Company Overview

Great Canadian Entertainment is Canada’s premier gaming, entertainment, and hospitality company, formerly known as Great Canadian Gaming Corporation. Founded in 1982 and headquartered in North York, Toronto, Ontario, the company operates 25 gaming, entertainment, and hospitality destinations across four provinces: Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

Great Canadian Entertainment is a subsidiary of Apollo Global Management, having been acquired in an all-cash deal in September 2021. The company was previously listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and was part of the S&P/TSX Composite Index. In August 2022, the company rebranded from Great Canadian Gaming Corporation to Great Canadian Entertainment, reflecting its strategy to set a new industry standard for gaming entertainment in Canada.

The company’s impressive portfolio includes over 18,000 slot machines, 600 live table games, 80 dining establishments, and 500 hotel rooms. Key properties include the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, BC (the largest casino in British Columbia), the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto at Woodbine Racetrack, Pickering Casino Resort, Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax and Sydney, and Casino New Brunswick in Moncton. The company also operates horse racing tracks, show theatres, and community gaming centres, making it one of the most diversified entertainment operators in the country.

With approximately 9,400 employees nationwide, Great Canadian Entertainment is committed to providing superior entertainment value, exceptional guest experiences, and rewarding career opportunities. The company’s culture is built on its PROUD program — supporting community, volunteering, and social responsibility initiatives across Canada.

Job Details

Job Description

Great Canadian Entertainment is seeking dedicated Kitchen Helpers to join our culinary teams across our casino and hospitality destinations in Canada. As a Kitchen Helper, you will play a vital supporting role in delivering exceptional dining experiences to thousands of guests who visit our properties daily. This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for individuals looking to start or grow their career in the food service and hospitality industry.

Working in a fast-paced, high-volume casino kitchen environment, you will support our chefs, cooks, and food service teams by ensuring that all food preparation areas are clean, organized, and well-stocked. You will assist with basic food preparation tasks, maintain sanitation standards, and help ensure that every meal served meets our high-quality expectations. Whether you are working in a fine-dining restaurant, a casual buffet, or a quick-service outlet at one of our premier destinations, your contribution will be essential to guest satisfaction.

This position is ideal for individuals who are reliable, hardworking, and eager to learn. Great Canadian Entertainment provides comprehensive on-the-job training, making this a perfect starting point for those new to the culinary field. Many of our senior kitchen staff and chefs began their careers as Kitchen Helpers and advanced through the ranks with dedication and support from the company.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation Support

• Assist cooks and chefs with basic food preparation tasks including washing, peeling, cutting, and chopping vegetables and fruits
• Prepare simple food items such as salads, sandwiches, and dressings under supervision
• Measure and portion ingredients according to recipes and kitchen specifications
• Stock and replenish food preparation stations with necessary ingredients and supplies
• Ensure all prepared items are properly labeled, dated, and stored according to food safety standards

Kitchen Sanitation & Cleanliness

• Wash, sanitize, and store all dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and kitchen equipment using commercial dishwashing systems
• Clean and sanitize food preparation areas, countertops, cutting boards, and work surfaces
• Operate and maintain commercial dishwashing equipment, garbage disposals, and cleaning tools
• Remove garbage and recycling from kitchen areas and ensure proper disposal procedures are followed
• Sweep and mop kitchen floors, maintaining a safe and hygienic work environment at all times

Inventory & Stock Management

• Receive and unpack food and supply deliveries, checking for quality and accuracy
• Rotate stock using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method to minimize waste and ensure freshness
• Organize dry storage, refrigerated, and freezer areas for efficient access and inventory control
• Notify supervisors when supplies are running low or when equipment requires maintenance
• Assist with periodic inventory counts and stocktaking as directed

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all food safety and sanitation guidelines in compliance with local health regulations and HACCP principles
• Maintain proper personal hygiene standards including wearing clean uniforms, hairnets, and appropriate kitchen footwear
• Report any food safety concerns, equipment malfunctions, or workplace hazards to the kitchen supervisor immediately
• Adhere to Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements
• Participate in safety training and maintain awareness of emergency procedures

Team Collaboration

• Communicate effectively with kitchen staff, servers, and management to ensure smooth service operations
• Support the team during peak service periods, special events, and banquet functions
• Maintain a positive attitude and professional demeanor in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment
• Assist with opening and closing duties as assigned by the kitchen supervisor or head chef

Qualifications & Skills

Required Qualifications

• Minimum high school diploma or equivalent; culinary training or certification is an asset but not required
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen environment
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and perform repetitive tasks
• Basic understanding of food safety and sanitation practices
• Reliable transportation to and from work, including availability for evening, weekend, and holiday shifts
• Valid work authorization for Canada

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a commercial kitchen, restaurant, or food service environment
• Food Handler Certification or Safe Food Handling certificate
• Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment such as dishwashers, slicers, and mixers
• Knowledge of WHMIS and workplace safety standards
• Experience working in a unionized environment (many Great Canadian properties are unionized)

Core Skills

• Attention to Detail — Ensuring cleanliness, proper food handling, and accurate portioning
• Time Management — Prioritizing tasks efficiently during busy service periods
• Physical Stamina — Ability to work long shifts on your feet in a hot, demanding environment
• Teamwork — Collaborating effectively with diverse kitchen and front-of-house teams
• Adaptability — Flexibility to handle changing menus, special events, and varying shift schedules
• Communication — Clear verbal communication in English; additional languages are an asset

Salary & Benefits

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Job Location

Great Canadian Entertainment operates 25 destinations across four provinces, with Kitchen Helper positions available at multiple properties. Below are the primary locations where culinary staff are regularly hired:

How to Apply

Ready to launch your culinary career with Canada’s leading gaming and entertainment company? Follow these steps to apply for the Kitchen Helper position:

1. Visit the Official Careers Portal Navigate to the Great Canadian Entertainment careers website and search for “Kitchen Helper” or “Food Service” openings at your preferred location.
2. Create Your Profile Register for an account on the applicant tracking system. Upload your resume and complete your personal profile with accurate contact information.
3. Submit Your Application Select the Kitchen Helper position at your desired property and submit your application. Include a brief cover letter highlighting your interest in hospitality and any relevant experience.
4. Interview Process Qualified candidates will be contacted for a phone screening, followed by an in-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager or kitchen supervisor.
5. Background Check & Onboarding Successful applicants will complete a background check and receive onboarding materials including uniform requirements, training schedules, and orientation details.

Tip: Great Canadian Entertainment hires Kitchen Helpers on a continuous basis due to the high volume of dining operations across its properties. Apply early for the best chance of securing your preferred location and shift schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions