The Retreat Cook is a hands-on cooking and guest-service position responsible for preparing and serving quality meals for retreat groups, conferences, and special events. Meals are primarily prepared in bulk and served from a staffed buffet line, with the Retreat Cook and food service staff portioning and serving food directly to guests.
This position requires the ability to efficiently prepare meals for groups of varying sizes while maintaining consistent quality, appropriate quantities, attractive presentation, food safety, and timely service.
The Retreat Cook plays a vital role in the overall guest experience. Food service is an extension of our hospitality, and each meal should help guests feel welcomed and well cared for.
Essential Responsibilities
· Prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and other menu items according to established menus and recipes.
· Prepare and cook large quantities of food for retreats and conference groups.
· Set up an attractive, organized, and efficient staff-served buffet line for each meal.
· Serve guests directly from the buffet line, providing appropriate portions in a friendly and welcoming manner.
· Monitor food quantities throughout meal service and replenish pans as needed.
· Coordinate cooking and serving times so all menu items are ready and served at the proper temperature.
· Maintain an efficient flow of service so groups can be served promptly within their scheduled meal period.
· Follow established portion guidelines to ensure adequate food is available for all guests while minimizing unnecessary food waste.
· Assist with approved dietary accommodations and food allergies as directed by the Kitchen Manager/Food Service Director.
· Maintain proper food temperatures, sanitation practices, food storage, labeling, and rotation.
· Follow all applicable health department and food-safety requirements.
· Assist with receiving, stocking, organizing, and rotating food and kitchen supplies.
· Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen and serving area throughout the shift.
· Clean cooking equipment, work surfaces, serving areas, and food preparation areas and assist with end-of-shift cleanup.
· Work cooperatively with other kitchen staff, retreat staff, and volunteers.
· Interact warmly and professionally with retreat guests while serving meals.
· Assist with special events, receptions, and other food service needs as assigned.
Qualifications
· Previous cooking experience in a retreat center, banquet facility, catering operation, school, senior living community, institutional kitchen, restaurant, or other high-volume food-service environment preferred.
· Experience preparing food in bulk and serving large groups strongly preferred.
· Comfortable serving guests directly from a buffet line and interacting with guests during meal service.
· Ability to follow recipes and adjust quantities according to group size.
· Knowledge of proper food handling, sanitation, portion control, and temperature-control procedures.
· Ability to organize meal preparation so multiple menu items are completed at the appropriate time.
· Ability to work independently while also functioning as part of a team.
· Dependable, organized, flexible, and able to respond appropriately to changes in guest counts, dietary needs, or schedules.
· ServSafe certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification.
Pallottine Retreat and Conference Center (Pallottine) provides facilities and programming for retreats and conferences that serve large and small groups, or individuals. It is Catholic in identity and ecumenical and interfaith in our outreach. We serve a diverse community, promoting inclusion and providing exemplary hospitality. Our facility in North Saint Louis County provides large, small, and intimate meeting spaces, a large chapel, and comfortable overnight accommodation. We are on 83 acres enhancing retreatants’ experiences. The professionalism of our staff and their commitment to hospitality create the perfect atmosphere for reflection and renewal with the comforts of home.
