Culinary Externship - Summer 2026
Turning Stone Resort Casino is New York State's most awarded four-season resort destination. It is home to two Forbes-rated, four-star fine-dining restaurants and more than 12 additional dining options, from BBQ or Italian to Sushi and other regional favorites. As a culinary extern, you will have the opportunity to experience four of our top venues.
Alumni from The Culinary Institute of America operate many outlets you will experience. In addition, our Enterprise Executive Chef Ron Ross is a 1979 graduate. Here at Turning Stone Casino Resort, we treat your experience as an extension of your education. We encourage students to express their future interests with our chefs in order to cater learning to their needs, from molecular techniques, modified atmosphere packaging, high volume, and artisan pasta making.
An example of your hands-on involvement includes:
- Daily collaboration of recipe and menu development
- The process of dry-aging beef
- Garde Mange in a fine dining atmosphere
- The art of preparing and cooking fish, shellfish and crustaceans
- Handcrafting and extruding pasta
- The fundamentals of braising small and large cuts of beef
- The method of Sous Vide cooking
- Preparing and cooking vegetables and legumes
- Making, stretching, and forming artisan pizza dough
- Food plating and presentation management
- High-end wedding and special event catering
- Pan-searing and grilling various cuts of meat
- Commissary cook and chill program
Choosing Turning Stone for your externships, you will have the opportunity to work with some of the region’s best chefs:
TS Steakhouse - Chef Ray Wells, CIA Graduate 2008
Pino Bianco – Chef Megan Reyes, Suny Cobleskill Graduate 2012
Wild Flowers – Chef Joe Kolo, CIA Graduate 2002 (Bachelors 2012)
Upstate Tavern – Chef Yolanda CIA Graduate 2013
Qualifications:
- Must be currently enrolled in a culinary program at an accredited college.
- Must demonstrate the ability to read and interpret schedules, menus, and related materials.
- Must possess basic mathematical skills for tasks such as measuring ingredients.
- Must be capable of operating kitchen equipment, including but not limited to steamers, fryers, and ovens.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Proficiency in speaking and understanding English is required for brief interactions with guests and co-workers.
- Must possess strong written communication skills, including the ability to complete forms and engage in standard communication.
- Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including nights, holidays, and weekends.
- Must have the ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks effectively.
- Ability to perform efficiently in a fast-paced environment is essential.
- Must be able to stand for extended periods.
- The position requires frequent physical activity, including bending, pushing, pulling, kneeling, standing, walking, grasping, manual dexterity, overhead reaching, and twisting.
What you’ll Gain:
- Strong culinary skills, including food preparation, cooking techniques, and presentation.
- Comprehensive understanding of food safety, sanitation, and product handling.
- An ability to work efficiently in a high-demand kitchen setting.
- Enhanced knowledge of cost control and inventory management.
- Experience demonstrating professionalism and teamwork in a kitchen environment.
Who We Are:
We are Turning Stone Enterprises, a dynamic organization with a diverse range of business operations. Among our prominent offerings is the Turning Stone Resort Casino, a recipient of the prestigious Best of New York Gaming Resort award for an impressive six consecutive years. Complementing this flagship property, we operate satellite casinos like YBR Casino & Sports Book, Point Place Casino, and The Lake House at Sylvan Beach. Beyond gaming and hospitality, our portfolio extends to encompass convenience stores, government contracting technology firms, and a fully integrated cannabis operation that encompasses cultivation, manufacturing, and retail, among other ventures.