Casino Hotel Executive Chef
Casinos and casino hotels host a variety of restaurants serving different types of food. The Executive Chef in a casino or casino hotel is responsible for the kitchen operations of all the food outlets in the facility. The person sets the mood for each of the restaurants in the facility and is responsible for their culinary reputation. The Executive Chef has a variety of responsibilities. He or she is responsible for hiring and training the kitchen staff. The person is further responsible for directing the training and apprenticeship programs of chefs and other cooks working in the hotel. The Executive Chef handles this alone, or may assign this duty to an executive sous chef.
The person must be a talented Chef with excellent culinary skills.
He or she makes sure that food is appetizing and prepared in an attractive, efficient, and profitable manner. The Executive Chef plans menus by knowing the probable number of guests or customers and the popularity of various dishes, thus being able to estimate food consumption and requisition the necessary food and kitchen supplies from the purchasing manager. The Executive Chef creates new and special recipes. These menus and recipes often reflect the theme or flavor of the particular casino, casino hotel, or restaurant. They may also take things into account such as food surpluses, local specialities, or seasonal items. Once recipes and dishes are created for inclusion on the menu, the Executive Chef develops recipe specifications. Sous chefs must then be trained in the preparation of each dish. The Executive Chef also reviews menus, analyzes recipes, and determines food, labor, and overhead costs. With this information in mind, the Chef may be responsible for assigning prices to various items on the menu.
While the Executive Chef may on occasion prepare dishes, this job is mostly an administrative position. The person supervises the culinary skills of the other chefs. The Executive Chef, for example, may taste food in various stages of preparation to make sure the food preparation is in line with his or her specifications. The Executive Chef is additionally responsible for the following functions:
- Representing casino or hotel in food-related benefit functions
- Coordinating the activities of the sous chefs and pastry chefs in the kitchen
- Developing budgets for food and payroll
Executive Chefs in casinos and casino hotels earn from USD 45,000 to USD 150,000.
or more depending on a number of factors, including the geographic location, size, and prestige of the specific facility. Other variables include the experience, training, professional reputation, and responsibilities of the individual. Those working in larger, more prestigious facilities in the gambling capitals usually earn more than their counterparts in other hotels.
Employment Prospects
Employment prospects are fair for Executive Chefs seeking employment in casinos and casino hotels. Las Vegas, Reno, Laughlin, Lake Tahoe, Atlantic City, Biloxi, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Detroit offer the greatest number of job possibilities. Other employment settings include casino hotels in other areas of Nevada, Mississippi, New York, Louisiana, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Arizona, and California.
Other regions hosting Indian gaming and land-based or riverboat gaming facilities offer additional opportunities. New casinos and casino hotels are constantly under construction. More casinos and casino hotels are also opening every year as areas legalize gambling.
Advancement Prospects
Executive Chefs working in this area can advance their careers by locating similar jobs in larger or more prestigious facilities. This is often accomplished after the person obtains experience and develops a professional reputation.
Education and Training
Recommended training for this position is attendance at a culinary school, institute, or academy. One of the most well known in the country is the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Other training options include apprenticeships. The American Culinary Federation (ACF) as well as the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) offer apprenticeship programs. Other apprenticeships are available through hotel and restaurant chains.
Special Requirements
Depending on state requirements the person in this position may be required to hold a valid health card from the local public health department.
Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits
Executive Chefs in casinos and casino hotels need a great deal of experience in restaurants. Prior experience as sous chefs, executive sous chefs, and/or executive chefs in other setting are helpful. Individuals must extremely talented in culinary skills. They also need management and administrative skills. The ability to teach others is necessary.
Unions and Associations
Individuals interested in pursuing careers as Executive Chefs can obtain additional career information by contacting the American Culinary Federation (ACF), the International Association of Culinary Professionals, or a culinary academy or institute.
Tips for Entry
1. A hotel apprenticeship program in this field is an excellent way of obtaining training and experience.
2. The better your training and skills the more marketable you will be. Get the best training you possibly can.
3. You may have to “audition” for this type of job. The facility can see how you deal with situations in the kitchen.
4. Send your résumé and a short cover letter to the human resources departments of casinos and casino hotels to inquire about job openings.
5. Jobs may be advertised in the classified sections of newspapers in areas hosting gaming. Look under classifications such as “Chef,” “Executive Chef,” “Casino Hotels,” and “Food and Beverage.”
6. Many executive search firms and headhunters place people in these jobs.
7. Contact an Executive Chef whose work you admire and inquire about apprenticeship possibilities.