Prep Cook

Lettuce; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Vacation

Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical

Life, Accident Protection & Critical I

Domestic Partner Benefits

401(k)

Job summary

Lettuce Entertain You’s Cafe Ba‑Ba‑Reeba! in Chicago is seeking Prep Cooks to prepare foods, garnishes and condiments for service. You will work a variety of shifts, including weekends, using knives and kitchen tools safely to support a fast-paced kitchen.

Join a team committed to quality, with benefits and opportunities for growth. The environment emphasizes teamwork, communication, and adherence to food safety and sanitation guidelines.

Qualifications

• Prep Cooks are responsible for the preparation and production of readying foods, garnishes and condiments to be used on the line or for service.
• Ability to work a variety of hours, days and shifts, including weekends.
• Safely and effectively use and operate all necessary tools and equipment, including knives.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken directions.
• Ability to multitask calmly in a busy environment.

Responsibilities

• Follow all prescribed portioning controls and par levels.
• Maintain food safety and quality standards.
• Read thermometer correctly and efficiently.
• Communicate any food delays or issues to Coordinator.
• Accurately account for all items coming out of the kitchen.
• Understand and follow food allergy procedures and special orders/restrictions.
• Comply with safety and sanitation guidelines and procedures.
• Follow employment policies and be a team player.

Skills

Food preparation

Knife skills

Multitasking

Communication

Teamwork

Stamina

Tools

Knives

Job description

We’re hiring people to join our team as PREP COOKS!

A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits:

• Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness
• Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Insurance
• Life, Accident Protection & Critical Illness Insurance
• Domestic Partner Benefits
• 401(k)

Cafe Ba‑Ba‑Reeba! is Chicago's original tapas restaurant, serving authentic Spanish cuisine in Lincoln Park since 1985. Founding Chef Gabino Sotelino’s menu is designed to share, featuring tapas, pintxos (bite‑sized tapas) and the classic Valencian rice dish paella. Guests will experience a variety of tastes and flavors with signature dishes including Spicy Potatoes (patatas bravas), Baked Goat Cheese in tomato sauce and roasted Bacon‑Wrapped Dates. The beverage menu boasts an extensive Spanish wine list, along with six types of signature sangria ranging from classic red and white to seasonal flavors like white peach and passion fruit. The restaurant is known for its lively atmosphere and warm ambiance. The dining room is decorated with a range of artwork celebrating Spanish language, cuisine and culture. Guests are invited to dine on the all-season patio, which features a sliding glass roof that opens during warmer months.

Caring. Creative. Careers. Join the Lettuce Entertain You team! Our 100+ restaurants are nationally recognized for great food and service and as great places to work. We hire and care deeply for people with creativity, passion and the drive to be the best. And we reward our teams with top notch benefits, career-long training and development and opportunities for growth. If you want a career at a progressive company with a long-standing commitment to people, join our caring and creative team. EOE. We participate in E-Verify / Participamos en E-Verify

PREP COOK JOB DESCRIPTION

Prep Cooks are responsible for the preparation and production of readying foods, garnishes and condiments to be used on the line or for service.

Essential Functions

• Prepare food items and ingredients needed for menu items according to prescribed recipes and/or special requests
• Available to work a variety of hours, days and shifts, including weekends
• Safely and effectively use and operate all necessary tools and equipment, including knives
• Ability to effectively communicate in order to perform and follow job requirements in written and spoken direction
• Ability to multi-task calmly and effectively in a busy, stressful environment
• Work in a confined, crowded space of variable noise and temperature levels
• Able to move and lift up to 10 pounds, frequently move and/or lift up to 25 pounds, and occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand and walk for an entire shift and move safely through all areas of the restaurant, which may include stairs, uneven or slick surfaces

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Follow all prescribed portioning controls and par levels
• Maintain food safety and quality standards
• Ability to read a thermometer correctly and efficiently
• Communicate any food delays or issues to Coordinator
• Accurately account for all items coming out of the kitchen
• Understand and follow the food allergy procedure and special orders/restrictions
• Comply with all safety and sanitation guidelines and procedures
• Follow all rules, policies, procedures and conditions of employment, including those outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Get along well with others and be a team player