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Cook | Part-Time | PPL Center
Company : Dallas Convention Center
Location : Allentown, PA, 18101
Job Type : Part Time
Date Posted : 4 January 2026
Oak View Group
Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on the planet.
Position Summary
The Cook is responsible for preparing food and assisting in the preparation of items in various kitchen operations per company recipes and standards in a fast-paced environment. The Cook must adhere to high company standards to ensure guest satisfaction. Portion control, food waste and sanitation are additional areas the Cook must be aware of while operating in the kitchen. The Cook will be responsible for the setup, sanitation, cleaning, and closing of their workstation area.
This role will pay an hourly rate of $16 to $18.
Benefits for PT roles: 401(k) savings plan and 401(k) matching.
EVERGREEN ROLE: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis; there is no application deadline.
About the Venue
PPL Center is a state-of-the-art multipurpose arena in downtown Allentown, PA and home of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The arena seats more than 10,000 for concerts and more than 8,500 for Lehigh Valley Phantoms professional hockey games, making it the region’s largest events venue.
The amenities-packed PPL Center hosts more than 150 events each year, offering something for everyone, including the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the AHL affiliate of the NHL Philadelphia Flyers, live concerts, family shows, trade shows, youth sports, high school and collegiate events, conferences, graduations, and so many more.
Responsibilities
- Must demonstrate ability to meet the company standard for excellence in the areas of guest service, interaction with co-workers, and uniform standards.
- Take pride in personal appearance; reporting to work in neat and clean clothing; maintaining well-groomed hair and personal hygiene as established by company policy.
- Ensure a clean, safe, and pleasant atmosphere is maintained in the kitchen and other work areas always.
- Perform any opening and closing side work as required
- Maintain a positive attitude in high stress situations
- Responsible for providing high quality, fresh food products in a timely manner for delivery to guests
- Operate standard kitchen utensils and equipment in a safe, prompt, and efficient manner.
- Prepare hot and cold foods following company recipes and portioning requirements.
- Understand and follow guidelines set by OVG and the Health Department by maintaining sanitation, health and safety standards in work areas.
- Responsible for observing and testing foods to ensure proper cooking.
- Responsible for portioning, arranging, and garnishing food plates for delivery to guests.
- Responsible for cutting and/or slicing meat; washing, peeling, and cutting fruit and vegetables for cooking or serving; mixing ingredients for green salads, fruit salads, vegetable salads, and pasta salads.
- Report any safety hazards or unsafe conditions/practices to management immediately.
- Perform other duties as assigned by management.
- Must show demonstrated ability to meet the company standard for excellent attendance.
Essential Job Functions
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time
- Ability to lift, push, pull or carry heavy objects of at least 50lbs.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Must be 18 or over.
- Training in food preparation or experience working in a fast-paced kitchen environment is required
- Possess valid food handling certificate if required by state and federal regulations (or be willing to obtain one within a 60 day time-frame from date of hire).
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a friendly, positive attitude with co-workers, management staff, volunteers and guests.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, some holidays and long hours.
- Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference
At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.
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Frequently asked questions
Working as a part-time cook at PPL Center is unique due to its fast-paced event-driven environment hosting hockey games and concerts. Unlike typical restaurants, cooks here manage high-volume food prep for diverse crowds, requiring quick adaptability and strict portion control, which sets it apart from standard kitchen jobs in Allentown.
Key skills include efficient multitasking, familiarity with food safety standards, and the ability to prepare both hot and cold dishes rapidly. Since the role demands cleanliness, teamwork, and handling large events, cooks must stay organized and maintain composure under pressure to meet PPL Center’s hospitality standards.
Many assume part-time cooks only do simple tasks, but at venues like PPL Center, the role involves precise portioning, food garnishing, and sanitation adherence. It’s not just cooking; it’s managing quality and safety in a dynamic setting, which requires both skill and attention to detail.
Part-time cooks at Dallas Convention Center gain valuable experience in high-volume kitchens, opening pathways to full-time culinary roles or supervisory positions. The hands-on exposure to diverse events and professional standards can enhance resumes and skill sets for future hospitality opportunities.
Part-time cooks at PPL Center earn between $16 and $18 per hour, reflecting the specialized demands of working in a premier event venue. This rate aligns competitively with similar roles in Allentown’s hospitality sector, especially for positions requiring food safety certification.
Yes, Allentown’s health regulations commonly require cooks to have valid food handling certificates. While new hires may obtain certification within 60 days of employment, having it upfront can improve hiring chances at PPL Center and demonstrate commitment to food safety.
Allentown’s culinary job market is moderately competitive due to a growing events scene. Positions at PPL Center attract many applicants seeking flexible schedules and event experience, so candidates with prior cooking experience and certifications tend to stand out in this local hiring environment.
Apart from preparing meals, cooks at Dallas Convention Center’s PPL Center handle detailed workstation sanitation, monitor food safety closely, and assist in opening and closing kitchen duties. This comprehensive role ensures smooth operation during large-scale events requiring consistent quality and hygiene.
The Dallas Convention Center promotes a diverse, inclusive environment where teamwork and positive attitudes are valued. For part-time cooks at PPL Center, this means working alongside staff from varied backgrounds, fostering collaboration and a welcoming atmosphere amid the fast-paced event setting.
Daily duties include preparing and garnishing food plates per recipe standards, managing portion control, cleaning and sanitizing workstations, and safely operating kitchen equipment. Cooks must also adapt to fluctuating event demands, maintain hygiene, and contribute to a positive team environment.