Cook - Mid-Level (Brick Walk Cafe)/Seasonal Employment

The Brick Walk Cafe is a fast casual restaurant with a menu featuring snacks and lunches as well as healthier choices, all prepared fresh daily. The Brick Walk Cafe is also home to an ice cream sundae bar and coffee shop. The Brick Walk Cafe is open 11:30 to 8:00 p.m. during the summer season, located just off of Bestor Plaza with indoor and outdoor seating.

About Your Compensation  

Compensation for this position starts at $16.50/Hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $19.00/Hour.

About Your Work Day

• Following recipe cards, prepares food for the menu items ensuring taste, presentation, and temperature of food.


• Maintains a food safety and clean working environment.


• Competent communication with front of the house managers on menu items and their ingredients,


• Proper Storage, Labeling, and rotation of products (FIFO).


• Positive team player.


• May work full-time or part-time with some opportunities for overtime, depending on schedule needs. Typically working lunch and evening services in eight-hour shifts.  Many cooks will be required to work weekends and may not receive two days off in a row if working full-time.


• May be required to inventory food station items on a nightly, weekly, or monthly basis and report inventory to Sous Chef or senior cook.


• All other duties as assigned.

About the Referral Program

Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6-months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30-days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August.

About Your Schedule 

Chautauqua Institution and Chautauqua Hotel Company offer flexible schedules, full and part-time, for seasonal employment during summer operations starting annually each June and concluding in August.  Seasonal employment may be available earlier (pre-season) and beyond season (post-season) based on business needs and candidate availability.  Schedules typically include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as a requirement. 

While you will confirm your final schedule with management at the time of an interview and offer of employment, you should generally anticipate the following schedule options for this position:   

Typically work a six or eight-hour shift with a start time that varies between 5am to 5pm.   

About Living on the Grounds 

No employer-provided housing is available for this position, including onsite and off-grounds options. Applicants should plan to secure independent housing or reside within a commutable distance.  

About Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities.  Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company, a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conferencing, and events organization. 

Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience

There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience.  Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater. 

Our Commitment to IDEA

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward. One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.”  We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience.  The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices.  Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA. 

Joining Our Talent Community

Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment.  You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.