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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Elgin, IL

$12 - $14/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ...

Cook

Round Lake Beach, IL

$13.50 - $18/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ...

Cook

Villa Park, IL · On-site

$16/hr

Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ...

Cook

Addison, IL

$13 - $14/hr

Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ...

Cook

Streamwood, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ...

Cook

Bensenville, IL · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ...

Cook

Hillside, IL

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ...

Cook

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ...

Requirements: Must have experience cooking, must be able to do closing shifts and weekends ... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ...

Line Cook

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Follow established portion sizes, cooking methods, and presentation standards. * Assist with food preparation and prep work during non-peak periods. * Ensure all dishes are plated and garnished ...

Follow established portion sizes, cooking methods, and presentation standards. * Assist with food preparation and prep work during non-peak periods. * Ensure all dishes are plated and garnished ...

This position is ideal for someone who has strong line-cooking experience, takes pride in their ... Lead by example and help maintain a positive, professional kitchen environment. * Assist with ...

Cook

Chicago, IL

$17.05 - $19/hr

Demonstrate knowledge in all areas of cooking preparation and production. * Assist with serving of meals and ware washing as necessary. * Visit residents periodically to evaluate food service such as ...

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $19/hr

Demonstrate knowledge in all areas of cooking preparation and production. * Assist with serving of meals and ware washing as necessary. * Visit residents periodically to evaluate food service such as ...

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $19/hr

Demonstrate knowledge in all areas of cooking preparation and production. * Assist with serving of meals and ware washing as necessary. * Visit residents periodically to evaluate food service such as ...

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $19/hr

Demonstrate knowledge in all areas of cooking preparation and production. * Assist with serving of meals and ware washing as necessary. * Visit residents periodically to evaluate food service such as ...

Cook

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Clean and sanitize your station at the end of service. * Assist other team members with cleaning tasks as needed. * Dispose of garbage and clean utensils, pots, pans, and cooking surfaces. * Handle ...

Supervises and instructs assistant cook and cook's helper in the safe and proper use of all kitchen equipment. * Maintains the highest standards of safety and cleanliness in the kitchen following ...

Cook 2

Riverwoods, IL · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Maintain proper cooking techniques and consistent preparation and presentation of daily specials, salads, entrees, and other menu items as designated by Chef(s). * Prepare or assist in preparing ...

Showing results 41-60

Cooking Assistant information

What is a cooking assistant?

Cooking Assistants, sometimes known as kitchen assistants or prep cooks, are entry-level staff members who support chefs and cooks in the preparation and organization of food in a kitchen. Their duties typically include washing and chopping ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, organizing supplies, and occasionally assisting with simple cooking tasks. Cooking Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the kitchen runs efficiently and that food is prepared quickly and safely.

What are some common challenges faced by cooking assistants during busy service periods?

Cooking Assistants often experience high-pressure situations during peak meal times, where quick and accurate preparation of ingredients is crucial. Managing multiple tasks simultaneously—such as chopping vegetables, prepping proteins, and maintaining a clean workstation—can be challenging but is essential for a smooth kitchen operation. Clear communication with chefs and other kitchen staff helps prevent mistakes and ensures timely service. Adapting to a fast-paced environment and staying organized are key to overcoming these challenges.

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

To thrive as a Cooking Assistant, you need basic culinary knowledge, food safety awareness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling procedures, and certifications like a Food Handler’s Permit are typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient food preparation, a safe kitchen environment, and smooth collaboration within the culinary team.

What is the difference between Cooking Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectCooking AssistantKitchen Helper
Required CredentialsBasic culinary skills, sometimes food safety certificationMinimal credentials, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringRestaurants, cafeterias, food prep areas
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in food service establishmentsOften used interchangeably with Cooking Assistant, but more general

The Cooking Assistant and Kitchen Helper roles both support kitchen operations, but Cooking Assistants typically have more culinary responsibilities and may require basic food safety knowledge. Kitchen Helpers usually perform more general support tasks with less emphasis on cooking skills. Both roles are essential in food service environments, but Cooking Assistants often have a slightly higher skill requirement and more involvement in food preparation.

