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Cook Jobs in Wilmette, IL (NOW HIRING)

Trulee Evanston

Cook

Evanston, IL · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Cook - Trulee Evanston Shift Available: Full Time Minimum of 3 year of cooking experience (restaurant, senior living, or similar environment) and can work as a scratch cook. Love making a difference ...

Gyu-Kaku

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Title : Cook Employment type : Hourly : The Prep & Line Cook prepares meals by chopping vegetables, slicing meats, making salads, and cooking / assembling appetizers & entrees. In addition, the ...

Wingstop

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/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 ...

NEW ZAKS USA INC. DBA IHOP

Cook / Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/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 ...

FLIP 1202, INC. DBA IHOP #1202

Cook / Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/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 ...

Sonic Drive-In

Cook

Cicero, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...

Flip 3882, Inc DBA IHOP #3882

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 ...

Sonic

Cook

Cicero, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if ...

Wingstop

Cook

Glen Ellyn, 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 ...

Wingstop

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 ...

Wingstop

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$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 ...

FLIP 5444, INC. DBA IHOP #5444

Cook / Prep Cook

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/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 ...

NAAS INC DBA IHOP

Cook / Prep Cook

Skokie, 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 ...

Wingstop

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 ...

Wingstop

Cook

Bartlett, 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 ...

Wingstop

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/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 ...

Wingstop

Cook

Oakbrook Terrace, 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 ...

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All JobsCook JobsCook Jobs in Wilmette, IL

Cook information

See Wilmette, IL salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook in Wilmette, IL is $15.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $17.12 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.
More about Cook jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Wilmette, IL?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Wilmette, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Cook jobs in Wilmette, IL?

For Cook jobs in Wilmette, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook job openings in Wilmette, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,664 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Cook

Trulee Evanston

Evanston, IL • On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Cook – Trulee Evanston

Shift Available: Full Time


Minimum of 3 year of cooking experience (restaurant, senior living, or similar environment) and can work as a scratch cook.

Love making a difference in the lives of seniors?

At Solera Senior Living, we are guided by our Core Values—Compassion, Communication, Commitment, and Creativity—which shape how we serve residents, support families, and work together as a team. As a Cook, you’ll play a vital role in creating nutritious, high-quality meals that bring comfort, connection, and enjoyment to our residents each day.

What Solera Offers You

  • A growing company with opportunities for career advancement

  • Immediate pay access — no more waiting for payday

  • Tuition reimbursement to support your professional growth

  • Comprehensive medical benefits with discounted gym memberships

  • Dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match

  • Paid holidays and paid time off

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Perks and employee discount programs

  • Supportive, team-oriented workplace culture

About the Role:

As a Cook, you’ll play a key role in delivering high-quality meals and ensuring a great dining experience for our residents.

Cook Key Responsibilities:

  • Prepare, cook, and present meals following standardized recipes and dietary requirements.

  • Ensure all meals meet quality, taste, and presentation expectations.

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen, following all food safety regulations.

  • Assist in menu planning and meal prep for daily meals and special events.

  • Follow portion control standards and assist with food inventory management.

  • Work with the dietary team to accommodate residents' special dietary needs and restrictions.

  • Engage with residents to understand their dining preferences and create a welcoming experience.

  • Inspect food storage areas to ensure proper stocking, labeling, and rotation of ingredients.

  • Adhere to community and health department standards for food preparation and kitchen safety.

  • Assist in training and supporting other kitchen team members as needed.

Cook Qualifications:

  • 2+ year of cooking experience in a restaurant, senior living, or similar environment.

  • Ability to follow recipes and dietary guidelines while maintaining consistency.

  • Strong teamwork and communication skills.

  • Ability to make decisions independently and stay organized in a fast-paced environment.

  • A passion for working with seniors and making a difference in their lives.

  • ServSafe/Food Handler’s Permit (or willingness to obtain).

 
At Trulee Evanston, we’ve partnered with Candid, an AI-powered virtual interviewer, to make the first step in our hiring process simple, convenient, and engaging for all candidates.


Solera Senior Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.


All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.