Banquet / Catering Chef

Job Description

Job Description

The Emerson Inn in Rockport, MA is looking for an experienced Banquet Chef/Catering Chef to join our team. We are seeking someone with strong kitchen experience who understands banquet, catering, breakfast, dinner, and event-style food service.

This position will support our daily breakfast service, dinner service, private events, weddings, special hotel functions, and catered-style service. The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, clean, professional, and able to prepare food efficiently while maintaining quality, timing, and presentation.

This is currently a seasonal position from May through November, with the possibility of extending into a year-round position as the Emerson Inn continues to grow and expand operations.

Responsibilities include:

Preparing and cooking food for breakfast, dinner, banquets, private events, and special functions
Assisting with menu prep, event prep, and food presentation
Following banquet timelines, prep lists, recipes, and portion standards
Maintaining a clean, organized, and food-safe kitchen
Supporting inventory, ordering, receiving, and proper food storage as needed
Working with management and service staff to ensure smooth breakfast, dinner, and event execution
Helping maintain consistency, quality, and professionalism in all food service areas
Hours:

Seasonal position from May through November
Full-time
AM and PM availability preferred
Weekend and event availability required
Schedule may vary based on hotel occupancy, breakfast needs, dinner service, weddings, and private events
Qualifications:

Previous chef, banquet chef, catering cook, or kitchen leadership experience preferred
Experience with breakfast, dinner, banquet, catering, wedding, or event food service strongly preferred
Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, prep, cooking, and proper food handling
Ability to manage a small team
Strong organization, cleanliness, timing, and communication skills
ServSafe certification preferred but not required
Special skills preferred:

Breakfast and dinner service experience
Banquet and catering prep experience
Menu planning or seasonal menu ideas
Food presentation and plating
Inventory control and waste reduction
Ability to stay calm and organized during busy events
The Emerson Inn is a historic coastal inn with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. We are building a dependable team that takes pride in hospitality, cleanliness, quality service, and creating a memorable guest experience.

Benefits / Perks:

Competitive pay based on experience
Beautiful oceanfront work environment
Opportunity to be part of weddings, private events, and special hotel functions
Supportive small-team atmosphere
Growth opportunity as our food and event program continues to develop

Employment Type(s): Full-time