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Banquet Pantry Cook (Full Time)
Company : Highgate
Location : Providence, RI, 02903
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 2 January 2026
Compensation Type
HourlyHighgate Hotels
Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value.
With an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, Highgate is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. www.highgate.com
Location
Located in the heart of downtown Providence, Rhode Island, the 294-room Graduate Providence is a landmark hotel with an illustrious past. Designed by the celebrated firm Warren and Wetmore, the architects behind New York City’s Grand Central Station, the hotel debuted to widespread acclaim in 1922 and quickly became the tourist and social center of Providence. Today, deeply woven within the city’s fabric and culture and beloved by generations of guests, the Graduate Providence is an authentic Providence tradition. The Graduate Providence is a member of the Historic Hotels of America.
Overview
The primary function of the Pantry Cook is to timely and accurately prepare high quality cold food items for catering events in the hotel’s banquet spaces. He/She is also responsible for preparing and serving meals in the employee cafeteria.
Responsibilities
Essential Responsibilities:
- Portion and prepare cold food items such as salads, cold appetizers, sandwiches and cold banquet platters.
- Prepare meals for employees and serve in employee cafeteria
- Must have some knowledge of the handling of hot foods and hot food production.
- Prepare menu items as instructed on daily production sheets.
- Uphold cleanliness standards for kitchen, operations, equipment and tools.
- Maintain safe and sanitary work environment.
- Follow all instructions and procedures from Sous Chef / Executive Chef to ensure an excellent quality of food is served to all guests.
- Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner.
- Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate standards, as required by scheduling which will vary according to the needs of the hotel(s).
- Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which include wearing the proper uniform and nametag while working.
- Comply at all times with Highgate standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
- Cook food to order per recipe card and plating guide.
- Set up line per specification.
- Break down line after meal service.
- Handle and store food in sanitary fashion.
- Recognize quality standards in fresh vegetables, fish, dairy, and meat productions.
- Differentiate spices effectively.
- Maintain clean and sanitary environment.
- Recognize and utilizes food garnished per plating guide and recipe card.
Marginal Responsibilities:
- Requisition food from store room and butcher.
- Other duties as required.
Qualifications
Education & Experience:
High School Diploma
Prior culinary experience required
Experience in a hotel or related field preferred.
Physical Requirements
Long hours sometimes required.
Medium work- Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
In and out of refrigerators/freezers with some frequency.
Mental Requirements
Must be able to convey information and ideas clearly
Must be able to evaluate and select among alternative courses of action quickly and accurately.
Must work well in stressful, high pressure situations
Cumberland, RI
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Frequently asked questions
Banquet Pantry Cooks in Providence focus heavily on preparing cold dishes like salads and appetizers for events, demanding precision and speed. Unlike general cooks, they also manage employee cafeteria meals while maintaining strict sanitation standards, reflecting the fast-paced banquet environment unique to hospitality hubs like Providence.
Strong knowledge of cold food preparation, attention to detail in garnishing, and adherence to food safety are top skills. Experience in portion control and familiarity with recipe cards enhance performance, especially in banquet settings where quality presentation and timing are critical.
Yes, starting as a pantry cook can lead to roles such as banquet chef or kitchen supervisor. Building expertise in hot and cold food production and demonstrating leadership during event services often opens pathways to higher culinary or management positions in hotels and catering companies.
Banquet Pantry Cook positions in Providence generally earn between $14 and $18 per hour, varying with experience and hotel prestige. Considering Highgate’s reputation, compensation tends to align with competitive hospitality market rates in Rhode Island’s downtown area.
Highgate emphasizes innovative hospitality with a sizable hotel portfolio, offering pantry cooks exposure to high-profile events and diverse culinary techniques. This contrasts with smaller hotels where banquet duties might be less specialized, making Highgate a platform for broad skill enhancement and networking.
Highgate’s focus on service excellence and operational efficiency requires pantry cooks to maintain high cleanliness standards and follow detailed production guides. The company’s use of advanced revenue tools means cooks contribute indirectly to guest satisfaction and asset value maximization.
Many assume it's just cold food prep, but this role requires knowledge of hot food handling and quick adaptation during events. It also demands physical stamina and strict adherence to hygiene, which are critical to maintaining banquet food quality and safety.
While a high school diploma suffices, certifications like ServSafe Food Handler or culinary arts credentials can boost employability. Providence employers value food safety knowledge due to local health regulations and the high volume of banquet events hosted.
Given Providence’s vibrant event and tourism sector, demand for banquet cooks remains steady with seasonal peaks. Competition can be moderate, with preference for candidates having hotel experience or familiarity with banquet-style catering.
The hotel’s downtown location offers convenient access via public transit and nearby parking. However, traffic during event setups can cause brief delays, so prospective cooks often plan shifts to avoid peak congestion times.