Catering Lead Cook
Full Time • Trails End Taphouse & Restaurant
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discounts
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
About the Role
Trails End Catering has built its reputation on food that genuinely moves people — the kind of meal guests talk about long after the last plate is cleared. We're looking for a Lead Cook who takes that standard personally.
This is a first-line supervisory position at the heart of our catering operation. You'll be responsible for executing flawless production across events ranging from intimate gatherings of 10 to celebrations of 300+ guests — and for leading the kitchen team that makes it happen. You'll own prep lists, quality control, on-site execution, and the training of incoming Prep Cooks and dish staff under your supervision. If you're the kind of cook who finds energy in a full event calendar, takes pride in beautiful food at scale, and leads by example when things get hard — we want to talk to you.
What You'll Do
Trails End Catering has built its reputation on food that genuinely moves people — the kind of meal guests talk about long after the last plate is cleared. We're looking for a Lead Cook who takes that standard personally.
This is a first-line supervisory position at the heart of our catering operation. You'll be responsible for executing flawless production across events ranging from intimate gatherings of 10 to celebrations of 300+ guests — and for leading the kitchen team that makes it happen. You'll own prep lists, quality control, on-site execution, and the training of incoming Prep Cooks and dish staff under your supervision. If you're the kind of cook who finds energy in a full event calendar, takes pride in beautiful food at scale, and leads by example when things get hard — we want to talk to you.
What You'll Do
- Prepare beautiful, guest-ready food for events of 10–300+ people, maintaining the quality and consistency Trails End is known for
- Create, manage, and execute detailed BOH packing and prep lists with total accuracy
- Train and supervise incoming Prep Cooks and dish staff, holding the team to high standards while keeping morale strong
- Accommodate guest dietary needs with skill and genuine care — allergies, preferences, and special requests handled with confidence
- Maintain exceptional kitchen sanitation and cleanliness throughout all stages of production
- Communicate proactively and clearly with event leadership before, during, and after each event
- Drive company vehicles (box truck and transport van) to events as needed
Required Qualifications
- • 2+ years of experience in food production — you know how to cook at volume without cutting corners
- Active, valid Driver's License with a clean driving record and current insurance
- Comfortable and experienced operating a box truck and large transport van
- Washington State Food Handler's Permit (must be obtained within 30 days of hire)
- Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills — you can hold a team accountable with professionalism and care
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel
- Leadership presence that holds steady under pressure
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in catered events — weddings, receptions, large-scale private and corporate functions
- Familiarity with R365, Sling, and Toast web platforms
- Serving, customer service, or front-of-house experience
- MAST Permit
- ServSafe Certification (not required, but we'd love it)
Hours & Schedule
Catering hours flex with the event calendar. Spring and Summer are our peak seasons — overtime is common and earning potential is strong. Fall and Winter shift to part-time volume (holidays excluded), with supplemental restaurant hours available year-round for those who want them.
Who Thrives Here
The best fit for this role is someone who leads from the front — steady, skilled, and genuinely invested in creating something memorable for every guest who walks through the door. You don't need to be unflappable. You need to be the person your team can count on when it counts. If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you.
Compensation: $24.00 - $26.00 per hour
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
" Trails End is one of the most highly rated restaurants in the area. We offer a lively, fast paced work environment with a fun, family atmosphere. Everything we do at Trails End starts with teamwork. We truly live by the motto every guest is your guest. Our mission is to always provide an exceptional dining experience while continually evaluating opportunities to enhance our offering, strengthen our team, and exceed the expectations of our guests and community. "
Apply here.
Free shift meal each day & 25% discount when off shift.
Employer assisted medical insurance, dental and vision benefits.
Paid vacation after 1 year.
Many opportunities to learn new skills and advance.