Who We Are

Based in San Antonio, Texas, Zachry Hotels is a proven leader in the development, management and ownership of hospitality assets. At Zachry Hotels, we are passionate about hospitality and surround ourselves with team members who share that same passion. Our tenure in the hospitality and hotel industry has provided us the knowledge and key relationships for success in hotel management, operation, and development. We take care of our clients, business partners and each other as family, within a culture of service and accountability, where we do the right thing because it is the right thing to do.

Together We Can Do Great Things® Every Person Matters® This Is More Than A Job®

Position Overview

The Cook I is an entry-level or developing cook responsible for basic food preparation, workstation setup, and support of line cooks and chefs. This role assists with prep tasks, simple cooking duties, sanitation, and organization to ensure smooth kitchen operations in a full-service hotel environment. The Cook I position is designed to build foundational culinary skills while supporting the overall culinary team.

What You'll Do

Basic Food Preparation & Support

• Assist with preparing ingredients including chopping vegetables, portioning items, preparing sauces, and putting everything in place.
• Perform simple cooking tasks such as preparing soups, stocks, salads, or basic hot items according to instructions.
• Follow standardized recipes and portion guidelines with accuracy.
• Assist Cook II, Cook III, and Sous Chefs with production tasks during busy service periods.

Station Setup & Organization

• Ensure assigned prep or line station is fully stocked, organized, and cleaned before, during, and after service.
• Maintain freshness, labeling, dating, and storage of all ingredients according to hotel and health regulations.
• Assist with stocking deliveries, rotating product, and organizing refrigerated and dry storage areas.

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Follow all food-handling, safety, and sanitation guidelines including temperature control and proper storage.
• Practice safe knife handling and equipment operation at all times.
• Keep workstations clean, sanitized, and organized throughout the shift.
• Comply with health department regulations and hotel cleanliness standards.

Teamwork & Communication

• Collaborate with cooks, chefs, stewards, and servers to support efficient kitchen operations.
• Communicate shortages, product needs, or equipment issues promptly.
• Assist with banquet production, room service, breakfast, lunch, or dinner prep as assigned.
• Support training of new Prep Cooks or Cook I team members as needed.

Equipment Use & Care

• Safely operate kitchen equipment such as ovens, fryers, mixers, slicers, and steamers under supervision.
• Clean and maintain equipment according to hotel procedures.
• Report malfunctioning equipment immediately to kitchen leadership.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with opening, mid-shift, and closing duties including cleaning, organization, and restocking.
• Participate in inventory or special menus as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support culinary and hotel operations.
• Maintain reliable and consistent attendance as an essential function of the role.

What You'll Bring

Required Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Prior culinary, prep cook, or kitchen experience preferred.
• Full-service hotel, banquet, or high-volume restaurant experience preferred.
• Culinary coursework, training, or certifications preferred.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Basic cooking skills with interest in developing professional culinary abilities.
• Ability to follow recipes, directions, and prep lists accurately.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, hot kitchen environment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift moderate weights, and perform repetitive motions.
• Strong work ethic, teamwork mindset, and a willingness to learn.

Other Qualifications

• Ability to work flexible schedules including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Professional appearance and positive attitude.
• Commitment to food safety, cleanliness, and consistent quality.

Licenses or Certificates

• Food Safe Serve/Texas Food Handlers Certification

Zachry Hotels offers an industry leading benefits package for our employees and their families.

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• 401K, Paid Leave and Bonus Program
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• And many more

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

?Notice to Staffing Agencies

Zachry Hotels (Zachry) will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Zachry, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Zachry mailing address or email address, directly to Zachry employees, or to Zachry's resume database will be considered Zachry property. Zachry will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Zachry will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Zachry's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid, fully executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening. Zachry will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such an agreement in place. Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Zachry's Human Resources Representative or his/her designee. No other Zachry employee is authorized to bind Zachry to any agreement regarding placement of candidates by Agency.