What are the duties of a cooking assistant?

A cooking assistant helps prepare ingredients, follows recipes, and maintains cleanliness in the kitchen. They may also assist with cooking tasks, organize supplies, and ensure food safety standards are met, often working under the supervision of chefs or cooks.

What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Elgin, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$12 - $14/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Wingstop rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 426 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 107 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

Wingstop's mission is to serve the world flavor. Wingstop is the destination when you crave fresh never faked wings, hand-cut seasoned fries and any of our famous sides. For people who demand flavor in everything they do, there's only Wingstop. We are looking for team members who want to deliver a flavor experience.


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 standards in all areas of operation, including product preparation maintaining the highest quality products and services are delivered to each customer; follows and comprehends the importance of proper personal hygiene and sanitation procedures. The restaurant cook must be able to successfully focus on their job in a calm, yet efficient manner.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Ensure that each guest has a positive, long lasting impression of the Wingstop

experience

Ability to practice safe cooking procedures

Quickly scan and comprehend the order tickets

Accurately count the number of Bone-In Wings, Boneless Wings and Boneless

Strips needed for each order

Coordinate the cooking time of Bone-In Wings, Boneless Wings and Boneless

Strips and fries with the corresponding timer

According to Wingstop standards; Sauce, Season and package all orders

Accurately count the cooked Bone-In Wings, Boneless Wings and Boneless

Strips into the proper sauce bowls

Cook and prepare Bone-In Wings, Boneless Wings and Boneless Strips, and

Fries in the proper fryers and baskets

Filter and freshen the fryer shortening daily, following all safety procedures and

with proper safety equipment

Assist in keeping the kitchen clean throughout the shift maintaining clean as you

go and at closing time

Immediately notify Manager on Duty of all safety, sanitation, or employee issues

Assist other employees as needed

Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor

Know and thoroughly understand the importance of good hygiene and food

handling practices

Ability to thoroughly understand and follow instructions in how to properly and

safely use chemical cleaning products

Key Skills/Abilities:

Guest service mentality; has a genuine desire to serve the customer

Maintains a calm, tactful demeanor when dealing with difficult situations

Manages multiple projects and timelines with a sense of urgency and follow

through

Well organized and detail oriented

Ongoing learner; exhibits insatiable curiosity and an interest in self improvement

Has an outgoing personality

Strong work ethic

Additional Information:

Cook and restaurant experience is a plus!

Food Handler Certification required

Benefits:

  • Employee discount
  • Free meals
  • Flexible schedule

Experience:

Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred)

Cooking: 1 year (Preferred)

Line cook: 1 year (Preferred)

Disclaimer:

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; and is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.


We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recognize that people are our finest asset. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, creed, color, religion or belief, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, medical condition, gender identity or sexual orientation or any other classification protected by law.

We're not in the wing business. We're in the flavor business. It's been our mission to serve the world flavor since we first opened shop in '94, and we're just getting started.
1997 saw the opening of our first franchised Wingstop location, and by 2002 we had served the world one billion wings. It's a flavor that defines us and has made Wingstop one of the fastest-growing brands in the restaurant industry.
Wingstop is the destination when you crave fresh never faked wings, hand-cut seasoned fries, and any of our famous sides. For people who demand flavor in everything they do, there's only Wingstop - because it's more than a meal, it's a flavor experience.

Education:no requirementsEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Wingstop employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Wingstop logo

About Wingstop

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Wingstop Inc. is a prominent player in the fast-casual dining industry, headquartered in Dallas, TX, USA. The company specializes in chicken wings, and its menu boasts a variety of flavors from spicy to sweet. Wingstop was founded in 1994 with a mission to serve the world flavor. Their commitment to this mission has earned them significant recognition with a presence across all 50 states and 9 countries, marking them as a leader in their industry. The company's core values, prominently displayed on their website, include being service minded, authentic, and fun. They prioritize quality, focusing on fresh, made-to-order wings and exceptional customer experience.

Industry

Food services and drinking places and restaurants

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US