OPT Banquet Chef Jobs
Banquet Chef jobs on OPT require an employer willing to sponsor or extend your work authorization before your EAD expires. Most roles are in hotels, catering companies, and event venues. Your STEM OPT extension does not apply here, so the 12-month cap and 90-day unemployment rule are critical to manage.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation: Riverside, California, United States of America
Category: Food & Beverage
Job ID: R0064385
$70304 - $75000
widget: Regular
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Welcome to Pyramid Global Hospitality, where people come first. As a company that values its employees, Pyramid Global Hospitality is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment that fosters diversity, growth, development, and wellbeing. Our commitment to a People First culture is reflected in our approach to employee development, employee benefits and our dedication to building meaningful relationships.
Pyramid Global Hospitality offers a range of employment benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, as well as unique perks such as on-site wellness programs, local discounts, and employee rates on hotel stays. In addition, Pyramid Global Hospitality is committed to providing ongoing training and development opportunities to help our people build the skills and knowledge they need to advance their careers.
Whether you are just starting out in the hospitality industry or are a seasoned professional, Pyramid Global Hospitality offers a supportive and collaborative work environment that encourages growth and fosters success, in over 230 properties worldwide. Join their team and experience the benefits of working for a company that values its employees and is committed to creating exceptional guest experiences.
Check out this video for more information on our great company!
About our property:
Welcome to The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, a legendary property in the Pyramid Global Hospitality portfolio located in the heart of Riverside, California. Featuring 238 guest rooms and over 160,000 sq ft of meeting and event space, this AAA Four-Diamond, National Historic Landmark spans an entire city block and offers a truly unique and dynamic environment for hospitality professionals.
At The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, we are proud to deliver exceptional service within a setting rich in history and architectural beauty. As a member of our team, you’ll be part of a community-driven environment where collaboration and connection are at the core of everything we do. Our work is purpose-driven, rooted in preserving the legacy of this iconic property while creating meaningful experiences for every guest.
We offer a wide range of opportunities across multiple departments, including guest services, food and beverage, housekeeping, sales and events, and more. Whether you are beginning your career or looking to grow within the industry, you’ll find a supportive culture where your contributions are impactful and recognized.
Joining our team means becoming part of a people-first culture where your development and success are a priority. If you’re ready to build your career at an iconic destination known for its history, scale, and influence, we invite you to explore opportunities at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa and apply today.
Position Summary
The Banquet Sous Chef assists the Executive Chef and Banquet Chef in overseeing all culinary operations for banquet, catering, and special event functions at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. This position is responsible for ensuring the successful planning, preparation, execution, and presentation of food for weddings, conferences, holiday events, social gatherings, and corporate functions while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, sanitation, efficiency, and guest satisfaction.
The Banquet Sous Chef provides hands-on leadership in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and serves as a key member of the culinary leadership team.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Assist in the planning, preparation, and execution of banquet and catered events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions.
- Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), production schedules, and event timelines to ensure accurate execution of all menu requirements.
- Supervise daily banquet kitchen operations, including food preparation, production, plating, and presentation.
- Lead and direct culinary team members during banquet production and event service.
- Ensure all banquet menu items are prepared according to established recipes, quality standards, and presentation specifications.
- Coordinate food production to meet scheduled service times while maintaining consistency and efficiency.
- Maintain appropriate staffing levels and delegate assignments based on event volume and operational needs.
- Train, mentor, and develop cooks and culinary team members in food preparation techniques, safety procedures, and service standards.
- Monitor food quality, portion control, product rotation, and inventory to minimize waste and maximize profitability.
- Assist with ordering, receiving, storage, and inventory control of food products and kitchen supplies.
- Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
- Ensure banquet kitchen facilities, equipment, and work areas remain clean, organized, and operational.
- Collaborate with the Catering, Sales, and Banquets teams to ensure seamless communication and exceptional guest experiences.
- Assist with menu development, seasonal offerings, recipe testing, and special event menus.
- Support restaurant outlets and other culinary operations as business demands require.
- Assume responsibility for banquet kitchen operations in the absence of the Executive Chef or Banquet Chef.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by culinary leadership.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive culinary experience, including supervisory experience in banquets, catering, hotels, resorts, or high-volume food service operations.
- Previous luxury hotel or full-service banquet experience preferred.
- Culinary degree or equivalent professional training preferred.
- Current California Food Handler Card required; ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification preferred.
- Strong knowledge of banquet production, large-scale food preparation, and event execution.
