Catering Cook

Catering Cook

Arizona Athletic Grounds (AAG) in Mesa, AZ is one of the nation's largest youth sports and event facilities, featuring multiple fields, courts, stadiums, and performance facilities. As part of the Food & Beverage team, you'll help plan, prepare, and deliver high-quality catered food for team and athlete meals, VIP and hospitality suites, corporate functions, banquets, tournaments, and private events tied to professional soccer, top-tier basketball & volleyball, professional boxing, MMA, baseball, softball, national pickleball competitions, cheer and gymnastics showcases, special events, markets and more.

The Catering Cook is a part-time, hands-on culinary role supporting the preparation and execution of catered food for events across AAG's 275+ acre complex. Reporting to the Kitchen Manager and Catering Cook - Lead, this individual will prepare and cook large-batch menu items following established recipes and production sheets, assist with event setup and service, & ensure all food is prepared, held, transported, and served safely.

The ideal candidate has catering, banquet, or high-volume cooking experience, works well in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, and takes pride in food safety, teamwork, and presentation. All AAG employees make our guests & athletes feel welcome, and support teammates to ensure all areas of AAG Food & Beverage, grounds, and equipment are cared for to help ensure a safe and exceptional experience.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and portion large-batch menu items for catered events of varying sizes, following standardized recipes, portion guides, and presentation standards.
• Follow banquet event orders (BEOs), catering orders, and production sheets as directed.
• Set up, display, replenish, and break down buffet lines, chafing stations, hot/cold holding equipment, and food displays at event locations.
• Adapt to last-minute changes in guest counts, menus, or timing as directed while maintaining service standards.

• Cook, cool, hold, and reheat food to required temperatures in accordance with Maricopa County & FDA Food Code standards.
• Record temperatures on logs for cooking, cooling, hot/cold holding, and transport.
• Follow allergen-handling protocols, including ingredient separation, cross-contact prevention, and accurate labeling of allergen and special-diet meals.
• Package, label, and transport food & equipment to event locations using insulated carriers, hot boxes, &carts or vehicles, maintaining temperature and food integrity from kitchen to service.
• Label, date, store, and rotate products using first-in, first-out (FIFO) practices.
• Maintain a clean, sanitized, and organized kitchen, prep, storage, and event service area; complete opening, closing, and cleaning checklists.
• Safely operate commercial kitchen equipment such as convection and combi ovens, tilt skillets, steam kettles, grills, fryers, slicers, mixers, and holding cabinets; report maintenance needs promptly.

• Assist with receiving and putting away deliveries, restocking supplies, and inventory counts as assigned.
• Minimize waste through proper portioning, storage, and product use; notify the Catering Cook - Lead or Kitchen Manager of shortages, quality concerns, or low stock.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with team members, supervisors, and guests; represent AAG with professionalism at catered events.
• Work locations may be inside or outside, including kitchens, event spaces, hospitality areas, concessions areas, or food and beverage trailers.
• Assist in additional duties, special projects, and events as needed.

Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of cooking experience in catering, banquets, or a high-volume food service environment; large-batch cooking experience preferred.
• Knowledge of food safety, allergen handling, time and temperature control, and safe food holding and transport.
• Ability to follow recipes, BEOs, and production sheets, with basic math skills for measuring.
• Skill in safely operating commercial kitchen equipment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced setting while maintaining accuracy, quality, and food safety standards.
• Strong time management and teamwork skills, with the ability to take direction and coordinate with kitchen, event, and front-line staff.
• Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on the event calendar.

Education and Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Food Handler Card required, or must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
• Valid Arizona driver's license may be required for transporting food and equipment.

Physical and Other Job Requirements

• Required availability to work varied part-time shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on the event calendar.
• Demonstrate AAG's Core Values: Grit, Trust, Excellence, and Kaizen (continuous self-development).
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and to stoop, kneel, reach, bend, push, and pull.
• Requires ability to regularly lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and to push and pull loaded carts.
• Ability to work around hot equipment, open flames, sharp tools, and walk-in coolers and freezers.
• May work in high/low temperature climates inside or outside at events at AAG, including Arizona summer heat, and in moderate to loud, busy environments.
• Moving, setting up/taking down, cleaning, preparing, and other physical activities related to catering and event setup.

Any job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. All qualified candidates for this position must be eligible to work in the United States.

AZ Athletic Associates LLC. and Arizona Athletic Grounds are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.