Assistant Cook

HMSHost is a leading provider of hospitality services, specializing in delivering quality food and beverage options in travel venues such as airports and highway locations. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and operational excellence, HMSHost strives to create memorable dining experiences for travelers across various locations. Known for its extensive network and innovative approach, HMSHost values diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity employment, ensuring a welcoming environment for all employees and patrons alike. The company maintains a Drug-Free Workplace and encourages candidates from Minority, Female, Disabled, and Veteran categories to apply, fostering a culture grounded in equality and respect.

The Assistant Cook role at HMSHost is a critical position responsible for preparing an assortment of cooked dishes while delivering high standards of service to clients and colleagues. This non-exempt position reports directly to the management team and involves close collaboration with managers and servers. The Assistant Cook must demonstrate proficiency in handling multiple cooking stations, including frying, griddling, pantry work, and egg preparation. Effective communication is essential, particularly regarding order timings, potential setbacks, and other kitchen-related matters to ensure smooth and efficient operations.

Key responsibilities include preparing food following specific instructions and recipes to ensure consistent quality and taste. The Assistant Cook will work with a variety of ingredients such as soups, meats, vegetables, and sweets, using kitchen machinery and tools like slicers, mixers, grills, fryers, and ovens. Maintaining hygiene and adhering to HACCP food safety protocols is crucial for this role, as is the upkeep of a clean and sterile working environment. This includes tracking stock quantities, organizing items by expiration dates, and rotating inventory to preserve freshness.

The role requires a candidate who can lift and transport items up to 40 pounds and is comfortable working in a fast-paced kitchen environment that exposes them to high temperatures, sharp tools, and hot serving plates. The Assistant Cook should be able to bend, twist, and stand for extended periods and have hands regularly soaked in water or cleaning agents to ensure hygiene standards. Candidates with at least one year of closely related culinary experience, ideally in a busy, informal restaurant setting, will find this role suitable.

Through this role, HMSHost offers a dynamic opportunity for individuals passionate about culinary arts and hospitality to grow within a reputable company. The Assistant Cook will play a vital role in supporting the kitchen's overall efficiency, contributing to a team focused on delivering excellent service and quality. HMSHost values clear communication and teamwork, making this an ideal environment for culinary professionals eager to enhance their skills and build a rewarding career in the hospitality industry.