Banquet Chef: Inside Jobs

If you’re looking for a position in the food industry that allows you not only to hone your skills in the kitchen but also to advance to coveted positions, then the job of a Banquet Chef is a good one for you. Banquet Chefs work as Sous Chefs (assistant) anywhere there’s a banquet to be served. Common venues include cruise ships, resorts, hotels, golf clubs, or universities.

The food you serve as a Banquet Chef might be as basic as meat and cheese platters, or as impressive as lobster and escargot. Either way, you see to it that the food is prepared and cooked perfectly, handled safely, and presented with pride.

You’re a master with a Chef ’s knife because you’ve had lots of experience using it. One of your major tasks is preparing the ingredients before the meal is cooked. That means chopping, dicing, slicing, and mincing meats, vegetables, fruits, and garnishes. Just before the meal is served (whether it is breakfast, lunch, or dinner), you defrost, heat, stir, cut, assemble, garnish, or plate the food.

A kitchen is a fast-paced environment, and yours is a high-energy position. It requires lifting and standing for long periods. Those best suited for the position enjoy a noisy, busy, bustling atmosphere, and are willing to work beyond the 8 to 5 shift.

Most Banquet Chefs work even on evenings, weekends, and early mornings to make sure the food is ready. And if you enjoy this job, there’s plenty of room for advancement. You can end up as Head Chef, Executive Chef, or Chef Manager.

Levelheaded: You hold your emotions in check, even in tough situations.

Team Player: You're able to listen, communicate, and work with tons of different people.

Calm Under Pressure: You keep your cool when dealing with highly stressful situations.

How much does a Banquet Chef make?

Nationally: $23,000 – $71,000

Main education level: Certificate

source: US Dept of Labor

Become a Banquet Chef

Banquet Chef schools closest to Los Angeles, CA 90051 change location

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts

Pasadena, CA — 9 miles — Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Art is an institution of higher learning for students who share a passion for the culinary and hospitality arts. We are dedicated to providing quality career education that integrates the classic culinary curriculum of Le Cordon Bleu with modern American technology...

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division

Online — As a student of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division, you will benefit from the same quality education and rich academic heritage established by the Art Institute of Pittsburgh almost 100 years ago. Unlike a degree from a ground school, the Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division...

The Art Institute of California—Los Angeles

Santa Monica, CA — 12 miles — The Art Institute of California — Los Angeles prepares students for entry-level positions in creative, challenging careers. Their students are creative, competitive, and open to new ideas. They place great value on an education that prepares them for a challenging career and a lifetime of personal...

The Art Institute of California—Orange County, a branch of The Art Institute of California—Los Angeles

Santa Ana, CA — 31 miles — Congratulations for considering an education in the creative arts with The Art Institute of California—Orange County, a branch of The Art Institute of California—Los Angeles. More than ever, it's an exciting time to be a designer, animator, chef, or media artist; and many will tell you that it's a...

The Art Institute of California—Inland Empire, a branch of The Art Institute of California—San Diego

San Bernardino, CA — 56 miles — The primary mission, focus, and ultimate goal of The Art Institute of California—Inland Empire, a branch of The Art Institute of California—San Diego, is to assist students toward the successful achievement of a satisfying career in their chosen field. To this end, they have brought together a dedicated...

The Art Institute of California—San Diego

San Diego, CA — 108 miles — With industry mentors, like-minded peers and a unique artistic spirit, The Art Institute of California — San Diego offers a nurturing environment where creative students can thrive. Located in the heart of San Diego's Mission Valley, The Art Institute of California - San Diego is ideally situated...

See all schools offering Banquet Chef training programs

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Personality Traits

Salary and Education