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Blue Plate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Blue Plate Catering

Pastry Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

At Blue Plate, a staple in Chicago's catering industry, we believe in creating extraordinary experiences that leave a lasting impression. As a Pastry Line Cook, you'll play a key role in bringing ...

Blue Plate Catering

Pastry Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

At Blue Plate, a staple in Chicago's catering industry, we believe in creating extraordinary experiences that leave a lasting impression. As a Pastry Line Cook, you'll play a key role in bringing ...

BLUE PLATE CATERING LTD

Pastry Line Cook

Chicago, IL

$18 - $22/hr

At Blue Plate, a staple in Chicago's catering industry, we believe in creating extraordinary experiences that leave a lasting impression. As a Pastry Line Cook, you'll play a key role in bringing ...

Blue Plate Catering

Event Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

At Blue Plate, a staple in Chicago's catering industry, we believe in creating extraordinary experiences that resonate with our guests long after the event. As an Event Prep Cook, you'll play a key ...

Blue Plate Catering

Event Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

At Blue Plate, a staple in Chicago's catering industry, we believe in creating extraordinary experiences that resonate with our guests long after the event. As an Event Prep Cook, you'll play a key ...

BLUE PLATE CATERING LTD

Event Prep Cook

Chicago, IL

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

At Blue Plate, a staple in Chicago's catering industry, we believe in creating extraordinary experiences that resonate with our guests long after the event. As an Event Prep Cook, you'll play a key ...

Blue Plate Restaurant Company Inc

SERVER

Osseo, MN · On-site

BLUE PLATE CORE FOCUS Passionate Hospitality & Flavors Fuel our Community This really is our niche. This one statement captures the following: ? Passionate Hospitality: we take care of our people and ...

Blue Plate Restaurant Co.

SERVER

Osseo, MN · On-site

Job Type Part-time Description BLUE PLATE CORE FOCUS Passionate Hospitality & Flavors Fuel our Community This really is our niche. This one statement captures the following: ? Passionate Hospitality ...

Blue Plate Catering

Executive Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

Chief Executive Officer At Blue Plate Catering, we create memorable food and service experiences while living our "Care More" value every day. As one of Chicago's premier hospitality and catering ...

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How much do blue plate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for blue plate in the United States is $16.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Blue Plate cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Blue Plate cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and experience in high-volume kitchen environments, typically supported by a food handler's certification. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and inventory management tools is often required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and time management are crucial soft skills for this fast-paced role. These skills ensure consistent quality, efficient service, and customer satisfaction in a busy food service setting.

What are 'Blue Plate' jobs?

A 'Blue Plate' job typically refers to a position in the food service industry, especially in diners or restaurants, where employees are involved in preparing or serving 'blue plate specials'—affordable, daily set meals. The term originated in the United States in the early 20th century and is often associated with classic diners and casual eateries. Blue Plate jobs can include cooks, servers, and kitchen staff who help deliver these special menu offerings. These positions require good customer service skills, efficiency, and the ability to work in fast-paced environments. Working a Blue Plate job can be a good entry point into the restaurant industry.

What is the difference between Blue Plate vs Line Cook?

AspectBlue PlateLine Cook
CredentialsFood handler's permit, culinary trainingFood handler's permit, culinary training
Work EnvironmentRestaurant kitchen, fast-pacedRestaurant kitchen, fast-paced
Industry UsageChef's station or role in kitchenSpecific station in kitchen, prepares dishes
Common Search/ComparisonBlue Plate vs Line Cook

The term 'Blue Plate' typically refers to a dish or a serving style in a restaurant, whereas a 'Line Cook' is a kitchen staff member responsible for preparing specific dishes on the line. While both roles are part of the restaurant industry and require culinary skills, the Blue Plate is more about the presentation or menu item, and the Line Cook is a job position focused on food preparation. Understanding these differences helps clarify job roles versus menu items in the culinary industry.

What are some typical challenges faced by Blue Plate line cooks during busy service hours?

