Pantry Cook
Company : SPECTRA
Location : Shawnee, KS, 66216
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 22 December 2025
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
As a Cook, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality food for the Performance Dining Program as well as premium game day caterings. As a Cook you will be responsible for preparing menu items utilizing cooking equipment in a fast-paced environment. A Cook must adhere to high food quality standards to ensure guest satisfaction. Portion control, food waste and sanitation are additional areas that Cook must be aware of while operating in the kitchen and culinary areas.
This role pays an hourly rate of $16.00-$18.00
Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays)
This position will remain open until December 26, 2025.
About the Venue
The Anderson Family Football Complex is a state-of-the-art training facility for the University of Kansas football team. This complex includes a dedicated dining area known as “Performance Dining", where student-athletes enjoy nutritious meals designed to fuel their performance. The facility supports the team’s rigorous training schedule and is an integral part of their athletic development.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and cook food items according to standardized recipes and kitchen guidelines.
- Maintain a clean and organized workstation in accordance with health and safety regulations.
- Assist with food prep, cooking, plating, and presentation during service.
- Ensure proper storage, labeling, and rotation of ingredients to minimize waste.
- Follow food safety protocols, including proper handling of allergens and dietary restrictions.
- Assist in setting up and breaking down the kitchen for events and daily operations.
- Work collaboratively with other kitchen staff and front-of-house teams to ensure smooth service.
- Operate kitchen equipment safely and report any maintenance or repair needs.
- Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and sanitation standards.
- Must show demonstrated ability to meet the company standard for excellent attendance.
Qualifications
- 1+ years of experience in a high-volume kitchen, restaurant, catering, or event venue preferred.
- Knowledge of basic cooking techniques, food prep, and kitchen safety standards.
- Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Must be able to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, based on the event schedule.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., stand for long periods, and work in a physically demanding environment.
- Food Handler’s Certification (or ability to obtain upon hiring).
- Positive attitude and strong team-oriented work ethic.
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
Shawnee's culinary scene offers competitive opportunities for Pantry Cooks, with a lower cost of living than larger hubs like Kansas City. While pay rates here might be slightly below metro averages, the demand for skilled cooks in venues like SPECTRA ensures steady employment with room to develop event-specific catering expertise.
In Shawnee, employers typically expect a valid food handler’s certification for Pantry Cook candidates, reflecting local health regulations. Certifications focusing on allergen management are increasingly valued, especially in event venues, to support diverse dietary needs and maintain compliance with regional sanitation standards.
Emphasizing experience with high-volume food prep, knowledge of portion control, and familiarity with fast-paced kitchen environments resonates well with Shawnee employers. Showcasing teamwork, flexibility for event schedules, and a strong grasp of sanitation protocols can boost candidacy for pantry cook positions in this market.
SPECTRA’s Pantry Cook role immerses you in premium hospitality for live events, blending culinary skills with large-scale catering dynamics. Exposure to specialized menus like performance dining for athletes enhances your resume, while collaboration within a top-tier venue network paves pathways toward supervisory or specialized chef roles.
At SPECTRA, Pantry Cooks benefit from structured kitchen guidelines and ongoing training emphasizing consistency and sanitation. The company fosters a team-centric culture that encourages clear communication and efficient workflows, helping cooks uphold high standards even during peak event catering and fast-paced service.
Pantry Cooks in Shawnee generally earn between $16.00 and $18.00 per hour, aligning with SPECTRA’s posted range. This wage reflects the specialized nature of event catering roles and the physical demands of the position, offering competitive compensation within the local hospitality sector.
While event schedules can fluctuate, many Pantry Cook positions in Shawnee provide year-round work, especially with established companies like SPECTRA. Consistent sports seasons, festivals, and university events create steady demand, making these roles viable for cooks seeking stable culinary careers.
Pantry Cooks in live event venues focus primarily on preparing cold or pre-assembled menu items, managing ingredient rotation, and ensuring allergen-safe handling. Unlike general line cooks, they often coordinate plating for premium catering and maintain strict portion control to minimize food waste during large-scale functions.
Yes, working as a Pantry Cook at SPECTRA provides exposure to high-volume event catering and premium dining services, valuable for career progression. Building skills here can open doors to supervisory roles or specialized culinary positions within the expansive Oak View Group network and the broader hospitality sector.
Pantry Cooks in Shawnee’s event venues must adapt to irregular hours, including nights and weekends, to match event schedules. The role demands physical stamina for long shifts and the ability to maintain quality under pressure, while ensuring strict adherence to sanitation and allergen protocols in a fast-moving environment.