Delaware North Companies, Inc.
40 Fountain Plaza
Buffalo, New York 14202

Founded in 1915 as a small sports concession business, Delaware North is now an international company, providing food and hospitality service on a grand scale. Their current food operations range from fine dining to innovative concessions. Maureen O’Neill, Human Resources Generalist, discusses the tremendous opportunities available at their company.

Featured Employer Interview with Human Resources Generalist, Maureen O’Neill

How many employees currently work for your company?

Approximately 26,000 employees, 100 of those chefs, in approximately 115 locations in the U.S. and Canada. We have operations and employees in Australia and will be commencing operations in the new Wembley Stadium in England in 2005. Our Delaware North family includes Master Chef Roland Henin along with a talented team of culinary experts.

What are some of your recruiting challenges?

Because of our vast locations, finding a qualified chef with the ability to relocate is a challenge even though we do provide a relocation package. Also, some of our Parks properties are quite remote, so securing comparable housing accommodations in a remote location becomes a consideration for the candidates who are willing to relocate.

What types of positions do you frequently recruit for on StarChefs?

Sous Chefs, Chefs de Cuisine, Pastry Chefs, and Executive Chefs.

What is your favorite feature of StarChefs JobFinder?

Our recruiting team likes the pre-screening functionality that enables us to learn a little about each candidate prior to scheduling an interview. The candidates also have the experience that aligns with our culinary needs and standards.

Why would someone want to work for your company?

As a recognized leader in hospitality and food service, the challenges that we offer provide the potential for growth and development in a company with a bright future, and the even greater opportunity to work with a terrific “family” of chefs in some of the most fabulous locations in the country. From airports, national parks and sporting venues to steamboats, resorts and gaming operations, we have an understanding of the industry that enables us to exceed guest expectations and create a lasting memory.

How would you describe the company culture?

Along with the integrity, efficiency, and adaptability that is part of our mission, our culture attracts hardworking, creative, diverse professionals who dedicate 110% to pleasing the guest. To succeed within our culture, one must respond positively to being challenged in a fast-paced, high-energy environment. Whether it be serving 65,000 fans at a Chicago Bears football game or preparing an entree for a celebrity at the famed Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park, our culture is exciting!

What does the future look like for this company?

Our company is financially secure and is a major player in first-class food service operations. Through nearly a century of experience, we have been able to develop initiatives and standards that provide our associates with limitless career opportunities in a continuously growing company. Under the guidance of Master Chef Roland Henin and a team of culinary experts, DNC has created a culinary council to design and implement high-level culinary standards that fosters the vision that DNC has established.

What kind of advice would you give jobseekers applying to your company?

We offer opportunities to accommodate continuous growth to enable our associates to experience their full potential. Our culinary team is provided with challenges to which they can demonstrate their willingness to achieve their highest level of competency in the process. As our Master Chef Roland Henin commented, “Our chefs must have patience during the growth and development process … they are the culinary future of the company, but it won’t happen overnight.”