2026 Summer Intern - Culinary

Compensation Type

Highgate Hotels

Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company widely recognized as an innovator in the industry. Highgate is the dominant player in major U.S. gateway cities including New York, Boston, Miami, San Francisco and Honolulu, with a growing Caribbean and Latin America footprint. The hospitality forward company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate has a proven record of developing its diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts with contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value. With an executive team consisting of some of the most experienced hotel management leaders, the company is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. Highgate maintains corporate offices in New York, Chicago, Dallas, London, Miami, and Seattle. www.highgate.com.

Location

Overview

The Culinary Intern – Kitchen Operations / Cook Support is designed for students or early-career hospitality professionals interested in gaining hands-on experience in a professional hotel kitchen environment. This internship provides exposure to daily culinary operations, food preparation, sanitation standards, kitchen organization, and guest-focused service.

The intern will support the culinary team in preparing high-quality food items, maintaining a clean and safe work environment, and learning the foundational skills needed to grow within the hospitality and culinary industry.

Applications will be accepted between 5/11/2026 through 5/30/2026.

Benefits 

• In addition to travel discounts at our hotels, Highgate offers competitive benefits, including three pricing tiers of medical coverage, as well as Dental and Vision benefits to eligible full-time associates. All associates accrue paid sick leave in accordance with the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act. Paid time off plans may also be available to associates who qualify. The Retirement 401(k) Program is open to both full-time and part-time associates who qualify.

Responsibilities

• Assist with basic food preparation, including washing, cutting, portioning, and organizing ingredients.
• Support cooks and kitchen team members during breakfast, lunch, dinner, banquets, and special events.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of workstations, walk-ins, prep areas, and kitchen equipment.
• Follow proper food handling, sanitation, safety, and hygiene standards at all times.
• Assist with receiving, storing, labelling, and rotating food products according to hotel standards.
• Learn basic cooking techniques, knife skills, recipe execution, and plating standards.
• Support the culinary team with setup, breakdown, and restocking of kitchen stations.
• Communicate effectively with kitchen leadership and team members.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and commitment to hospitality service.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the culinary leadership team.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in, or recently completed, a culinary, hospitality, or related program preferred.
• Interest in pursuing a career in culinary arts, food service, or hospitality.
• Prior kitchen, restaurant, hotel, or food service experience is helpful but not required.
• Basic understanding of food safety and sanitation standards preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift, carry, push, or pull items as needed.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn.
• Flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, mornings, or evenings as needed.
• Professional appearance and positive attitude.

Salary : $20