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Entry Level Cook Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

State of Arkansas

COOK

Conway, AR · On-site

$33K - $49K/yr

This entry-level role ensures that food is prepared promptly, cooked to the correct specifications, and complies with health and safety standards. Primary Responsibilities Prepare meals and snacks ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Closing Shift

Rogers, AR · On-site

$12.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Closing Shift

Rogers, AR · On-site

$12.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Closing Shift

Rogers, AR

$12.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment.We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Dinner/Close Shift

Bentonville, AR · On-site

$12.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Dinner/Close Shift

Bentonville, AR · On-site

$12.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment.We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Dinner/Close Shift

Bentonville, AR · On-site

$12.50/hr

We are looking to immediately hire entry level and experienced Cooks who can thrive in an upbeat and fast-paced food service environment. We are hiring immediately for Cooks that can work all shifts ...

Rite of Passage

COOK

Bryant, AR

$16/hr

... the entry-level pay rate. * To be considered you should: Be at least 21 years of age ~ Have a ... As a Cook , you will have the unique opportunity to create a positive, safe and supportive ...

Rite of Passage

COOK

Bryant, AR · On-site

$16 - $17.17/hr

... above entry-level. To be considered you should: Be at least 21 years of age ~ Be able to pass a ... As a Cook , you will have the unique opportunity to create a positive, safe and supportive ...

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Entry Level Cook information

See Arkansas salary details

$7

$13

$18

How much do entry level cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cook in Arkansas is $13.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.15 and $14.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a first line cook job?

To get a first line cook job, gain basic cooking skills through culinary classes or on-the-job training, and obtain relevant certifications such as food safety. Build a strong work ethic, demonstrate reliability, and prepare a resume highlighting any kitchen experience or related skills to increase your chances of employment in a restaurant environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Cook position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cook, you need basic cooking skills, familiarity with food safety standards, and the ability to follow recipes and instructions, often gained through high school education or culinary training programs. Exposure to kitchen equipment like grills, fryers, ovens, and knowledge of food handling certifications (such as ServSafe) are typically expected. Attention to detail, reliability, strong communication, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These qualifications help ensure delicious, safe meals are prepared efficiently while maintaining a positive, productive kitchen environment.

What does a typical workday look like for an Entry Level Cook?

As an Entry Level Cook, your workday often starts with prepping ingredients and setting up your workstation according to the day's menu. Throughout your shift, you'll prepare and cook dishes under the supervision of senior cooks or kitchen managers, assist with cleaning and organization, and restock supplies as needed. The pace can be fast, especially during meal rushes, and you’ll frequently collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure orders are accurate and timely. This hands-on experience helps you build essential culinary skills and fosters a strong understanding of team operations in a professional kitchen.

Is cook 1 entry level?

Yes, a Cook 1 position is typically considered entry-level in the culinary industry. It usually requires basic cooking skills, such as food preparation and following recipes, and often serves as a starting point for a culinary career. Advancement may require gaining experience and developing additional skills like knife techniques or kitchen safety certifications.

How do I start working as a cook with no experience?

Entry level cooks can start by gaining basic kitchen skills through online tutorials or cooking classes, and volunteering or working as a dishwasher to learn kitchen operations. Applying for entry-level positions that offer on-the-job training and demonstrating a willingness to learn can help you gain experience and develop necessary skills such as food safety and knife handling.

How much does a beginner cook make?

Entry-level cooks typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on location, establishment, and experience. Starting salaries may increase with additional skills, certifications, and experience in the kitchen environment.

What is an Entry Level Cook job?

An Entry Level Cook is responsible for basic food preparation and assisting in the kitchen under the supervision of senior chefs. Duties may include chopping ingredients, following recipes, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring food safety standards. This position helps individuals gain hands-on experience in a professional kitchen setting. It is a great starting point for those looking to advance in the culinary field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Arkansas? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Arkansas are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cook jobs in Arkansas? For Entry Level Cook jobs in Arkansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cook jobs in Arkansas look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cook jobs in Arkansas are:
What cities in Arkansas are hiring for Entry Level Cook jobs? Cities in Arkansas with the most Entry Level Cook job openings:
Entry Level Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cook job openings in Arkansas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, and 32% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $27,569 per year, or $13.3 per hour.
Fry House Entry Level Cook, Southland Casino

Fry House Entry Level Cook, Southland Casino

Delaware North

West Memphis, AR • On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Delaware North rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Delaware North

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6.2

Company rating compared to similar companies: 6.2 out of 10

Caterers average

Based on 2,646 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Delaware North

  • 78%

    78% say they have respectful managers

    say they have respectful managers

  • 76%

    76% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 75%

    75% say they enjoy their job

    say they enjoy their job

Featured by Delaware North, based on 157 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees

