Steward/Dishwasher

Black Briar; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 23,419 - 26,174; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Paid sick leave

Dining benefit

Merit increase

Job summary

Black Briar, located in Chicago, seeks a dedicated Steward to maintain cleanliness and readiness across the kitchen. You are responsible for dishwashing, organizing equipment, and supporting the kitchen during high-volume services.

The role emphasizes strict cleanliness, physical stamina, and the ability to move between kitchen levels. Previous stewarding or dishwashing in a restaurant is preferred; Food Handler certification is a plus or willingness to obtain it.

Qualifications

• Prior stewarding or dishwashing experience in a restaurant.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen.
• Reliable and punctual; depends on the team each shift.
• Physically able to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Food Handler certification preferred or willing to obtain before start date.

Responsibilities

• Wash, sanitize, and organize all dishes, glassware, pots, pans, and kitchen equipment.
• Maintain a clean, safe steward station before, during, and after service.
• Restock clean smallwares and dishware to line and service areas.
• Assist with receiving, storage, and organization of product deliveries as directed.
• Execute a complete closing procedure; station ready for the next shift.
• Maintain full compliance with health and sanitation standards.

Skills

Stewarding experience

Dishwashing experience

Fast-paced environment

Reliability

Physical stamina

Team communication

Education

Food Handler certification

Job description

Company Overview

Black Briar is a creative American restaurant anchored by an open coal grill, a serious raw bar, and ingredient-first cooking with a Chicago tavern soul. Led by Chef Jimmy Papadopoulos, we are opening in the West Loop and building something permanent — a kitchen with a point of view, a team with standards, and a menu that earns its place in the city we love.

Every person on this team has a role that matters. The Steward is the foundation the kitchen runs on — without this position done well, nothing else works. We are looking for someone who takes pride in their station, shows up ready, and holds a standard because they believe in it.

The Role

The Steward is an essential member of the Black Briar kitchen team. You are responsible for the cleanliness, sanitation, and operational readiness of the entire kitchen — equipment, smallwares, surfaces, and floors — across every shift. You report directly to the Sous Chef and Chef de Cuisine. This role is not in the background. It is at the center of everything we do.

What You Own

• Washing, sanitizing, and organizing all dishes, glassware, pots, pans, and kitchen equipment throughout service
• Maintaining a clean, safe, and organized steward station at all times — before, during, and after service
• Monitoring and restocking clean smallwares, dishware, and glassware to the line and service areas throughout the shift — which requires regular movement between the basement steward station and the main kitchen line one flight up
• Maintaining kitchen cleanliness during service — floors, surfaces, and stations swept and mopped on a consistent schedule across both levels
• Removing trash and breaking down boxes regularly — without being asked
• Assisting with receiving, storage, and organization of product deliveries as directed
• Supporting prep cooks and line cooks with basic tasks as directed by kitchen leadership
• Executing a complete closing procedure — dish station clean, organized, stocked, and ready for the next shift
• Maintaining full compliance with all City of Chicago and State of Illinois health and sanitation standards at all times

What We’re Looking For

• Prior stewarding or dishwashing experience in a restaurant environment preferred — we will train the right person
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen without losing focus or standardli>
• Reliable and punctual — this team counts on you every shift
• Physically able to carry full dish racks, sheet trays, and kitchen equipment up and down one flight of stairs repeatedly throughout a shift — this is a genuine physical requirement of this specific role and candidates should understand that before applying
• Physically able to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and work in a hot, loud, demanding environment
• Ability to take direction clearly and communicate effectively with the kitchen team
• A strong work ethic and a genuine willingness to be part of something being built from the ground up
• Food Handler certification preferred — or willingness to obtain before start date

The Kitchen

The Black Briar kitchen runs on a coal grill and a raw bar one flight above the steward station. The dish and steward area is located in the basement — a dedicated, fully equipped space that serves the main kitchen line above it. It is a demanding, high-standard environment where every role is taken seriously and every person is expected to show up fully. The movement between levels is constant during service and is a core part of this job. If you are comfortable with that and take pride in keeping a kitchen running, this is the place to do it.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage $17.05-$19.00
• Health benefits
• Paid time off, accruing after 90 days
• Paid sick leave per Illinois law
• Employee dining benefit
• Annual performance review with merit increase opportunity

Who You Are

You do not cut corners and you do not need to be told twice. You take your station seriously because you understand that a clean, organized kitchen is the foundation of everything that comes out of it. The stairs do not slow you down — you have done this before or you are ready to. You are steady under pressure, dependable to your team, and the kind of person who finishes the job completely — not almost. You want to work somewhere that respects every role and invests in every person. That is Black Briar. We would love to meet you.

Black Briar is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that reflects the city we are proud to call home.