Blue Plate line cooks often encounter challenges such as managing multiple orders simultaneously, maintaining consistency and quality under pressure, and communicating effectively with the rest of the kitchen staff. Time management is crucial, as cooks must coordinate with servers and other kitchen stations to ensure dishes are delivered promptly. Staying organized and adaptable is key to success, especially during peak meal times when the kitchen is at its busiest.
More about Blue Plate jobs
What cities are hiring for Blue Plate jobs? Cities with the most Blue Plate job openings:
What states have the most Blue Plate jobs? States with the most job openings for Blue Plate jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Blue Plate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Blue Plate jobs are:
Blue Plate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Blue Plate job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,749 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Pastry Line Cook

Pastry Line Cook

Blue Plate Catering

Chicago, IL • On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about creating exceptional pastries that elevate events to unforgettable experiences? Do you thrive in the fast-paced energy of Chicago's catering scene, where precision, creativity, and teamwork turn every event into something special? If so, then Blue Plate is where you belong!
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 Pastry Line Cook, you'll play a key role in bringing these moments to life by preparing high-quality pastries and desserts that set the stage for exceptional events. Your precision, creativity, and attention to detail will ensure every sweet creation meets our high standards and enhances the guest experience.
Essential Functions of your Role:
  • Arrive Ready: Show up on time and clock in at your scheduled arrival time, dressed according to our Back of House Dress Code Policy, and prepared to execute high-volume pastry production with precision.
  • Get Your Assignment: Check in with the Pastry Sous Chef and/or Executive Pastry Chef to receive your prep list, event menu details, and any special dietary considerations or modifications.
  • Remain Focused: Pay close attention during pre-shift meetings, where the Pastry Sous Chef and/or Executive Pastry Chef will communicate key details related to dessert presentation, flavor profile, and plating execution.
  • Set Up for Success: Organize your workstation, pastry tools, and ingredients efficiently to support seamless production and execution.
  • Prep Like a Pro: Scale, mix, roll, bake, and assemble pastries according to Blue Plate recipes and event specifications, ensuring consistency and top-tier quality.
  • Follow Recipes and Standards: Execute pastry preparation tasks accurately, adhering to portion control guidelines, sanitation procedures, and Blue Plate's high culinary standards.
  • Practice Safe Food Handling: Follow all food safety regulations, proper storage procedures, and temperature controls to maintain the highest level of cleanliness and compliance.
  • Keep It Clean: Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient pastry station, ensuring all surfaces, tools, and equipment are properly sanitized throughout service.
  • Be a Team Player: Work collaboratively with chefs, pastry cooks, and event staff to ensure smooth execution of dessert plating and final presentation. Assist with finishing touches, and garnishes as needed.
  • Adapt and Stay Sharp: Be ready to pivot as events evolve, adjusting pastry preparation tasks and priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
  • Break It Down: Assist in breaking down and cleaning your station after every shift, maintaining Blue Plate's standards of sanitation and cleanliness.
  • Stay Connected: Regularly check Blue Plate's scheduling system to confirm shifts and stay informed about any updates before your shift begins.
  • Perform other relevant tasks assigned by management.

Requirements
Education and Experience: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; formal culinary or pastry training is a plus.
  • Minimum of one (1) year of professional pastry or baking experience in a high-volume kitchen, bakery, or catering environment.
  • Strong knowledge of fundamental pastry techniques, including mixing, baking, decorating, and finishing desserts.
  • Experience with scaling recipes, portioning, and working with various doughs, batters, fillings, and confections preferred.
  • Ability to follow detailed recipes and maintain consistency in texture, flavor, and presentation.
  • Completion of City of Chicago Department of Public Health Certified Food Service Manager certification preferred, or ability to obtain certification within 90 days of hire.

Essential Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Commitment to Blue Plate's mission by demonstrating a strong affinity for it- to "care more" for others through food and service experiences that turn our partners' vision into reality.
  • Ability to take direction and execute tasks efficiently and accurately.
  • Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Dedication to quality by maintaining impeccable service and food preparation standards.
  • Solid foundational food knowledge, including proper handling, preparation techniques, and food safety practices.

Language Skills: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or
ability required.
  • Proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking) is required.
  • Bilingual skills are a plus.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, taste and smell.
  • The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to feel; reach with hand and arms, and stoop, kneel or crouch for 6 to 8 hours at a time.
  • Regularly required to lift and/or move up to 60 lbs.
  • Specific vision requirements include the ability to see at close range, distance vision, color vision, 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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • May work in extreme heat and cold (non-weather and weather).
  • May work in wet conditions (non-weather and weather).
  • Noise level is low to moderate.
  • Will work near moving or mechanical parts.

Compensation and Benefits:
Hourly Wage Range: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour, based on experience.
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.
Salary Description
$18.00 - $25.00 per hour, based on experience.

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