Job description

The opportunity
Delaware North Gaming is searching for full-time Cooks to join our team at Southland Casino in West Memphis, Arkansas. As a Cook, you will partake in important food preparation for guest orders and communicate with serving team members. If you have a passion for the art of cooking, a flair for flavors, and a desire to work in a dynamic kitchen environment, join us in creating culinary delights that will leave a lasting impression on our guests.
Pay
$15.00 - $16.00 / hour
Information on our comprehensive benefits package can be found at https://careers.delawarenorth.com/whatweoffer.
What we offer
We care about our team member's personal and professional well-being. Delaware North provides a benefits package designed to give you the comfort, safety, and security you need to deliver exceptional experiences for our guests. All team members receive benefits including:
  • Weekly pay
  • Training and development opportunities
  • Employee discounts
  • Flexible work schedules

Eligible team members may also receive: health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid vacation days and holidays, paid parental bonding leave, employee assistance program, and tuition and/or professional certification reimbursement.
What will you do?
  • Follow supervisor's assignments for food production and prepare food and beverage products for guests by following recipe guidelines, using proper preparation techniques, and sanitation guidelines
  • Set up, operate, and clean kitchen equipment according to correct procedures, as well as keeping workstations clean, organized, sanitized, and sufficiently stocked
  • Work cooperatively with team members and management
  • Follow supervisor's assignments for opening and closing procedures

More about you
  • Ability to read and understand recipes and food abbreviations
  • Capable of working in a fast-paced environment with a high level of attention to detail
  • Ability to work as a team player, following procedures and taking directions
  • Basic math skills, with the ability to calculate and follow recipe measurements
  • No experience or diploma required

Physical requirements
  • Must be able to lift 20 lbs or more
  • Ability to stand for long periods while also bending, lifting, and reaching
  • Ability to move rapidly and coordinate multiple orders
  • Exposed to variable temperatures

Shift details
Evenings
On call
Split shift
Overnight
Holidays
M-F
Evenings as needed
Weekends
Every weekend
Weekends only
8hr shift
10hr shift
Events
OT as needed
monday
Weekdays as needed
M_F
Who we are
Southland Casino Hotel, owned and operated by Delaware North, features more than 2200 slot machines, live blackjack, craps, and roulette tables, simulcast wagering, and sportsbook. Our new hotel features 300 luxurious rooms and suites. Southland is located in West Memphis, Arkansas, only a short drive from downtown Memphis, Tennessee.
Our business is all about people, and that includes you. At Delaware North, you're not just part of a team - you're part of a global legacy: a family-owned company with 100+ years of history behind it. Our operations span the world, offering you unique paths to growth and success.
Who says you can't love where you work? With jobs in iconic sports arenas, stunning national parks, exciting casinos, and more, we pride ourselves on giving the world great times in great places. And whether you're interested in restaurants, hotels, sports, gaming, operations, or retail, part-time or full-time, we're invested in helping you achieve your career goals.
Together, we're shaping the future of hospitality - come grow with us!
Delaware North, along with its subsidiaries, is an equal opportunity employer, showcasing job opportunities and considering applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

Working at Delaware North

Perks for frontline workers

From Delaware North, via Breakroom

  • Flexible work schedules for all team members

  • Weekly pay for hourly team members

  • Referral bonuses for eligible roles

  • Training and development for all team members

  • Employee assistance program for eligible team members

  • Health, vision and dental insurance for eligible team members

  • 401(k) with up to 4% company match for eligible team members

  • Paid time off and holidays for eligible team members

  • Performance bonuses for eligible team members

  • Paid parental bonding leave for eligible team members

  • Employee discounts (varies by location) for eligible team members

What to expect from working at Delaware North

From Delaware North

About Delaware North, in their own words

From Delaware North

Delaware North is a global leader in the hospitality and entertainment industry. We annually serve more than a half-billion guests across three continents, including at high-profile sports venues, national parks, restaurants, resorts, and casinos. Building on more than a century of partnerships and a commitment to local communities and sustainability, our vision is to delight guests by creating the world’s best experiences today, while reimagining tomorrow.

Delaware North team members are the heart and soul of our business, creating unforgettable guest experiences every day — from the first tee as the official catering partner of the PGA of America Championships and domestic Ryder Cup, to a first-class meal at a dream Disney® location. We proudly offer countless growth and learning opportunities, guided by top-tier hospitality mentors.

Find connection, purpose, and growth at Delaware North.

Company values

From Delaware North

  • Lean Forward: we are innovative creators who continually reimagine what’s next
  • Come Together: we work collaboratively with each other and believe in the power of partnership
  • Stand Up: we lead by example, own our decisions and take initiative
  • Do Right: we value integrity and always do the right thing, especially when no one is looking
  • Think Guest: the guest experience is at the heart of everything we do

What Delaware North employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Delaware North logo

About Delaware North

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Delaware North, you'll love where you work, who you work with, and how your day unfolds. Whether it's in sporting venues, casinos, airports, national parks, iconic hotels, or premier restaurants, there's no telling where your career can ultimately take you. We empower you to do great work in a company with 100 years of success, stability and growth. If you have drive and enjoy the thrill of making things happen - share our vision and grow with us.

Industry

Hospitality services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Buffalo, NY, US

Social media

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