Prep Cook

The Knoxville Convention Center, a premier event destination located in the heart of Knoxville, Tennessee, is renowned for its exceptional facilities and commitment to hosting a wide variety of events, including corporate meetings, banquets, weddings, and conventions. The Convention Center prides itself on delivering outstanding service and culinary experiences to its clients by maintaining high standards in every aspect of its operations. As part of this commitment, the Center employs a talented culinary team led by an Executive Chef and Sous Chef who oversee food preparation and production to ensure every event is a memorable success. This vibrant environment combines professional expertise, culinary creativity, and organizational excellence to create an impeccable culinary experience for guests.

The role of the Cook at the Knoxville Convention Center is a hands-on position that plays a vital part in supporting the Executive Chef and Sous Chef. This role involves preparing food for various events by following approved recipes precisely and adhering to the highest production standards. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in a fast-paced and physically demanding environment, demonstrates excellent organizational skills, and has a passion for culinary excellence. Responsibilities include preparing meats, vegetables, starches, and desserts according to specific recipes, monitoring and adjusting quantities to accommodate fluctuations in volume, and ensuring that all food preparation areas and equipment are maintained in an organized and sanitary manner.

This Cook position demands an individual who is capable of minimizing waste through careful control of overage and usage, while also contributing to the training and education of seasonal kitchen staff members to uphold the Convention Center's standards. Additional duties include assembling and finalizing food production, assisting with the plating of catered meals, and performing other tasks as assigned to support smooth kitchen operations. Working in this role means being exposed to various physical demands and environmental conditions, including standing for extended periods, handling heavy lifting, and working around heat and cold elements. The position requires flexibility in working hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as necessary to meet event schedules and demands.

Candidates for this Cook position should possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with a preference for those holding a two-year culinary degree or relevant continuing education credits. Experience requirements include a minimum of three years in a cook's position or at least one year in banquet or catering operations. Proficiency in using all major kitchen equipment such as ovens, stoves, grills, steamers, and mixers is essential, along with a strong knowledge of state health codes and sanitation standards. The candidate must be able to work in compliance with ASM Knoxville/Savor grooming standards and pass a criminal background check.

The Knoxville Convention Center offers a dynamic working environment within the hospitality industry, allowing culinary professionals to develop their skills while contributing to a team. Offering the opportunity to work in a highly reputable venue known for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, this role presents an excellent career path for cooks seeking to expand their culinary experience within a large-scale convention and event setting. The environment demands a high degree of physical endurance and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced kitchen dedicated to delivering exceptional food service.