Cook

Description

The Cook position will work in the Smillie's Cafe (the staff kitchen at C Lazy U Ranch). This position oversees and executes the daily organization and preparation of high-quality breakfast, lunch, and dinner for approximately 175 Ranch Team Members. Working closely with the Chef de Cuisine and Chef, this hands-on Cook coordinates meal quality, efficiency, timeliness, dietary accommodations, and a clean, welcoming dining environment. The position requires strong food execution knowledge and regular engagement with Ranch Team Members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Meal Execution and Quality

· Coordinate and execute breakfast, lunch, and dinner service with the Chef de Cuisine and Chef. Ensure meals are ready on time and meet Ranch standards for flavor, freshness, variety, and presentation.

· Maintain proper food temperatures throughout service: “Hot Food Hot and Cold Food Cold.”

· In coordination with Culinary Leadership, manage, update, and maintain the Smillie’s daily menu board with accurate descriptions and dietary information for every item, using established C Lazy U Ranch dietary guidelines; update before each meal service.

· Coordinate dietary restrictions, allergies, and special meal needs with Culinary Leadership.

· Monitor food presentation, replenishment, portioning, rotation, and waste throughout service.

Smillie’s Dining Room Operations

· Maintain clean, organized, stocked, and welcoming dining and service areas before, during, and after each meal.

· Oversee opening and closing procedures, food and beverage stations, condiments, utensils, and service supplies.

· Ensure food safety, sanitation, and Ranch cleanliness standards are followed.

Inventory and Restocking

· Work with senior Culinary Leadership on the inventory and restocking of food service supplies, beverages, condiments, disposables, and other Smillie’s operating necessities.

· Anticipate needs, monitor usage, and ensure proper storage, labeling, and rotation; communicate shortages to Culinary Leadership.

· Work with the Chef de Cuisine and senior Culinary Leadership to ensure adequate inventory is available to execute all Team Member meals.

Communication and Culinary Coordination

· Coordinate meal planning and timely execution with the Chef de Cuisine and Chef; proactively communicate service, equipment, food product, and beverage product needs.

· Identify service challenges and share Team Member feedback and opportunities for improvement with Culinary Leadership.

Ranch Team Member Hospitality and Engagement

· Engage daily with Ranch Team Members, welcome feedback, and respond promptly and professionally to dining concerns.

· Build positive relationships across Ranch departments and take ownership of the Team Member dining experience.

ESTABLISHED MEAL SERVICE TIMES:

Breakfast: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM Lunch: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Dinner: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Requirements

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

· Experience in professional food preparation, culinary operations, or high-volume employee dining preferred.

· Strong knowledge of quality food execution, holding temperatures, food safety, and dietary accommodations.

· Strong organization, communication, hospitality, and time-management skills.

· Availability for mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

· Ability to coordinate multiple meal services and anticipate operational needs.

· Ability to communicate effectively with Culinary Leadership and engage positively with Ranch Team Members.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

· Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

· Ability to bend, reach, lift, and work in kitchen and dining environments with varying temperatures.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Smillie’s Cook works in a busy luxury guest ranch employee dining environment, supporting three daily meal periods. Flexibility, teamwork, hands-on leadership, and warm Ranch hospitality are essential.