Catering Kitchen Assistant

About Us

High Spirits Hospitality is the parent company to Liquid Catering, Events at Judson Mill, The 405, Bravo1 Protection, and High Spirits Events. What started as a small bartending company in our owner's garage in 2011 has grown into a thriving business with 40 full-time employees and 100+ part-time employees providing services for over 1,000 events a year. We are driven with the vision of providing exceptional customer service to our clients, as well as embracing a REMARKABLE team culture for our employees.

Our Values:

We are...

• Radically Inclusive

• Embracing Individuality

• Making Life Fun

• Active Learners

• Responsible Citizens

• Keepin' It Real

• Ahead of the Curve

• Bold

• Leading with Heart

• Exceeding Expectations Everyday

Job Purpose

Our Catering Kitchen Assistants help the culinary team prepare, serve, and clean up after weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. This is a hands-on role for someone who is dependable, hardworking, and willing to jump in wherever needed. Kitchen Assistants may support food prep, buffet and plated service, dishwashing, cleaning, stocking, and kitchen organization so food events run smoothly, safely, and on time.

What You’ll Own

• Own accurate, efficient completion of assigned food prep and kitchen support tasks.

• Own clean, organized, and sanitary work areas, dishes, equipment, and service items.

• Own dependable support during food service, including buffet, station, plated, and back-of-house assignments.

• Own a positive, team-first attitude and willingness to move between prep, service, dishwashing, and cleaning as business needs change.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with food preparation, including washing, peeling, cutting, portioning, labeling, packaging, and assembling ingredients according to recipes and supervisor instructions.

• Support the culinary team with cooking, reheating, plating, garnishing, packing, loading, unloading, and transport readiness as assigned.

• Set up, maintain, replenish, and break down buffets, food stations, back-of-house service areas, and plated meal production lines.

• Assist with food service by replenishing menu items, serving guests, bussing, clearing service areas, and responding promptly to direction from culinary and event leads.

• Operate the dishwashing area and wash, rinse, sanitize, dry, sort, polish, and put away dishes, utensils, cookware, glassware, service pieces, and kitchen equipment.

• Clean and sanitize prep tables, sinks, floors, walls, shelving, coolers, equipment, carts, trash areas, and other kitchen or event workspaces before, during, and after shifts.

• Follow food safety, sanitation, allergen, temperature-control, labeling, storage, and personal hygiene procedures at all times.

• Stock and organize food, disposables, chemicals, smallwares, and supplies, and promptly report shortages, damage, safety concerns, or equipment problems.

• Assist with trash removal, event breakdown, kitchen resets, deep cleaning, and other hands-on culinary or operational duties as assigned.

• Assist with inventory.

Professional Standards & Company Expectations

• Take ownership of assigned work, follow through on commitments, and communicate proactively when support or clarification is needed.

• Represent High Spirits Hospitality with professionalism and reflect our brand values in your work, communication, decision-making, and service to others.

• Communicate quickly and professionally with clients, guests, teammates, vendors, and partners, recognizing that some work-related communication may occur after hours due to the event-based nature of our business.

• Handle client, vendor, and employee concerns with professionalism, sound judgment, and timely escalation when needed.

• Support a positive, inclusive, and accountable work environment that aligns with our company culture and standards.

• Be dependable, solutions-focused, and adaptable as business needs, priorities, and event conditions change.

• Use company technology, communication platforms, and digital systems consistently, accurately, and responsibly to complete your work and stay informed.

• Submit digital documents, reports, checklists, receipts, and other required records accurately and on time.

• Attend required company meetings, trainings, and check-ins as scheduled, and come prepared to actively participate.

• Stay well-versed in company offerings, policies, safety standards, and service expectations, and follow updates as they are communicated.

• Handle company, client, and employee information with professionalism, discretion, and appropriate confidentiality.

• Follow all applicable laws, licensing requirements, and company procedures related to your work, including safety, sanitation, alcohol service, and workplace conduct standards.

• Use company property, equipment, and workspaces responsibly and help maintain them in clean, organized, working condition.

• Support alcohol service or alcohol-related event duties as needed, in accordance with company policy and applicable law.

• Maintain a professional appearance and present yourself in a way that reflects our hospitality standards and brand.

• Perform other duties and support additional shifts or assignments as needed based on business needs.

Typical Schedule

This is a part-time, event-based role. Most shifts take place on Friday and Saturday evenings. Additional weekday or daytime food prep, cleaning, and kitchen support shifts may be available based on the event schedule and business needs. Because schedules vary from week to week, flexibility is important. Our busiest seasons are typically March through May and September through December. Our ideal candidate would work 8-20 hours a week. This is a great opportunity for someone who is in school or has a full-time day job.

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Food prep is completed accurately, safely, and on time according to recipes and supervisor direction.

• Food service areas remain stocked, clean, organized, and ready for guests throughout the event.

• Dishes, equipment, and kitchen spaces are cleaned, sanitized, and put away correctly before the shift ends.

• Culinary and event leads can rely on strong attendance, steady effort, quick communication, and a team-first attitude.

Compensation & Benefits

• This is a part-time, non-exempt position. We anticipate offering $16.50-$18 an hour based on experience.

• May be eligible to receive tips for certain food service shifts or assignments.

• Eligible to participate in our Employee Referral Bonus programs.

• Weekly pay through direct deposit.

Requirements

• Kitchen, restaurant, catering, banquet, dishwashing, or food service experience is preferred but not required; we are willing to train dependable candidates.

• Be comfortable completing a variety of duties, including food prep, food service, dishwashing, cleaning, stocking, and event support.

• Be dependable, hardworking, and comfortable in a fast-paced, physically active kitchen and event environment.

• Be able to follow recipes, food safety procedures, cleaning instructions, and direction from culinary and event leads.

• Be able to communicate clearly and professionally in English to perform the essential functions of the role.

• Have reliable transportation and the flexibility to work Friday and Saturday evenings, with additional prep shifts as available.

• Have a cell phone with voice, text, and data capabilities available for work use.

• Be able to perform the essential functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation, including standing and walking for extended periods, working in hot or cold environments, bending, reaching, and frequently lifting, moving, or carrying up to 50 lbs.

• Be able to successfully pass a background check consistent with applicable law and the requirements of the role.

• Be able to successfully pass a drug screening consistent with applicable law and company policy.

• Must be authorized to work in the United States and obtain any food safety training or certification required for assigned duties.

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. This job description is not intended to create a contract of employment and may be modified at any time based on business needs. Responsibilities may change over time based on business needs, event volume, or operational priorities.

We’re looking for someone with the experience, drive, and heart to thrive in a fast-paced, people-centered role. To be successful, you should:

• Have 1+ years of experience in a relevant role, specifically in food service or hospitality.

• Lead with respect and inclusivity—we proudly serve clients of all backgrounds, identities, beliefs, and relationships, and team members must be able to support all clients with professionalism and care.

• Be able to communicate clearly and professionally in English, both verbally and in writing, to perform the essential functions of the role.

• Be highly organized, analytical, and ready to tackle challenges with creative problem-solving.

• Present yourself professionally and confidently.

• Have the flexibility to work frequent evenings and weekends to accommodate business needs.

• Be at least 19 years of age.

• Have a cell phone with voice, text, and data capabilities available for light work use.

• Be able to perform the essential functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation, including standing and walking for extended periods and occasionally lifting or carrying up to 50 lbs.

• Be able to successfully pass a background check consistent with applicable law and the requirements of the role.

• Be able to successfully pass a drug screening consistent with applicable law and company policy.

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

• Maintain a ServSafe Food Handler Certificate.