- Experience with menu planning, food costing, inventory management, and labor controls.
- Excellent leadership, communication, organization, and time-management skills.
- Ability to thrive under pressure while managing multiple events and changing priorities.
- Flexible schedule with availability to work mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on business needs.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
- Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to bend, reach, stoop, climb, and perform repetitive motions.
- Safely operate commercial kitchen equipment and work in hot, fast-paced environments.
Work Environment
The Banquet Sous Chef works in a high-volume commercial kitchen supporting weddings, conferences, holiday celebrations, and special events at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Success in this role requires exceptional organization, teamwork, adaptability, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering memorable culinary experiences that reflect the hotel's luxury hospitality standards.
What are we looking for?
Compensation:
$70304 - $75000
Pyramid Global Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years & depth of experience, certifications and specific office location. This may differ in other locations due to cost of labor considerations.
Location: Riverside, California, United States of America
Category: Food & Beverage
Job ID: R0064385
$70304 - $75000
widget: Regular
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Welcome to Pyramid Global Hospitality, where people come first. As a company that values its employees, Pyramid Global Hospitality is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment that fosters diversity, growth, development, and wellbeing. Our commitment to a People First culture is reflected in our approach to employee development, employee benefits and our dedication to building meaningful relationships.
Pyramid Global Hospitality offers a range of employment benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, as well as unique perks such as on-site wellness programs, local discounts, and employee rates on hotel stays. In addition, Pyramid Global Hospitality is committed to providing ongoing training and development opportunities to help our people build the skills and knowledge they need to advance their careers.
Whether you are just starting out in the hospitality industry or are a seasoned professional, Pyramid Global Hospitality offers a supportive and collaborative work environment that encourages growth and fosters success, in over 230 properties worldwide. Join their team and experience the benefits of working for a company that values its employees and is committed to creating exceptional guest experiences.
Check out this video for more information on our great company!
About our property:
Welcome to The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, a legendary property in the Pyramid Global Hospitality portfolio located in the heart of Riverside, California. Featuring 238 guest rooms and over 160,000 sq ft of meeting and event space, this AAA Four-Diamond, National Historic Landmark spans an entire city block and offers a truly unique and dynamic environment for hospitality professionals.
At The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, we are proud to deliver exceptional service within a setting rich in history and architectural beauty. As a member of our team, you’ll be part of a community-driven environment where collaboration and connection are at the core of everything we do. Our work is purpose-driven, rooted in preserving the legacy of this iconic property while creating meaningful experiences for every guest.
We offer a wide range of opportunities across multiple departments, including guest services, food and beverage, housekeeping, sales and events, and more. Whether you are beginning your career or looking to grow within the industry, you’ll find a supportive culture where your contributions are impactful and recognized.
Joining our team means becoming part of a people-first culture where your development and success are a priority. If you’re ready to build your career at an iconic destination known for its history, scale, and influence, we invite you to explore opportunities at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa and apply today.
Position Summary
The Banquet Sous Chef assists the Executive Chef and Banquet Chef in overseeing all culinary operations for banquet, catering, and special event functions at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. This position is responsible for ensuring the successful planning, preparation, execution, and presentation of food for weddings, conferences, holiday events, social gatherings, and corporate functions while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, sanitation, efficiency, and guest satisfaction.
The Banquet Sous Chef provides hands-on leadership in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and serves as a key member of the culinary leadership team.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Assist in the planning, preparation, and execution of banquet and catered events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions.
- Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), production schedules, and event timelines to ensure accurate execution of all menu requirements.
- Supervise daily banquet kitchen operations, including food preparation, production, plating, and presentation.
- Lead and direct culinary team members during banquet production and event service.
- Ensure all banquet menu items are prepared according to established recipes, quality standards, and presentation specifications.
- Coordinate food production to meet scheduled service times while maintaining consistency and efficiency.
- Maintain appropriate staffing levels and delegate assignments based on event volume and operational needs.
- Train, mentor, and develop cooks and culinary team members in food preparation techniques, safety procedures, and service standards.
- Monitor food quality, portion control, product rotation, and inventory to minimize waste and maximize profitability.
- Assist with ordering, receiving, storage, and inventory control of food products and kitchen supplies.
- Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
- Ensure banquet kitchen facilities, equipment, and work areas remain clean, organized, and operational.
- Collaborate with the Catering, Sales, and Banquets teams to ensure seamless communication and exceptional guest experiences.
