Cook

Sophie's Cafe; Sterling (IL); On-site; USD 11,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

Sophie's Cafe in Sterling is seeking a dependable Kitchen Team Member to assist with sandwiches, breakfast items, bowls, and more. The role involves cooking with rapid-cook ovens, following recipes, and keeping the kitchen organized.

Cross-training is offered, including bar training as an option. Employees may help at the register and receive base-pay increases after training completion. Weekend availability is required.

Qualifications

• Reliable attendance and consistent availability.
• Able to follow recipes, instructions, and portion standards accurately.
• Organized and able to manage several tasks at once.
• Calm and level-headed during busy periods.
• Willing to clean, restock, and notice what needs to be done.
• Able to work independently after training and help customers at the register.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and assemble sandwiches, breakfast items, protein bowls, and other menu items.
• Cook and heat food using rapid-cook ovens.
• Follow recipes and presentation guidelines.
• Complete daily prep, portioning meats, preparing produce, and sauces.
• Handle light baking and frosting or bakery components.
• Monitor food quality, freshness, and storage.
• Keep ingredients and supplies stocked and organized.
• Assist with inventory counts and communicate shortages.
• Help customers and operate the register when needed.
• Wash dishes and maintain kitchen cleanliness.
• Follow food-safety and cleaning procedures.

Skills

Reliable attendance

Follow recipes

Organized multitasking

Customer register help

Team-oriented

Open to bar training

Job description

Kitchen Team Member

Sophie's Cafe in Sterling is hiring a reliable Kitchen Team Member.

This is a hands-on kitchen position that includes food preparation, light baking, dishes, stocking, and keeping the kitchen clean and organized. Our kitchen does not have deep fryers or grills. Most menu items are prepared using rapid-cook ovens, so this is an approachable kitchen role even if you do not have professional cooking experience.

Our employees are cross-trained to support each other, so you will also help customers at the register when needed. Bar training is available but is not required for this position.

Pay and Growth Opportunities

Starting base pay is $10 per hour plus a share of the team tip pool. Team members typically earn approximately $15 to $17 per hour total, including tips.

Employees receive a base-pay increase once they complete kitchen training and demonstrate that they can perform the position proficiently and independently.

Bar training is optional. Employees who choose to become cross-trained on the bar receive an additional pay increase.

Additional raises and promotion opportunities are available for employees who consistently perform well, take initiative, accept more responsibility, and show they can be trusted in a larger role.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and assemble sandwiches, breakfast items, protein rice bowls, and other menu items


• Cook and heat food using our rapid-cook ovens


• Follow recipes, portion standards, and presentation guidelines


• Complete daily food prep, including portioning meats, preparing produce, and making sauces


• Handle light baking and prepare frostings or other bakery components


• Monitor food quality, freshness, and proper storage


• Keep ingredients, packaging, and kitchen supplies stocked and organized


• Assist with inventory counts and communicate when products or supplies are running low


• Help customers and operate the register when needed.


• Wash dishes and keep the kitchen, prep areas, equipment, and storage areas clean


• Follow food-safety, sanitation, and cleaning procedures


• Complete opening, shift, and closing responsibilities


• Support other cafe responsibilities as needed

What We Are Looking For

• Reliable attendance and consistent availability


• Able to follow recipes, instructions, and portion standards accurately


• Organized and able to manage several tasks at once


• Calm and level-headed during busy periods


• Willing to clean, wash dishes, restock, and notice what needs to be done


• Able to work independently after completing training


• Friendly and comfortable helping customers at the register


• Good communication and teamwork


• Takes initiative instead of waiting to be told every next step


• Comfortable receiving feedback and continuing to learn


• Food-safety focused


• ServSafe certification is a plus but is not required

Previous kitchen or food-service experience is helpful, but it is not required. We provide training on our menu, recipes, equipment, register, cleaning procedures, and daily routines.

Schedule and Availability

Available shifts for this position are:

• Early morning shifts beginning as early as 5:30 AM


• Day shifts beginning around 6:00 or 7:00 AM and ending around 1:00 or 3:00 PM


• Afternoon shifts from approximately 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Shift times may vary depending on scheduling and business needs.

Weekend availability is required. Applicants should be available to work at least three shifts per week.

Physical Requirements

This position requires standing and moving for most of the shift. Employees must be able to bend, reach, carry ingredients and supplies, wash dishes, and work on their feet for extended periods.

About Sophie's Cafe

Sophie's Cafe is a busy, locally owned cafe serving coffee, energy drinks, breakfast, lunch, baked goods, and more. We are looking for someone dependable who takes pride in doing the job correctly, works well with others, and wants the opportunity to learn and grow with us.