SOS Culinary

Professional Staffing Solutions for Challenging Markets

Experienced, U.S.-based chefs, cooks & kitchen professionals — no uncertainty, no risk guarantee, ready to perform from day one — term contract, temp to perm, direct hire & full outsourcing options

People can’t fix what they don’t know.

Avoiding hard conversations doesn’t protect relationships. It weakens them.
Clear expectations + honest feedback + direct communication = Results.

 

Staffing & Talent

• Q: How quickly can SOS Culinary provide qualified chefs and cooks for a seasonal opening?

A: Typically, within 72 hours for placements of one week or longer, especially for new partnerships.

• Q: What is your vetting process to ensure talent matches our luxury brand standards?

A: We collaborate with clients to design customized interviews: 50% focused on technical skills and 50% on cognitive/behavioral fit. SOS coordinates and conducts preliminary Zoom interviews, then submits top candidates to the client for final review and approval.

• Q: Do you provide talent for all kitchen roles (e.g., Executive Chef, Sous Chef, Line Cook, Pastry Chef)?

A: Yes, we cover the full range of kitchen positions.

Visa & Compliance

• Q: How do you guarantee 100% U.S.-authorized staff with no risk of undocumented workers?

A: All employees are processed through E-Verify, and we provide full eligibility verification documentation.

• Q: Are all your culinary professionals W-2 employees of SOS?

A: Yes, they are W-2 employees of SOS Culinary.

• Q: How do you handle E-Verify and I-9 compliance?

A: We complete the full verification process (including I-9 and E-Verify) before any employee begins work or travels to the job site.

Logistics & Support

• Q: Who coordinates travel, housing, and local transportation for your placed staff?

A: SOS recruiters or dedicated account managers handle all coordination.

• Q: What happens if a placed employee does not meet performance expectations?

A: We refund any associated costs (such as travel or housing), and we fill the position with a replacement within 72 hours.

• Q: Do you provide on-site management or a point-of-contact for support during the engagement?

A: Yes, we provide on-site or dedicated support based on the client’s specific needs.

Financial & Contractual

• Q: What is included in your staffing fee? Are there hidden costs for housing, travel, or insurance?

A: All bill rates and pay rates are fully transparent with no hidden fees—only built-in savings for our clients.

• Q: How does conversion to direct hire work after 90–120 days, both financially and contractually?

A: The client provides two weeks’ written notice of intent to hire. A direct-hire fee applies, after which the team member transitions smoothly to the client’s payroll and employment.

• Q: Who covers workers’ compensation and liability insurance—SOS or the hotel?

A: SOS provides all required workers’ compensation, liability, and other insurances.

Quality & Consistency

• Q: How do you ensure that chefs are familiar with high-volume, seasonal resort operations before they arrive?

A: We verify this through in-depth interviews, detailed reference checks, and confirmation of relevant prior experience.

• Q: Can you provide references from other luxury hotels or resorts you’ve staffed?

A: Yes, references are available upon request.

• Q: What percentage of your talent returns to the same property season after season?

A: Approximately 50% of our talent works year-round, returning seasonally to the same properties.

Industry-Specific Scenarios

• Q: Can you staff entire kitchen brigades for new hotel openings or seasonal pop-ups?A: Yes—this is one of our core specialties.
• Q: How do you handle last-minute cancellations or no-shows?A: We maintain a deep bench and typically recruit with second- and third-choice candidates ready as backups.
• Q: Do your chefs come with their own tools, or must we provide kitchen equipment?

A: Most of our professionals travel with their own knives and essential personal tools.

Safety & Professionalism

• Q: What background checks and certifications do your culinary professionals hold (e.g., Food Handler, Allergen Training)?

A: Most hold food handling certifications from their state of origin, along with standard background checks.

• Q: How do you ensure staff integrate well with existing teams and uphold a respectful kitchen culture?

A: We require clients to provide a basic orientation and training outline with clearly defined expectations. Staff sign attestations to confirm understanding and commitment.

• Q: Are your employees trained in specific cuisine styles or dietary preparation (e.g., vegan, gluten-free, fine dining)?

A: Yes, we match talent to specific cuisine and dietary requirements.

Flexibility & Customization

• Q: Can we request chefs with experience in specific cuisines (e.g., Mediterranean, Asian fusion)?

A: Yes—all job orders are fully customized to the client’s needs, brand, and cuisine preferences.

• Q: Do you offer short-term placements (less than 3 months) for event-based needs?

A: Yes, we accommodate short-term and event-based placements.

• Q: Can you accommodate unique scheduling needs, such as 10-day-on/4-day-off rotations?

A: Yes, we are flexible and can tailor schedules to meet client requirements