We’re always looking for talent that believes in having fun. At PENN Entertainment, you’ll get to be a part of an exciting industry, where the days and nights are fast paced. You’ll work with an incredibly diverse set of co-workers driven by their enthusiasm for helping people find and have more fun. You’ll also get to work at a company that cares about your career growth and will help you get the support you need to expand your possibilities. 

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The Line Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food items according to established recipes, quality standards, and food safety procedures at Sam Houston Race Park. This position supports the Food & Beverage operation by ensuring food is prepared accurately, consistently, and efficiently for guests attending live racing, simulcast racing, concerts, private events, and other special events.

The ideal candidate is dependable, team-oriented, detail-focused, and able to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment. The Line Cook must be committed to maintaining food quality, cleanliness, organization, and safety throughout each shift.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu items according to established recipes, portion sizes, and presentation standards.
• Follow daily prep lists and production requirements provided by the Kitchen or Culinary Manager.
• Properly set up and maintain an assigned kitchen station throughout service.
• Prepare ingredients including meats, vegetables, sauces, garnishes, and other food products.
• Follow proper cooking methods and temperature requirements for all food items.
• Ensure food is prepared and served in a timely manner while maintaining quality and consistency.
• Read and follow recipes, prep sheets, tickets, and production instructions accurately.
• Maintain appropriate food temperatures and follow proper food handling and storage procedures.
• Monitor food quality, freshness, and appearance throughout preparation and service.
• Communicate with kitchen leadership regarding product shortages, quality concerns, equipment issues, and special requests.
• Work closely with other Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, Dishwashers, Servers, Bartenders, and Food & Beverage Management.
• Assist with preparing food for restaurants, concessions, catering, private events, and other race park operations as assigned.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and properly stocked workstation throughout the shift.
• Clean and sanitize cooking equipment, utensils, preparation surfaces, and work areas.
• Properly store, label, date, and rotate food products using established procedures.
• Follow FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory rotation practices.
• Assist with opening and closing kitchen duties, including preparation, cleaning, stocking, and securing equipment.
• Minimize food waste while maintaining appropriate preparation and production levels.
• Follow all health department, food safety, sanitation, and company requirements.
• Safely operate kitchen equipment including grills, fryers, ovens, ranges, slicers, mixers, and other equipment as trained.
• Maintain awareness of kitchen safety procedures and immediately report hazards, injuries, or equipment concerns to management.
• Follow all PENN Entertainment and Sam Houston Race Park policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Culinary Management.

Food Quality & Safety Expectations

Line Cooks are expected to:

• Consistently prepare food according to established recipes and quality standards.
• Maintain proper food temperatures throughout preparation, cooking, holding, and storage.
• Prevent cross-contamination by following proper food handling and sanitation procedures.
• Use proper knife-handling and equipment safety techniques.
• Maintain clean hands, uniforms, workstations, and equipment.
• Properly label, date, store, and rotate food products.
• Report spoiled, damaged, or improperly stored food products to management.
• Follow all applicable health department and food safety regulations.

Teamwork & Guest Experience

Although the Line Cook works primarily behind the scenes, this position plays a critical role in the overall guest experience. Line Cooks are expected to:

• Work efficiently and communicate effectively with the kitchen team.
• Maintain a positive and professional attitude during high-volume service.
• Support teammates when additional assistance is needed.
• Respond appropriately to special orders, modifications, and dietary requests.
• Maintain consistent food quality regardless of volume or service demands.
• Understand that accurate, timely food preparation directly impacts guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Previous line cook, prep cook, restaurant, catering, or commercial kitchen experience preferred.
• Ability to follow recipes and written and verbal instructions.
• Basic knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques, and kitchen equipment.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food quality.
• Dependable, punctual, and able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain a clean and organized workstation.
• Ability to follow food safety and sanitation procedures.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, live racing days, and special events as scheduled.
• Food Handler certification may be required based on assigned duties and applicable regulations.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in high-volume restaurants, stadiums, racetracks, casinos, hotels, catering operations, or entertainment venues.
• Experience preparing food for large events.
• Knowledge of grilling, sautéing, frying, baking, and other common cooking techniques.
• Ability to work multiple kitchen stations as needed.
• Ability to remain calm and organized during peak service periods.
• Familiarity with large-scale food production is a plus.

We’ve grown to become the leading provider of integrated entertainment, sports content, and casino gaming experiences thanks to our 43 destinations across North America, online sports betting and iCasino via theScore Bet Sportsbook and Casino®.

Being an industry leader means more than being a purveyor of fun. We are also committed to values like diversity and sustainability — for our community, our team members, our vendors, and our planet. 

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Equal Opportunity Employer