Baker

Pop Up Bagels: Lincoln Park; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

PopUp Bagels in Chicago's Lincoln Park is hiring a Bagel Baker to craft hot, fresh bagels in a fast‑paced, hands‑on kitchen. You’ll prep, monitor baking, maintain quality, and help deliver the signature PopUp bagel experience.

No prior baking experience required; training will be provided. A high school diploma is preferred but not required. Join a team that values attention to detail, reliability, and a positive guest experience.

Qualifications

• No prior baking or restaurant experience required; training will be provided.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred but not required.
• Previous experience in a bakery, restaurant, food production, or hospitality environment is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high‑quality food products.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.
• Positive attitude and willingness to support team members across different stations as needed.
• Strong communication skills and ability to interact professionally with team members and guests.
• Demonstrated reliability, accountability, and willingness to learn new skills.
• Desire to contribute to an exceptional guest experience and uphold PopUp Bagels brand standards.
• Interest in growing skills within a culinary or hospitality environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare bagels for baking according to PopUp Bagels’ recipes, timing standards, and quality expectations.
• Bake bagels to achieve the signature PopUp Bagels texture, flavor, and appearance, ensuring products are served hot and fresh to guests.
• Maintain awareness of current menu offerings, ingredients, and seasonal items to answer guest questions and support a positive customer experience.
• Monitor baking processes and product quality, ensuring consistency and adherence to standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and food‑safe work environment in compliance with health regulations and standards.
• Support shop operations by assisting team members during peak and off‑peak service.
• Work efficiently in a fast‑paced kitchen, multitasking and standing for extended periods.
• Participate in cross‑training across multiple stations to support team flexibility.
• Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and respect in all interactions.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Reliability

Willingness to learn

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

About PopUp Bagels

PopUp Bagels is not just a bagel company—we’re a cultural movement. Our stores are small, our vibes are loud, and our energy is contagious. From signature neon and iconic bullhorns to our “Not Famous but Known” mirror, we’ve reimagined not just how a bagel is created, but how it’s enjoyed: Grip, Rip and Dip! With a cult‑like following, massive social presence, and unparalleled collaborations with top companies, partners and Brand Ambassadors PopUp Bagels is defining a new food lifestyle brand.

We keep things simple, but we do them really, really well. And our customers agree.

About the Role

Our scratch‑based kitchens are built around people who are passionate about real, high‑quality food and the craft behind it. As a Bagel Baker, you play a key role in bringing that craft to life by preparing and baking bagels so they come out hot, fresh, and perfect for our guests to enjoy. In this role, you will ensure bagels are properly prepped and ready for baking, monitor baking processes to achieve consistent quality, and help deliver the signature PopUp bagel experience. Bagel Bakers work in a fast‑paced, hands‑on kitchen environment where attention to detail, timing, and pride in the final product matter. Through hands‑on training, you will develop your culinary skills while learning the fundamentals of scratch‑based baking and food preparation.

At PopUp, we believe in building well‑rounded team members. Bagel Bakers may also be cross‑trained on other front‑of‑house and back‑of‑house positions to support shop operations and create a seamless guest experience. If you’re excited to work with great food, learn new skills, and be part of a team committed to baking the world’s best bagels, this role is for you.

Essential Responsibilities

• Prepare bagels for baking according to PopUp Bagels’ recipes, timing standards, and quality expectations.
• Bake bagels to achieve the signature PopUp Bagels texture, flavor, and appearance, ensuring products are served hot and fresh to guests.
• Maintain awareness of current menu offerings, ingredients, and seasonal items in order to answer guest questions and support a positive customer experience.
• Monitor baking processes and product quality, ensuring consistency and adherence to established preparation and food safety standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and food‑safe work environment in compliance with Department of Health regulations and PopUp Bagels food safety standards to support an “A” grade inspection standard.
• Support overall shop operations by assisting team members during peak and off‑peak service, contributing to efficient kitchen and service workflows.
• Work efficiently in a fast‑paced kitchen environment, multitasking and remaining on your feet for extended periods of time. These physical requirements may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Participate in cross‑training across multiple stations within the shop, including both front‑of‑house and back‑of‑house positions, to support team flexibility and operational needs.
• Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and respect in all interactions while upholding PopUp employment policies.

Additional Role Note

The duties of this position may change from time to time. PopUp Bagels reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of PopUp Bagels or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general work level. It is not intended to be all‑inclusive.

PopUp Bagels is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, age, ancestry, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related condition, unemployment status, gender identity or expression, transgender status or gender dysphoria, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, national origin, citizenship, disability, covered veteran and/or military status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, familial status as that term is described under other protected statuses or any other characteristic as protected under applicable federal, state and local law.

We use eVerify to confirm U.S. Employment eligibility

Requirements

Required Experience and Education

• No prior baking or restaurant experience required; training will be provided.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred but not required.
• Previous experience in a bakery, restaurant, food production, or hospitality environment is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high‑quality food products.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.
• Positive attitude and willingness to support team members across different stations as needed.
• Strong communication skills and ability to interact professionally with team members and guests.
• Demonstrated reliability, accountability, and willingness to learn new skills.
• Desire to contribute to an exceptional guest experience and uphold the PopUp Bagels brand standards.
• Interest in growing skills within a culinary or hospitality environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and move continuously in a kitchen environment for extended periods of time.
• Ability to frequently lift and carry items up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions such as lifting, bending, reaching, and handling kitchen equipment and baking trays.
• Ability to work safely in a fast‑paced kitchen environment with exposure to heat, ovens, and bakery equipment.
• Ability to work early morning, evening, weekend, and holiday shifts as required by shop operations.