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Cooks Prep Cooks Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Old Chicago - Hourly

Cook

Rockford, IL

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of pay. * Comprehensive benefits program offered to all team members - including medical, dental ...

Old Chicago - Hourly

Cook

Rockford, IL

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of pay. * Comprehensive benefits program offered to all team members - including medical, dental ...

Old Chicago - Hourly

Cook

Rockford, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of pay. * Comprehensive benefits program offered to all team members - including medical, dental ...

Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom

Cook

Rockford, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS * Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of pay. * Comprehensive benefits program offered to all team members - including medical, dental ...

The Olympic Tavern

Line Cook Prep Cook

Rockford, IL · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

We are looking for line/prep cooks with at least two years of experience on fryer and sautee, but we will train the right candidate if you're eager to learn. The right candidate will know how to work ...

McAlister's Deli

Line Cook/Prep cook

Montgomery, IL · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

As a line cook/prep cook, you are required to be able to fulfil all orders correctly, and in a timely manner. You are also responsible for restocking your line and help in making catering orders. You ...

The Olympic Tavern

Line Cook Prep Cook

Rockford, IL · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

We are looking for line/prep cooks with at least two years of experience on fryer and sautee, but we will train the right candidate if you're eager to learn. The right candidate will know how to work ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Saint Charles, IL

$15 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Rockford, IL

$15 - $24.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Oswego, IL

$15 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Oswego, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Rockford, IL

$15 - $24.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Saint Charles, IL

$15 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Rockford, IL · On-site

$15 - $24.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Saint Charles, IL

$15 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Rockford, IL

$15 - $24.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Oswego, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Olive Garden

Prep Cook

Oswego, IL

$15 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to meet and exceed our guest expectations. In addition, as a prep cook, you must have a firm commitment ...

Cooper's Hawk

Prep Cook

Montgomery, IL · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

At Cooper's Hawk, our Prep Cooks bring heart to every recipe and precision to every task. By preparing fresh, high-quality ingredients, they set the tone for a great dining experience. Every slice ...

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All JobsCooks Prep Cooks JobsCooks Prep Cooks Jobs in DeKalb, IL

Cooks Prep Cooks information

See DeKalb, IL salary details

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How much do cooks prep cooks jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooks prep cooks in DeKalb, IL is $15.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $16.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by prep cooks in a busy kitchen environment?

Prep cooks often work in fast-paced settings where managing time efficiently and maintaining attention to detail can be challenging. They must juggle multiple tasks, such as chopping ingredients, preparing sauces, and organizing supplies, all while adhering to strict food safety standards. Communication with chefs and other kitchen staff is essential to ensure smooth operations and prevent delays during service. Adapting to changing menus or last-minute requests is also a frequent part of the role, requiring flexibility and quick thinking.

What is a cook?

Cooks and prep cooks are culinary professionals who work in kitchens to prepare and cook food. Prep cooks focus on preparing ingredients by washing, chopping, and measuring, ensuring everything is ready for the main cooking process. Cooks, on the other hand, handle the actual cooking of dishes, following recipes and presentation standards. Both roles require attention to detail, good time management, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Together, they help ensure the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently.

What is the difference between Cooks Prep Cooks vs Line Cooks?

AspectPrep CooksLine Cooks
ResponsibilitiesPrepare ingredients, wash, chop, and set up stationsCook dishes during service, follow recipes, and manage station
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, food safety certification often preferredSimilar credentials, often with additional culinary training
Work EnvironmentKitchen prep areas, early shifts, less pressureFront-line cooking stations, during service hours, high-pressure environment
Industry UsageCommon in restaurants, catering, and hospitalityEssential in restaurant kitchens, culinary establishments

Prep Cooks focus on preparing ingredients and setting up stations, while Line Cooks handle cooking dishes during service. Both roles require similar credentials and work in busy kitchen environments, but their responsibilities differ based on the stage of food preparation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cook?

To thrive as a Cook or Prep Cook, you need solid food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety and sanitation, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, basic knife handling techniques, and adherence to food safety certifications like ServSafe are important. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safe kitchen operations, and smooth workflow in fast-paced culinary environments.

What cities near DeKalb, IL are hiring for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs?

Cities near DeKalb, IL with the most Cooks Prep Cooks job openings:

Cooks Prep Cooks jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooks Prep Cooks job openings in DeKalb, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 46% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 70% Physical, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,025 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Cook

Old Chicago - Hourly

Rockford, IL

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

NOW HIRING / IMMEDIATELY HIRING:

LINE COOKS, PREP COOKS & PIZZA COOKS

  • Part-time or full-time hours at a highly competitive rate of pay.
  • Comprehensive benefits program offered to all team members – including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance plus voluntary benefits.
  • Flexible scheduling to accommodate school, life and family.
  • Advancement Opportunities.
  • Team Member discounts.

 Craft beer isn’t just a trend to us. It’s a way of life. After 40 years of serving up the highest quality beers, great food and good times, the vibe at Old Chicago keeps getting better. 

After drawing our first pint in 1976, we’ve continued to pull some impressive local and international beers at over 100 locations. We still build our pizzas and taproom fare from scratch - one delicious, fresh ingredient at a time, but the most important ingredient is YOU!

Come help craft our made-from-scratch, mouth-watering recipes that provide exceptional dining experiences for our guests! These culinary roles will be responsible for creating all of the dishes on our menu and duties will include preparing and cooking a variety of different dishes.

Your commitment to us:

  • Ensuring the highest quality food is properly executed by adhering to our recipe procedures.
  • Preparing a variety of food with different methods of preparation and using a variety of tools and equipment.
  • Following company safety and sanitation policies and procedures.
  • Communicating clearly and respectfully with Managers and Team Members.

Requirements:

  • Must be 18 years of age to operate kitchen equipment
  • Previous kitchen / culinary / chef experience is preferred, but not required.
  • Experience and knowledge of kitchen equipment including but not limited to knives, slicer, mixer, stoves, ovens, broiler and pizza oven desired
  • Flexible to work a variety of shifts.

Old Chicago Pizza (OCP) is a well established, full service restaurant concept that has growth opportunities for team members in a full service casual dining restaurant company focusing on beer, pizza and American food. At Old Chicago you can grow your career with us. We offer great restaurant culinary careers for prep cooks (concinero / cocinera / Jefe / Jefa) who have back of house preparation, cooking, chef / kitchen experience in a high volume restaurant environment.

We are an Equal Opportunity / E-Verify Employer. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. As a SPB Hospitality Team Member you may be asked to perform additional related duties to meet ongoing needs.

Apply