Cook

Topography Hospitality, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Vacation

401(k)

Job summary

The Lake, a private social club opening Fall 2026 in Chicago, seeks a committed Cook to join its culinary team. You will prepare and execute menu items to high standards, working closely with the leadership to deliver elevated dining experiences for members and guests.

Ideal candidates have 2–4+ years of professional cooking experience in upscale settings, strong knife skills, knowledge of food safety, and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen.

Qualifications

• 2–4+ years of professional cooking experience.
• Strong knife skills and culinary fundamentals.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure.
• Pre-opening experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Food Preparation & Execution according to recipes and presentation standards.
• Station Organization & Mise en Place; maintain a clean, stocked station.
• Food Safety & Sanitation; follow HACCP standards.
• Team Collaboration; communicate with chefs and teammates.
• Inventory & Product Care; minimize waste and manage stock.
• Pre-Opening & Continuous Improvement; participate in training and setup.

Skills

Knife skills

Food safety

Pressure tolerance

Pre-opening experience

Job description

POSITION

Cook

ABOUT THE LAKE

The Lake is a new private social club opening in Fall 2026 in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Spanning 26,000 square feet, the clubhouse will feature a classic brick-and-limestone exterior paired with stylish contemporary interiors, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting. Designed to foster a vibrant, welcoming community, The Lake will center around an exceptional food and beverage program and bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a love of gathering with family and friends. The club will offer three distinct restaurants, including a French-inspired brasserie, a British American restaurant, and an Italian trattoria. In addition, members will enjoy two cocktail bars, a members’ wine cellar, a roof terrace, and three guest rooms, all thoughtfully designed to create a dynamic and curated experience.

ABOUT TOPOGRAPHY

Topography is a hospitality company founded by Liam Krehbiel in 2021 that develops and operates a collection of luxurious hotels and clubs, with a vision to build a world-class company known for excellence in guest experience, employee satisfaction, financial performance, and environmental stewardship. The Lake will be Topography’s first property to open, with additional projects in development across Wisconsin, New England, and North Carolina.

SERVICE PHILOSOPHY

At The Lake, dining is at the heart of the member experience. Every dish should reflect thoughtful preparation, consistency, and genuine hospitality. We believe exceptional food is created through craftsmanship, collaboration, and attention to detail. Leaders are expected to uphold standards of service that are:

• Detail-oriented and highly personalized
• Professional, warm, and intuitive
• Refined yet approachable
• Consistent in quality while flexible to individual needs

Every meal should reflect a seamless and elevated dining experience.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Cook is responsible for preparing and executing menu items to The Lake’s culinary standards while maintaining consistency, cleanliness, and efficiency. This role works closely with the culinary leadership team to deliver exceptional dining experiences for members and guests. The ideal candidate is passionate about hospitality, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and takes pride in producing high-quality food.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Food Preparation & Execution
   • Prepare and execute menu items according to recipes and presentation standards.
   • Maintain consistency, quality, and timing during service.
   • Assist with daily prep and station setup.
2. Station Organization & Mise en Place
   • Maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked station.
   • Ensure readiness for each service period.
3. Food Safety & Sanitation
   • Follow all sanitation, food safety, and HACCP standards.
   • Properly label, store, and rotate products.
4. Team Collaboration
   • Communicate effectively with chefs and fellow cooks.
   • Support teammates to ensure smooth service.
5. Inventory & Product Care
   • Minimize waste and properly utilize products.
   • Notify leadership of inventory needs or quality concerns.
6. Pre-Opening & Continuous Improvement
   • Participate in pre-opening training and kitchen setup.
   • Contribute ideas to improve quality and efficiency.

REPORTS TO

Sous Chef / Executive Chef

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

Professional Experience:

• 2–4+ years of professional cooking experience, preferably in an upscale restaurant, hotel, or private club.
• Strong knife skills and culinary fundamentals.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure.
• Pre-opening experience is a plus.

Core Values Alignment:

• Drive
• Empathy
• Excellence
• Integrity
• Creativity
• Positive Attitude

COMPENSATION

The Lake offers a competitive compensation package that includes a base salary, annual bonus, and a 401(k) plan. Additionally, The Lake provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and paid vacation. Topography Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer.

START DATE

Fall 2026

LOCATION

Chicago, IL