aparium, we create unforgettable hospitality experiences rooted in the unique character of each city we serve. We combine the operational excellence of a world-class hospitality company with the creativity and soul of an independent boutique hotel.

Who You Are

You understand that successful events begin long before the first guest arrives. You enjoy working behind the scenes, preparing quality ingredients that allow the culinary team to execute memorable banquets, meetings, weddings, and special events. You are organized, dependable, and thrive in a fast-paced kitchen where planning, teamwork, and consistency matter. You take pride in preparing food with precision, maintaining a clean workstation, and ensuring every banquet is set up for success.

THE ROLE

As a Banquet Prep Cook, you will work directly with the Executive Chef, Sous Chefs, Banquet Chef, and culinary team to prepare ingredients and menu items for banquet and catered events. You will execute prep lists, assist with production for high-volume functions, and help ensure banquet kitchens remain organized, fully stocked, and operating efficiently. This role requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize multiple events while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, safety, and consistency.

What You Will Do

• Uphold and role model Aparium's principles of People, Place, and Character while embodying our culture of collaboration and intuitive hospitality.
• Prepare vegetables, fruits, proteins, sauces, stocks, desserts, and other menu components according to banquet event orders (BEOs), recipes, and production schedules.
• Complete daily banquet prep lists accurately and efficiently to support multiple events and functions.
• Aid in preparing food for weddings, conferences, corporate meetings, social events, galas, and hotel catering functions.
• Portion, label, date, rotate, and properly store food products following HACCP and food safety standards.
• Set up banquet production areas and ensure all ingredients and supplies are prepared before event service.
• Assist banquet cooks with plating, replenishment, and production during event service as needed.
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary prep areas, walk-in coolers, freezers, and storage spaces.
• Minimize food waste through proper preparation, storage, and inventory practices.
• Communicate production needs, shortages, and quality concerns with culinary leadership.
• Participate in daily lineups, culinary meetings, and ongoing training opportunities.
• Properly clean and maintain kitchen equipment while reporting maintenance concerns promptly.
• Support restaurant culinary operations when banquet business levels allow or operational needs require.
• Demonstrate flexibility by assisting with setup, breakdown, and other culinary responsibilities as assigned.

What You Will Need

• Passion for culinary arts and hospitality.
• Previous experience as a prep cook, banquet cook, line cook, or similar culinary position preferred.
• Experience working in banquet, catering, hotel, or high-volume kitchen environments is highly preferred.
• Basic knife skills and understanding of large-batch food preparation techniques.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP principles; ServSafe Certification preferred or obtained within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to read banquet event orders (BEOs), recipes, and production schedules.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple events simultaneously.
• Ability to communicate effectively with culinary leadership and fellow associates.
• Conversational proficiency in English, including reading recipes and verbal communication.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations for recipes, portioning, and measurements.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining quality and consistency.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform repetitive motions for extended periods.
• Flexible availability, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and varying schedules based on banquet business demands.

Qualifications

• Passport required for international travel.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and varying schedules based on banquet business demands.

Benefits

• Up to $20/hour based upon your expertise.
• Paid time off for vacation, sick time, and to volunteer in your community.
• Strong sense of belonging through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Discounted food & beverage when you and your guests dine with us.
• Greatly discounted room rates for you and your out-of-town guests.
• Medical benefit premiums (based on eligibility) begin at a bi-weekly cost of $71.
• Discounted pet insurance available through ASPCA to care for your best friend.
• 401(k) participation available to help grow your nest egg.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program to support your health and well-being.