2

Entry Level Cooks Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Lead Line Cook - Repeal

Louisville, KY · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Mentor and collaborate with Entry Level Cooks, Line Cooks, culinary apprentices, and stewards while managing daily food preparation and production in the food outlet * Follow company F&B procedures ...

Entry Level Cook - Repeal

Louisville, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

This entry-level cook role is ideal for recent culinary school graduates, career changers, or anyone passionate about food and beverage who wants hands-on training in a professional hotel kitchen. No ...

Entry Level Cook - Zombie Taco

Louisville, KY · On-site

$11.50 - $14.75/hr

This entry-level cook role is ideal for recent culinary school graduates, career changers, or anyone passionate about food and beverage who wants hands-on training in a professional hotel kitchen in ...

Entry Level Cook - Repeal

Louisville, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

This entry-level cook role is ideal for recent culinary school graduates, career changers, or anyone passionate about food and beverage who wants hands-on training in a professional hotel kitchen. No ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Cooks information

What is the difference between Entry Level Cooks vs Line Cooks?

AspectEntry Level CooksLine Cooks
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic cooking skillsSimilar; often requires experience or training
Work EnvironmentFast-paced kitchens, entry-level positionsHigh-volume restaurants, busy kitchen stations
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, cafes, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering
Search & Comparison IntentEntry Level Cooks vs Line CooksSimilar roles in culinary industry

Entry Level Cooks and Line Cooks often share similar work environments and credentials, with Entry Level Cooks typically being newcomers to the kitchen. Line Cooks usually have more experience and handle specific kitchen stations. Both roles are essential in restaurant operations, but Line Cooks tend to work in busier, more specialized settings.

Can I get an entry level cook job with no experience?

Entry level cook positions often do not require prior experience, as employers may provide on-the-job training. Basic skills such as food safety knowledge and the ability to follow instructions can improve chances of hiring, even without previous work experience. Certifications like a food handler's permit can also be beneficial.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooks jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Cooks jobs in Kentucky are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Cooks job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Lead Line Cook - Repeal

Louisville, KY


White Lodging Services Corporation
Traveler Accommodation • 5 - 10K employees

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 107 rated hotels

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Respectful managers


$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Description

Summary:

Who We Are

White Lodging is hiring a Lead Line Cook to join our culinary team! This is a kitchen leadership role designed for an experienced line cook who is ready to take the next step toward becoming a Sous Chef. You'll step into a Sous Chef in training capacity, leading daily back-of-house (BOH) operations, mentoring junior kitchen staff, and keeping production running smoothly across a fast-paced hotel kitchen environment.

If you're a senior line cook or lead cook looking for a clear path to culinary management, this role offers the hands-on leadership experience you need — backed by one of the country's top hospitality companies operating premium hotels, restaurants, and rooftop bars across the U.S.


Responsibilities:

What You'll Do

  • Serve as a Sous Chef in training — stepping into full kitchen management responsibilities and overseeing all BOH operations in the Sous Chef's absence
  • Mentor and collaborate with Entry Level Cooks, Line Cooks, culinary apprentices, and stewards while managing daily food preparation and production in the food outlet
  • Follow company F&B procedures, health department regulations, and federal food safety guidelines
  • Assist in maintaining food cost and labor cost standards to meet financial targets
  • Check ingredient freshness; enforce all recipe standards and portion-use records across the team
  • Monitor guest feedback scores and proactively influence food quality and service consistency
  • Foster a culture of cooperation, respect, and professional kitchen standards among all coworkers
  • Perform other duties as assigned

What You'll Bring

  • Solid working knowledge of all commercial kitchen equipment and culinary preparation techniques
  • Demonstrated proficiency in sautéing, broiling, frying, roasting, butchery, garde manger, pantry, and breakfast cookery
  • High-volume fine-dining grill experience required - candidates must demonstrate proven competency in premium grill execution withing a fast-paced, elevated culinary environment
  • Experience leading or mentoring kitchen staff — prior lead cook or senior cook experience strongly preferred
  • Culinary degree, culinary school training, or apprenticeship preferred — not required
  • Ability to stand and move at a fast pace for extended periods in a high-volume kitchen

Other information:

What You Can Look Forward To

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (starting Day 1)
  • Life Insurance and Disability Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • DailyPay option
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Vacation/Paid Time Off (PTO) with rollover
  • Complimentary wellness tools
  • Unlimited referral bonuses
  • Leadership development and tuition reimbursement
  • Discounts on hotel rooms, dining, and other travel/entertainment experiences
  • Multiple hotels in each market = more opportunities for growth

White Lodging is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all associates.



What White Lodging employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom