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Cook Jobs in Algonquin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cook / Prep Cook

Palatine, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Summary IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized ...

Cook

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company ...

A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company ...

Cook

Elgin, IL · On-site

$16/hr

A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company ...

Cook

Mount Prospect, IL · On-site

$15/hr

A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company ...

Cook

Elgin, IL · On-site

$12 - $14/hr

A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company ...

Cook

Round Lake Beach, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company ...

Cook

Addison, IL · On-site

$13 - $14/hr

A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company ...

Cook

Palatine, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

) Cook ALIYA of Palatine is seeking a reliable and dedicated Cook to join our Dietary team. The Cook is responsible for preparing nutritious, high-quality meals that meet the dietary needs and ...

Cook

Schiller Park, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company ...

Cook

Streamwood, IL · On-site

$15/hr

A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company ...

Cook

Palatine, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook ALIYA of Palatine is seeking a reliable and dedicated Cook to join our Dietary team. The Cook is responsible for preparing nutritious, high-quality meals that meet the dietary needs and ...

Cook

Bensenville, IL · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company ...

Cook

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$15/hr

A Wingstop cook is responsible to prepare quality food that tastes great and is consistent from day-to-day. This position is critical to Wingstop Restaurants; ensuring compliance with company ...

Cook

Inverness, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook Job Benefits * Competitive Pay * Health Insurance including Dental and Vision * Paid Time Off for Sick and Vacation Days * Employer Matched 401k * Daily Pay * Employee Perks Site Cook Job ...

Cook

Inverness, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

) Cook Job Benefits * Competitive Pay * Health Insurance including Dental and Vision * Paid Time Off for Sick and Vacation Days * Employer Matched 401k * Daily Pay * Employee Perks Site Cook Job ...

Cook

Glenview, IL · On-site

$20.02 - $26.25/hr

The Cook prepares and serves resident meals using proper food handling and safety techniques resulting in foods that meet the nutritional guidelines and safety standards, treating our residents with ...

Cook

Mchenry, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

We are currently looking for a part-time and full-time cook to join our team. Position Summary: We have full and part-time positions. This position is responsible for preparation for foods on a large ...

Cook

Mchenry, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

We are currently looking for a part-time and full-time cook to join our team. Position Summary: We have full and part-time positions. This position is responsible for preparation for foods on a large ...

Cook

Hanover Park, IL · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Denny's - Cook At Denny's we love to feed people. Do you enjoy working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment? If so, we have an immediate opening for cooks at Denny's! Join our team and become a ...

Showing results 21-40

Cook information

See Algonquin, IL salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Algonquin, IL is $15.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $17.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cook do?

A Cook—also called a Chef—is ultimately responsible for preparing the food that is served in restaurants or other dining establishments. As the head of the kitchen, Cooks also supervise other work and oversee the kitchen to ensure it all runs smoothly. In some restaurants, Cooks are responsible for creating recipes and menus, planning events, ensuring that food and kitchen regulations are followed, and sticking to a restaurant budget. There are different levels of this position that you can earn, meaning that there can be a wide range to all the potential possibilities and responsibilities of a daily Cook. For example, there’s the Head Chef who runs the kitchen while the other Cooks are responsible for specific types of food.

What does a cook do?

A cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. Their duties include following recipes, measuring ingredients, operating kitchen equipment, and ensuring food safety and cleanliness. Cooks may also help with menu planning, inventory management, and maintaining kitchen supplies. They work closely with other kitchen staff to deliver meals efficiently and meet customer expectations.

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

To thrive as a Cook, you need a solid grasp of culinary techniques, food safety standards, and menu preparation, often supported by a high school diploma or culinary training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong time management, teamwork, and attention to detail help Cooks stand out in busy kitchen environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for consistently delivering safe, high-quality dishes and maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

What are some common challenges cooks face during busy service hours, and how can they effectively manage them?

During peak service times, cooks often encounter challenges such as time pressure, managing multiple orders simultaneously, and maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation. Effective communication with team members and staying organized are crucial for keeping up with the pace. Many cooks use strategies like prepping ingredients in advance, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining a clean workstation to ensure smooth workflow and minimize mistakes. Developing these habits helps cooks deliver consistent results even in high-stress environments.

What is the difference between Cook vs Chef?

AspectCookChef
CredentialsNone required or basic culinary trainingFormal culinary education or extensive experience
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringFine dining, hotels, culinary establishments
ResponsibilitiesPreparing dishes, following recipesMenu creation, kitchen management, supervising cooks

In summary, a Cook typically prepares food following established recipes and has minimal formal training, while a Chef often has specialized culinary education and takes on leadership roles in the kitchen, overseeing cooking staff and menu development.

What jobs can you do if you like cooking?

If you enjoy cooking, you can pursue roles such as chef, line cook, pastry chef, or culinary assistant. These jobs typically require culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and sometimes certifications like a food handler's permit. Opportunities exist in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and institutional food services.

What job categories do people searching Cook jobs in Algonquin, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Cook jobs in Algonquin, IL are:

What cities near Algonquin, IL are hiring for Cook jobs?

Cities near Algonquin, IL with the most Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Algonquin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,617 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Cook / Prep Cook

Flip 3882, Inc DBA IHOP #3882

Palatine, IL • On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Prepare food to specifications set forth in the IHOP Standard Operating Procedures Manual and recipe cards.

  • Set up equipment, verify stock, and maintain a clean and sanitary work area.

  • Perform duties necessary for restaurant operations as assigned by the supervisor.


Job description

Description:

The job descriptions have been created and utilized from International House of Pancakes, Inc. (IHOP Corporation) Standard Operating Procedures and utilized by this franchise organization.

  •  All references to “The Company” refer(s) to the independent Franchise Corporation.

Summary

IHOP Cooks are responsible for the preparation and cooking of food products accurately and with minimal waste. Duties of this position include learning and applying all IHOP-specialized galley terminology, plating, menu items and procedures according to company standards. IHOP Cooks are expected to set up equipment, verify stock, and maintain a clean and sanitary work area while maintaining company sanitation standards. This position requires you to stand for up to 8 hours during a shift, be able to lift at least and/or move up to 50 pounds, and have full mobility of hands and arms while performing repetitive tasks. IHOP Cooks are also required to perform duties necessary for restaurant operations as assigned by acting supervisor, following governmental and company policies. The above is not an all-inclusive job description.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities including the following:

  •  Develop and maintain professional and functional working relationships with IHOP employees and customers.
  •  Prepare food to specifications set forth in the IHOP Standard Operating Procedures Manual (SOP) and recipe cards as well as to satisfy customer expectations.
  •  Memorize and apply all IHOP specialized galley terminology, plating, menu items, procedures, galley utensils, abbreviations, and methodologies.
  •  Maintain a clean and sanitary work station.
  •  Perform Food Safety Evaluations (FSE), LTO Training, A/B Status, Operations Excellence (OE), Health Department Inspections (HDI) per the IHOP SOP.
  •  Execute the Guest Relations for NGC – Normalized Guest Complaints Index per the IHOP SOP to ensure the quality guest experience.
  •  Comply with all local, state, and SOP health, sanitation, and safety guidelines.
  •  Perform all cleaning duties according to posted cleaning charts.
  •  Comply with IHOP uniform and appearance standards per the IHOP SOP guidelines.
  •  Perform other assignments or tasks as assigned by the General Manager, Assistant Manager, or acting supervisor.
Requirements:
  • Must have prior experience as a cook.
  • Must be skilled in operating kitchen equipment.
  • Must be skilled in various cooking techniques.
  • Must know and follow sanitation procedures.
  • Must showcase teamwork and communication skills.
  • Must showcase great organizational skills.
  • Must be able to multitask and act quickly.
  • Must carry at least a high school diploma.
  • Maintaining a sanitized and well-organized kitchen.
  • Preparing workstations for cooking.
  • Preparing and maintaining kitchen equipment.
  • Checking the quality of the ingredients.
  • Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques.
  • Cooking food using various culinary techniques.
  • Arranging food and ensuring appealing presentation.
  • Manage food storage, stock, and ingredient orders.

Qualifications

To provide 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.

Education and/or Experience

  •  Six months to a year of related experience and/or training; or equivalent.

Language Skills

  •  Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to understand oral instructions in English and read English or Spanish well enough to understand recipes and customers’ food orders, and read instructions, warning, and safety labels.

Mathematical Skills

  •  Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Reasoning Ability

  •  Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Other Skills and Abilities

  •  IHOP training course work as assigned.

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 functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, and hear. The employee is required to frequently use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or moved up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The employee frequently works near moving parts and is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Employees must be at least 18 years old to operate kitchen equipment.