Lead Cook - Banquets

The Junto is a modern-day embodiment of Ben Franklin and his club of the same name. His “club for mutual improvement” brought together people from all backgrounds to discuss issues and ideas of the time while enjoying life. With an emphasis on public gathering spaces, our hotel gives visitors, locals, entrepreneurs, and artists alike a place to come together, exchange ideas, and inspire one another. The Junto will be both a destination and a landmark of the area, helping to define and add value to the future of Columbus.

The Lead Banquet Cook works closely with front-of-house staff to ensure food is prepared efficiently, consistently, and according to established recipes and presentation standards. This position requires strong culinary skills, attention to detail, excellent communication, and the ability to confidently lead and support the kitchen team during high-volume events.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare and execute a variety of menu items for weddings, banquets, meetings, and special events while maintaining consistent quality and presentation.
• Set up, organize, and maintain an efficient workstation before, during, and after service.
• Prepare ingredients, sauces, proteins, vegetables, and other menu components accurately and efficiently.
• Follow recipes, production sheets, event orders, and established culinary standards.
• Assist with banquet preparation and ensure food is ready for service according to event timelines.
• Coordinate with the culinary and banquet teams to ensure smooth and timely execution of events.
• Help guide and support other cooks and kitchen team members during preparation and service.
• Communicate effectively with the Chef, Sous Chef, banquet team, and front-of-house staff regarding timing, quantities, special requests, and event needs.
• Monitor food quality, temperatures, portion sizes, presentation, and consistency throughout service.
• Assist with receiving, storing, labeling, rotating, and properly handling food products.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment throughout the shift.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and kitchen safety procedures and ensure proper standards are maintained.
• Properly clean and maintain commercial kitchen equipment and work areas.
• Work efficiently and calmly in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, particularly during peak banquet and event service.
• Assist with breakdown, cleanup, and proper storage of food and equipment following events.
• Perform other culinary and banquet-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• 3+ years of professional cooking experience, preferably in a hotel, banquet, catering, or high-volume restaurant environment.
• Previous banquet or large-event culinary experience strongly preferred.
• Experience operating commercial kitchen equipment.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques, food safety, and sanitation procedures.
• Ability to follow recipes, production schedules, event orders, and detailed instructions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet event deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills with both front-of-house and back-of-house team members.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and provide direction and support to other kitchen staff.
• Ability to maintain composure and efficiency in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food quality and presentation.
• Culinary degree, certificate, or formal culinary training preferred.
• Flexible schedule, including availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and varying event schedules.

As part of the Makeready collection, we proudly offer a variety of thoughtful benefits and perks for eligible team members including accommodating PTO/PTO exchange, medical/dental/vision benefits, maternity/paternity leave, pet insurance, company-matched dependent care & 401k, student loan repayment program and a wide range of additional ancillary benefits. The health, happiness and well-being of our team is our top priority. 

We take pride in our Guiding Principles to help define how we successfully work together. We follow them not out of duty but live by them instinctively.

Makeready LLC and its affiliated entities are proud to encourage and support an environment where everyone can be a successful team member as their true independent self. We are an equal opportunity workplace and employer that does not discriminate based on race, color, disability, gender/sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. We are committed to building a team and a workplace where we are all able to be successful based solely on our individual qualifications, experience, abilities and job performance.