About Us
Red Maple Hospitality is a growing culinary and events company with operations in Aspen, Vail, and Dallas. We’re looking for a skilled, motivated Cook 1 to serve as the Head Chef’s right hand at a luxury boutique hotel in downtown Aspen — working across a full-service hotel café, a high-end catering and banquets program, and an exclusive private chef dinner series in Aspen’s finest residences.
The Role
This is not a typical line cook position. The Cook 1 is the second-most senior member of the kitchen team — executing at the highest level on the line, supporting the Head Chef in every operational function, and assuming full supervisory leadership of the kitchen whenever the Head Chef is off-property. You’ll run café services, lead catering events, execute private dinners in luxury homes, and mentor junior cooks. This role is an intentional stepping stone toward a Sous Chef or Head Chef position as Red Maple continues to grow.
What You’ll Do
- Execute all menu items across café and catering operations at the Head Chef’s established standard of quality, presentation, and portioning
- Assume full supervisory responsibility for all kitchen staff and operations when the Head Chef is absent — lead pre-shifts, assign stations, and run service
- Open, run, and close the café kitchen independently; oversee breakfast and lunch service execution
- Execute prep and production for catering events ranging from intimate corporate dinners to 150+ person weddings
- Lead kitchen operations for banquet events in the Head Chef’s absence: brief staff, manage timing, coordinate with the banquet team, and debrief post-event
- Execute private chef dinners in Aspen’s luxury private residences as assigned — including bespoke menu prep, on-site cooking, guest-facing presentation, and full kitchen cleanup
- Assist the Head Chef with recipe testing, seasonal menu rollouts, and menu development
- Support ordering, receiving, delivery verification, and inventory counts; enforce FIFO rotation
- Coach and mentor prep cooks and line cooks through real-time feedback and hands-on training
- Enforce all food safety and sanitation standards; conduct food safety walks and maintain temperature logs during supervised shifts
What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years of progressive culinary experience in a professional kitchen
- Experience in both café or all-day dining and catering or banquet operations
- Proven ability to work as a senior line cook, lead cook, or acting supervisor in a Head Chef’s absence
- Strong station cooking, knife skills, and high-volume production proficiency
- Valid Food Handler’s certification; ServSafe Manager certification preferred (or within 60 days of hire)
- Strong communication skills in English, written and verbal
- Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays
Preferred (Not Required)
- Culinary degree or equivalent professional training
- Experience in luxury hotel, resort, or private dining operations
- Private chef dinner or high-end in-home event experience
- Experience in the Aspen, Vail, or Colorado mountain resort market
- Familiarity with kitchen management software and scheduling platforms
- Experience training or mentoring junior kitchen staff
- Spanish language proficiency
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive hourly rate
- Overtime paid at statutory rates for all hours over 40 per week
- Health insurance subsidy
- Paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays
- Employee meals during scheduled shifts
- Ski pass benefit or subsidy (seasonal availability)
- Housing assistance or employee housing access (subject to availability)
- Professional development support and culinary education opportunities
- 401(k) or retirement plan with employer contribution
- Direct pathway to Sous Chef and Head Chef — internal promotion is always preferred at Red Maple
Schedule & Physical Requirements
Variable schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Peak seasons (winter and summer) may require extended hours. Expect up to 10–12 hours on your feet, lifting up to 50 lbs, and working across hot lines and cold storage at 7,908 feet elevation.
To Apply
Submit a current resume, brief cover letter, and at least two professional references.
www.redmaplecatering.com/careers
Pay: $32.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Location:
- Aspen, CO 81611 (Preferred)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Required)
- Night Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Aspen, CO 81611 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Aspen, CO 81611: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
