Line Cook -AM

Blue Plate Catering, LTD.; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Free meals

Commuter benefits

FSA

Pet insurance

Wellness rewards

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Blue Plate Catering is seeking a Line Cook to join our Chicago kitchen and help execute exceptional meals for our events. You will prep, cook, and plate dishes with precision, maintaining high quality and adherence to recipes and safety standards.

We value attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Minimum 1 year of kitchen experience required; certification as a City of Chicago CFSM is preferred or to be obtained within 90 days of hire.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of professional kitchen experience
• High attention to detail and commitment to service standards
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to follow instructions and adhere to standardized procedures
• Team-oriented with strong interpersonal skills
• English proficiency in reading, writing and speaking; bilingual a plus

Responsibilities

• Arrive on time and clock in per Dress Code Policy
• Check in with Line Supervisor for prep list and event details
• Prepare food items according to recipes, portions, and presentation
• Adhere to company policies, procedures, and house rules
• Maintain food safety standards including storage, handling, temperature control, and sanitation
• Complete station setup and breakdown tasks for service
• Keep workstations clean, organized, and show-quality
• Demonstrate safe knife handling and proper food prep techniques
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors
• Support kitchen operations and event execution as needed

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Fast-paced environment

Follow instructions

Communication

English proficiency

Bilingual (a plus)

Education

Certified Food Service Manager certification (CDPH) preferred or within 90 days of hire

Job description

Description

Position Summary: At Blue Plate, a staple in Chicago's catering industry, we believe in creating extraordinary experiences that leave a lasting impression. As a Line Cook, you’ll play a vital role in executing exceptional meals that elevate our events. From prepping and cooking to plating with precision, your attention to detail and commitment to excellence will help deliver the culinary quality our clients expect and deserve.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Arrive on time and clock in as scheduled, fully dressed in accordance with the Dress Code Policy and ready to support high-volume meal production.
• Check in with the Line Supervisor for your prep list, event menu details, and any special instructions, including dietary restrictions or modifications.
• Accurately and efficiently prepare food items according to established recipes, portion standards, and presentation guidelines.
• Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and house rules.
• Maintain strict compliance with food safety regulations, including proper storage, handling, temperature control, and sanitation standards.
• Follow all procedures and expectations as outlined in the employee training manual and handbook.
• Complete station setup and breakdown tasks thoroughly and efficiently, ensuring readiness for service and proper end-of-shift cleanup.
• Keep assigned workstations clean, organized, and maintained to “show quality” standards at all times.
• Demonstrate safe and proper knife handling and food preparation techniques.
• Exhibit a positive, team-focused attitude and communicate effectively with team members and supervisors.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management to support kitchen operations and event execution.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Minimum of 1 year of professional kitchen experience
• City of Chicago Department of Public Health Certified Food Service Manager certification preferred or must obtain certification within 90 days of hire.

Essential Qualifications

• High attention to detail and a strong commitment to service standards
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to follow instructions and adhere to standardized procedures
• Team-oriented with strong interpersonal skills

Language Skills

• Ability to read, write, and speak English proficiently
• Bilingual skills are a plus

Physical Demands

The physical demands describe here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Blue Plate is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA):

• Regularly required to talk, hear, taste, and smell
• Frequently required to stand, walk, bend, reach, and use hands for extended periods (6–8 hours)
• Must be able to lift and move up to 60 lbs
• Visual demands include close and distance vision, color perception, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Exposure to hot, cold, and wet conditions (both weather and non-weather related)
• Potential exposure to chemicals, fumes, airborne particles, and mechanical equipment
• Noise levels range from low to moderate

Compensation and Benefits

Hourly Wage Range: $19.00 - $25.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits Overview

At Blue Plate Catering, we live our core values: Happy, Joyful & Fun; We Care More; Humbly Confident; Genuine & Authentic; Goes Beyond. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects our commitment to supporting our team’s well-being and growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan, and paid time off (PTO) with sick leave. Additional perks such as commuter benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), free meals, and pet insurance options ensure our team feels valued. We also offer wellness rewards, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and resources to help you thrive in work and life.

Blue Plate Catering complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment, including protections related to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.