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Chef Jobs in Mankato, MN (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Cook

Le Center, MN · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Taher, Inc. is a family owned and operated, chef-driven, food service management company providing K-12 school lunch management, campus dining, senior dining, corporate dining and catering, , and ...

Assistant Cook

Faribault, MN · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Taher, Inc. is a family owned and operated, chef-driven, food service management company providing K-12 school lunch management, campus dining, senior dining, corporate dining and catering, , and ...

Cook-PT

Faribault, MN · On-site

$16/hr

Chef: Two (2) years cooking experience in a restaurant, health care or senior services setting or completed culinary training/certification or vocational training/certification in commercial food ...

Cook-PT

Faribault, MN · On-site

$16/hr

Chef: Two (2) years cooking experience in a restaurant, health care or senior services setting or completed culinary training/certification or vocational training/certification in commercial food ...

With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our ...

NUTRITION OPERATOR

Mankato, MN · On-site

$20.50/hr

With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our ...

With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our ...

With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our ...

Showing results 21-40

Chef information

See Mankato, MN salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Mankato, MN is $24.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $30.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chef do?

A chef is a professional cook who is responsible for preparing meals, developing menus, and overseeing kitchen operations in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments. Chefs ensure food quality, safety, and presentation standards are met, and often manage other kitchen staff. Their duties may include ordering ingredients, maintaining inventory, and creating new recipes. Chefs may specialize in specific types of cuisine or cooking techniques. They play a key role in delivering a memorable dining experience.

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

To thrive as a Chef, you need strong culinary skills, creativity in menu development, and comprehensive knowledge of food safety standards, typically supported by culinary school training or relevant experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management software, and food hygiene certifications (such as ServSafe) is highly valuable. Exceptional organizational ability, teamwork, and leadership are critical soft skills for managing kitchen staff and maintaining a positive work environment. These competencies are essential for delivering high-quality dishes efficiently, ensuring kitchen safety, and running a successful culinary operation.

What are common challenges chefs face in maintaining consistency across dishes and shifts?

Chefs often encounter challenges in ensuring that every dish meets the restaurant’s quality and presentation standards, particularly when managing a team with varying skill levels or during busy service periods. Maintaining consistency requires strong communication, standardized recipes, and rigorous training for all kitchen staff. Additionally, chefs must monitor ingredient quality and adapt quickly to supply changes, all while leading by example to uphold the restaurant’s reputation. Overcoming these challenges is key to delivering a reliable dining experience and building trust with patrons.

What is the difference between Chef vs Cook?

AspectChefCook
CredentialsFormal culinary training or certifications often preferredMinimal formal training, on-the-job experience common
Work EnvironmentProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotelsVaries from home kitchens to restaurants, catering
Job ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, supervising kitchen staff, quality controlFood preparation, cooking, basic kitchen tasks
Industry UsageHigh-end restaurants, culinary institutionsWidespread across all food service settings

While both chefs and cooks work in kitchens and prepare food, chefs typically have formal training, oversee kitchen operations, and work in professional or upscale environments. Cooks usually focus on food preparation and cooking tasks, often with less formal education, and work in a variety of settings. The role of a chef involves leadership and menu development, whereas a cook primarily executes recipes and prepares dishes.

Is 25 too late to become a chef?

Becoming a chef at 25 is not too late, as many chefs start their careers in their twenties or later. Success in the culinary industry depends on skills, training, and experience, which can be gained through culinary schools, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training at any age.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Mankato, MN?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Mankato, MN are:

What job categories do people searching Chef jobs in Mankato, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Chef jobs in Mankato, MN are:

What cities near Mankato, MN are hiring for Chef jobs?

Cities near Mankato, MN with the most Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Mankato, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,779 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Assistant Cook

Taher, Inc.

Le Center, MN • On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago


Taher rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 68 rated caterers


Job description

If you enjoy cooking, working with a team of professionals, we have a spot for you on our team!
Essential Functions:
* Provide the highest quality of guest service at all times
* Execute recipes to the letter
* Prepare meals by using correct portioning, meeting outlined standards, ensuring that food is at the correct temperature, and is attractive and tasty
* Follow all food safety and sanitation standards
* Follows and completes production sheets
* Ability to meet deadlines in completion of daily workload
* Stores or discards excess food in accordance with safe food handling procedures
* Set up and tear down of workstation
* Receives and unpacks food deliveries
* Ensures food and supply items are stored per standards
* Polite and professional communication style
* Understands and utilized FIFO
* Performs other related duties as requested by the leadership team
We are proud to offer competitive benefits including:
* Competitive compensation with bonus opportunities
* Work-Life balance - Guaranteed hours with no nights or weekends
* Free daily lunch
* Uniforms are provided
* Safety practices and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are provided
* Employee training and development
* Opportunities for advancement and to make an impact
* Culture of inclusion and belonging
Who we are:
Taher, Inc. is a family owned and operated, chef-driven, food service management company providing K-12 school lunch management, campus dining, senior dining, corporate dining and catering, , and vending and office beverage services to clients in our growing nationwide footprint. Taher, Inc. maintains a consistent presence in Food Service Management's Top 25 companies.
* Previous food service experience preferred
* Exceptional customer service skills
* Ability to adapt and change in a fast-paced environment
* Able to do simple arithmetic
* Excellent oral and written communication skills
* Be able to lift 30 Lbs.and stand for extended periods of time
* Dependable, Punctual
* Ability to follow all safe food handling requirements
* Successfully pass a criminal background check
EOE/AA

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