- Assist with menu development, seasonal offerings, recipe testing, and special event menus.
- Support restaurant outlets and other culinary operations as business demands require.
- Assume responsibility for banquet kitchen operations in the absence of the Executive Chef or Banquet Chef.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by culinary leadership.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive culinary experience, including supervisory experience in banquets, catering, hotels, resorts, or high-volume food service operations.
- Previous luxury hotel or full-service banquet experience preferred.
- Culinary degree or equivalent professional training preferred.
- Current California Food Handler Card required; ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification preferred.
- Strong knowledge of banquet production, large-scale food preparation, and event execution.
- Experience with menu planning, food costing, inventory management, and labor controls.
- Excellent leadership, communication, organization, and time-management skills.
- Ability to thrive under pressure while managing multiple events and changing priorities.
- Flexible schedule with availability to work mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on business needs.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
- Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to bend, reach, stoop, climb, and perform repetitive motions.
- Safely operate commercial kitchen equipment and work in hot, fast-paced environments.
Work Environment
The Banquet Sous Chef works in a high-volume commercial kitchen supporting weddings, conferences, holiday celebrations, and special events at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Success in this role requires exceptional organization, teamwork, adaptability, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering memorable culinary experiences that reflect the hotel's luxury hospitality standards.
What are we looking for?
Compensation:
$70304 - $75000
Pyramid Global Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years & depth of experience, certifications and specific office location. This may differ in other locations due to cost of labor considerations.
See all OPT Banquet Chef Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Banquet Chef Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Banquet Chef
Target full-service hotels and catering companies
Large hotel groups and dedicated catering operations hire banquet chefs regularly and are more familiar with OPT work authorization than smaller venues. They have HR infrastructure to handle the paperwork without needing hand-holding from you.
Apply before your EAD is 4 months from expiring
Hiring timelines in food service can stretch 6 to 10 weeks between application and start date. Starting your search early gives you room to negotiate a start date that works around your authorization window without panicking either party.
Lead with your culinary degree when reaching out
Banquet Chef roles qualify for OPT because they fall under hospitality and culinary arts degree programs. Mentioning your degree field upfront signals to hiring managers that your authorization is tied to a legitimate credential, not a workaround.
Be transparent about your OPT timeline in early conversations
Employers in hospitality value directness. Explain your 12-month authorization window, when it started, and what your remaining time looks like. Employers who have sponsored before will appreciate the clarity and self-awareness you bring to the conversation.
Understand the 90-day unemployment limit before you quit
OPT allows no more than 90 days of cumulative unemployment. If you are between banquet positions, document any part-time culinary work carefully. Unauthorized gaps can jeopardize your status and disqualify you from future H-2B visa or H-1B visa sponsorship.
Ask about H-2B or H-1B sponsorship during the interview
If a venue hires you on OPT, ask whether they have previously sponsored H-2B or H-1B visas for kitchen staff. Employers with that history are more likely to extend your stay once your OPT period ends rather than starting a new search.
Banquet Chef OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Banquet Chef role qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, if your degree is in culinary arts, hospitality management, or a closely related field. OPT requires that your job be directly related to your major area of study. A Banquet Chef position at a hotel, event venue, or catering company generally satisfies that requirement, but you should confirm with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Is a Banquet Chef role eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
No. Culinary arts and hospitality management are not STEM-designated fields under the DHS STEM list, so STEM OPT extension is not available for this role. You are limited to 12 months of post-completion OPT. Planning for H-2B, H-1B, or another visa pathway before your OPT expires is essential if you want to continue working in the U.S.
Where can I find Banquet Chef jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and lists Banquet Chef roles at employers who are open to sponsoring or working with OPT work authorization. General job boards do not filter for visa sponsorship willingness, which means you often waste time applying to roles that will reject you at the authorization stage.
Can I work as a Banquet Chef for a catering company rather than a hotel?
Yes. OPT does not restrict your employer type as long as the role is related to your degree. Catering companies, event management firms, country clubs, and convention centers all hire banquet chefs and can employ you on OPT. Make sure the position is full-time, as most post-completion OPT requires at least 20 hours per week of qualifying employment.
What happens to my OPT status if my banquet chef contract ends after an event season?
Seasonal or contract gaps count toward your 90-day cumulative unemployment limit. If your contract ends in November and your next role does not start until March, that gap may exceed 90 days and put your status at risk. Overlapping applications and part-time culinary work during slow periods can help you stay within the limit while you search for your next position.