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Blue Plate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mid Shift Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

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 ...

Research culinary trends, techniques, ingredients, and equipment to continuously evolve Blue Plate's pastry program. Ensure consistency, presentation, flavor, and execution across all pastry ...

Chef de Cuisine

Chicago, IL · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

Ensure all food production meets Blue Plate standards for quality, presentation, taste, and portion control across events, delivery, and workplace dining programs. Oversee recipe development ...

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 Server, you will play a key ...

Varies to include evenings, holidays, and extended hours as business requires Position Summary The Pastry Chef is responsible for leading all aspects of Blue Plate's pastry and dessert program ...

Event Porter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/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 Porter, you will play a key ...

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 Server, you will play a key ...

Line Cook -AM

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19 - $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 Line Cook, you'll play a vital role in executing ...

Posted today

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 Bartender, you'll play a key ...

Event Porter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/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 Porter, you will play a key ...

Mid Shift Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

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 ...

At Blue Plate, a staple in Chicago's catering industry, we specialize in crafting extraordinary culinary experiences that leave a lasting impression on our guests. As an Event Chef, by preparing and ...

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 Bartender, you'll play a key ...

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 ...

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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Blue Plate information

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How much do blue plate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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 is a blue plate?

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:
Infographic showing various Blue Plate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 13% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,749 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

$19 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job 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 Tasks 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: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
  • 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: 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • 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 described 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 accommodation 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 - $24.00 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.
DEIA at Blue Plate:
At Blue Plate, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). Our core value, "We Care More," guides us in creating an environment where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive. We believe in intentional recruitment practices, partnering with community organizations, diverse job boards, and attending job fairs at schools that reflect a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Our hiring and selection processes are designed to be equitable, focusing on skills, potential, and minimizing bias, ensuring opportunities are accessible to everyone. From onboarding to ongoing development, we provide tailored resources, mentorship, and training programs to support our team members and cultivate an inclusive culture. We actively measure and analyze diversity metrics, using these insights to continuously improve and hold ourselves accountable in our DEIA efforts.
Blue Plate's mantra, "Happy People Making People Happy," extends to our employees, clients, and partners. By honoring differences and listening thoughtfully, we build meaningful relationships and ensure everyone feels welcome and valued. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and walks of life to join our team in shaping memorable food and service experiences. Together, we are dedicated to going beyond to make a difference. 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.