posted March 25, 2026

Banquet Cook

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Compensation: $18.00 to $20.00 per hour

Job Description

A Banquet Cook is responsible for preparing and executing high-quality food for banquet events, conferences, weddings, and large-scale functions while maintaining consistency, efficiency, and presentation standards.
Core Responsibilities
  • Prepare and cook menu items for banquets, buffets, plated dinners, receptions, and special events according to established recipes and standards.
  • Assist in the setup, organization, and execution of banquet kitchen operations before, during, and after events.
  • Ensure food quality, taste, temperature, and presentation meet the standards of the culinary team and event specifications.
  • Work closely with the Banquet Chef, Sous Chefs, and event team to execute menus accurately and on schedule.
  • Prepare ingredients in advance including portioning, chopping, marinating, and pre-cooking as required for large-volume service.
  • Maintain proper food safety and sanitation standards (FIFO, labeling, storage, and temperature control).
  • Ensure all banquet production meets health department regulations and company policies.
  • Assist with plating and assembly lines during high-volume service to ensure speed and consistency.
  • Monitor product levels and communicate shortages or needs to supervisors in advance of events.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workstation at all times.
  • Assist with breakdown, storage, and proper handling of leftover product following events.
  • Support other kitchen stations as needed to ensure smooth event execution.
Operational Expectations
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume banquet environment.
  • Maintain consistency when producing large quantities of food.
  • Strong teamwork and communication with culinary and banquet service staff.
  • Flexibility to work early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules.
Quality Focus
  • Uphold presentation standards for high-end events and VIP functions.
  • Ensure accuracy with banquet event orders (BEOs) and production sheets.
  • Contribute to an organized, professional banquet kitchen environment.

Benefits for Full-Time Employees:

  • 401(k) with employer matching.
  • AD&D insurance.
  • Comprehensive dental, health, and vision insurance.
  • Employee discounts at the resort.
  • Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
  • Life insurance coverage.
  • Paid time off for rest and relaxation.

Join Us: As a Cook at Cheeca Lodge & Spa, you will be a vital part of a team that prides itself on exceptional dining experiences. Your expertise will contribute to the diverse and delightful culinary offerings that our guests love. If you are passionate about cooking and eager to grow in a dynamic and supportive environment, we invite you to apply.

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Cheeca Lodge and Spa

Hotel with 214 Rooms

WELCOME TO CHEECA

A Legendary Tropical Hideaway

Since 1946 the historic Cheeca Lodge & Spa has enchanted guests with world-class fishing, exceptional accommodations, and gracious hospitality. Come experience this lush oceanfront retreat, considered the premier luxury resort in the Florida Keys.

The Legend of Our Grand Florida Keys Hotel Resort

You've found it...the crown jewel of Islamorada Florida Keys hotels. 

Hardy Keys pioneers called Conchs chose this very beach to carve out a tenacious living in the isolated beauty of the undiscovered Florida Keys. Here, they formed a Methodist congregation and built a two-room school house and a cemetery. Cheeca has preserved this Pioneer Cemetery, where members of the founding families of Islamorada are buried. You can explore it today; it is a designated historical site. The Angel with the Broken Wing watches over the grave of Etta Pinder, who died in 1914. Here lies the first footprint of Islamorada – "Purple Isle" in Spanish.

The early 1940's brought electricity and fresh water. Mrs. Clara Mae Downey from Olney, Maryland, opened the Olney Inn in 1946. She described this early bellwether of Cheeca as "different – rather comparable to the tropical estate of a gifted host." Clara's first guest was President Harry Truman, who cherished his time loafing around the pool and wondering amidst the resort's 22 quaint bungalows. 

Fast horses, high society and a healthy dose of Keys vivacity marked the reign of the Twitchell Family in the 1960's. Cynthia, better known as "Chee," was an heiress to the A&P grocery chain and owner of a top thoroughbred racing farm. "We took my nickname, combined it with my husband Carl's, and came up with "Cheeca," she recalled. The Twitchells completely refurbished the property, adding the main lodge, the oceanfront villas, tennis courts, golf course and Cheeca's trademark wooden fishing pier. Chee raised miniature tarpon and her beloved seahorses in the aquariums throughout the resort. "Suzy the Seahorse" became Cheeca's mascot and logo, gracing the resort's menus, brochures, towels and linens.

Avid outdoorsman and Coca Cola magnate Carl Navarre purchased Cheeca Lodge in 1976, hosting his Fortune 500 friends in for sunny days of sportfishing and golf. Celebrities flocked to the hotel and famous guests were reeling in giant bonefish right off the resort's pier. The "Sportfishing Capital of the World" was born, seducing wealthy adventurers from around the world.

In 2005, Cheeca Lodge underwent over $30 million dollars in renovations, restoring the property and its surrounding grounds to their original grandeur, ensuring that we will be a cherished destination for generations to come. Following a fire on New Year's Eve 2008, the Main Lodge was completely rebuilt once again, with a fabulous open-air lobby, a spectacular oceanfront banquet room with panoramic views, and an exclusive indoor / outdoor lounge area for club members.

Logo for Cheeca Lodge and Spa

81801 Overseas Highway

Islamorada, FL 33036

Website www.CheecaJobs.com

Managed by Northwood Hospitality

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