Restaurant business? (Portland: employment, schools, wages)

[dreamshards8]

So from what i gather so far, it's a little difficult to find ordinary jobs in Oregon due to competition (understandable). I am a beginning cook looking to relocate from Utah to go to culinary school. I don't have too much experience but great job references. Would it really be that tuff to get hired on in a restaurant?

[Minervah]

Restaurant jobs fall under the category of ordinary unless you have special experience in the higher class fancy establishments. Lots and lots of competition but also lots and lots of turnover. If you are in the right spot at the right time you may succeed. Best to go after the more established restaurants. There are many start ups that don't last more than a year.

[johnterry807]

Hi,
I am also very interested in this subject, but the reference is very limited. You can share documents as well as experience? Thanks!

[Nell Plotts]

johnterry807 this is common knowledge. If you want research you will need to do it yourself.

[hose111]

there is a cooking school in the down town, I think 'oregon culinary school' or something close. I think the grads get good jobs...just from observation, I have no inside knowledge.

[Yankeemama]

You have competition from experienced cooks and sous chefs with experience from major food cities. The cost of living is high compared to the wages. Did you go to culinary school? Try to network in your own community and build a strong resume, IMP. Good luck!

[hamellr]

Originally Posted by hose111

there is a cooking school in the down town, I think 'oregon culinary school' or something close. I think the grads get good jobs...just from observation, I have no inside knowledge.

Actually two cooking schools, one of which is considered one of the best in the US, and several places like the Art Institute of Portland have cooking degrees.

I'd say chef's jobs are among the hardest to come by, which is a reason so many are opening food carts.

[Metlakatla]

Originally Posted by dreamshards8

So from what i gather so far, it's a little difficult to find ordinary jobs in Oregon due to competition (understandable). I am a beginning cook looking to relocate from Utah to go to culinary school. I don't have too much experience but great job references. Would it really be that tuff to get hired on in a restaurant?

Talk to an adviser at the culinary school you'll be attending; they may have job listings available to their students that aren't generally advertised. And since you're a beginning cook, you won't be competing for the same jobs as known/experienced chefs, so you could have some luck. Look up "Market of Choice" online; they seem to have openings now and then in their catering department and would be a good place for a culinary student to work.

[EnricoV]

A good resource for restaurant info is Portland Food Group. There is a section for employment opportunities. But lots of restauranteurs there, and they're a friendly bunch. Always willing to offer advice.

I was just at a local restaurant's (wish I could remember for you whose it was) website the other day and they had two line cook positions posted. So the jobs are out there, if you can snag them.

[johnterry807]

If you want to get more materials that related to this topic, you can visit: Restaurant business
Best regards.