Cook Level II

Hopvine Brewing Company; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Full-time hours

CIA training

Cooking skill growth

Employee meals

Advancement opportunities

Job summary

Hopvine Brewing Company is hiring a full-time Line Cook, Level II, to join our kitchen team. Pay is $17.00–$19.00 per hour, with 35–40 hours per week, and hands-on culinary training from an experienced CIA graduate.

We value teamwork, a strong work ethic, coachability and a love for craft Brew Pub cuisine. The role includes high-volume prep and grill or fry responsibilities, adherence to safety standards, and opportunities for advancement within a supportive, foodie-friendly environment.

Qualifications

• Previous food prep, line cook, or salad prep experience preferred.
• Culinary degree or 1 year experience in an upscale dining environment.
• Experience with grilled items in a high-volume environment, including steaks, burgers, chicken, fish, and vegan options preferred.
• Experience working at a high-volume fry station or grill station; understanding of batter and breader systems.
• Understanding of metric systems, weights, and use of a digital scale.
• Ability to work efficiently and maintain an organized, properly stocked workstation.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to safely use knives, slicing equipment, and other standard food prep equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy kitchen products and items.
• Ability to place plates, utensils, pans, and food on shelves at various heights.
• Maintain proper personal hygiene, neat appearance, and clean uniform daily.
• Flexible weekday schedule; must be available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and portion menu items for the assigned station before and during service.
• Prepare items to order as directed by expeditor or kitchen management.
• Execute grilled, fried, and other items according to recipes and guidelines.
• Maintain a stocked, clean, and organized station for high-volume service.
• Follow health, safety, and sanitation standards established by Hopvine Brewing Co.
• Maintain proper food storage, labeling, rotation, and temperature control.
• Communicate effectively with fellow cooks, expeditor, and management for timely service.
• Complete opening, shift-change, and closing duties as assigned.
• Cool, label, cover, and store food properly at end of service.
• Clean and sanitize workstations and equipment; manage floor mats during closing.
• Assist other stations and team members to support kitchen operations.
• Demonstrate willingness to learn and accept feedback.

Skills

Food prep

Line cook experience

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Education

Culinary degree

Tools

Digital scale

Knives & prep equipment

Job description

NOW HIRING: FULL-TIME LINE COOK, LEVEL II

Hopvine Brewing Company

Pay: $17.00 – $19.00 per hour | 35 - 40 Hours

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Hopvine Brewing Company has been successful and stable for the last 13 years. We are starting a new chapter by elevating quality along with innovative new menu selections. Hopvine Brewing Co. is looking for the right person to join our kitchen staff. We are eager to find a dependable, motivated individual with a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for food. We are currently seeking a strong candidate who considers themselves a foodie with skills. Someone who understands Brew Pub Cuisine .

This is more than just a line cook position—it's an opportunity to learn, grow, and develop your culinary skills under the guidance of a Culinary Institute of America graduate with years of experience working in some of the world's finest kitchens.

Experience is valuable knowledge. Work ethic, coachability, and a willingness to learn are just as important. We are looking for someone who takes pride in their work, enjoys being part of a team, wants to become a better cook, and never gives up. Gotta have that “WANT TO” attitude.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

• Previous food prep, line cook, or salad prep experience preferred.
• Culinary degree or 1 year experience in an upscale dining environment.
• Experience with grilled items in a high-volume environment, including steaks, burgers, chicken, fish, and Vegan, preferred.
• Experience working at a high-volume fry station or grill station. Understanding of batter and breader systems.
• Understanding of the metric systems, basic weights and measurements, and utilization of a digital scale.
• Ability to work efficiently and maintain an organized, properly stocked workstation.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to safely use knives, slicing equipment, and other standard food preparation equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy kitchen product and items.
• Ability to place plates, utensils, pans, and food products on high and low shelves.
• Must maintain proper personal hygiene, a neat appearance, and a clean uniform daily.
• Flexible weekday schedule. Must be available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

• Prepare and portion menu food items for the assigned station before and throughout service.
• Prepare menu items to order as directed by the expeditor or kitchen management.
• Execute grilled, fried, and other menu items according to established recipes, cooking standards, and presentation guidelines.
• Maintain a properly stocked, clean, and organized station to meet high-volume service demands.
• Follow all health, food safety, and sanitation standards established by Hopvine Brewing Co. and applicable health department.
• Maintain proper food storage, labeling, rotation, and temperature control.
• Communicate effectively with fellow cooks, the expeditor, and kitchen management to ensure smooth and timely service.
• Complete opening, shift-change, and closing duties as assigned.
• Properly cool, label, cover, and store food at the end of service.
• Clean and sanitize workstations, equipment, and kitchen surfaces; remove and clean floor mats as part of closing procedures.
• Assist other stations and team members as needed to support overall kitchen operations.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn, accept feedback.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive pay: 17.00–19.00 per hour, based on experience and skills.
• Full-time hours: 35 - 40 hours per week.
• Hands-on culinary training from an experienced CIA graduate.
• The opportunity to develop professional cooking techniques and expand your culinary knowledge.
• Employee meals.
• Opportunities for advancement and professional growth.

THE RIGHT PERSON MATTERS

At Hopvine Brewing Co., we believe a great kitchen is built on teamwork, attitude, consistency, and a willingness to improve.

If you have a passion for food, take pride in what you do, and are looking for a kitchen where you can learn from an experienced chef while contributing to a hardworking team, we want to meet you.