1

Fast Food Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Team Member

Lombard, IL ยท On-site

$14.45 - $16.45/hr

Steam Cook / Prep * Prepares all food products in accordance with the specifications outlined in the Recipe Manual and Recipe Cards while utilizing predetermined safety and sanitary procedures.

Team Member

Chicago, IL

$13 - $17.50/hr

Steam Cook / Prep Prepares all food products in accordance with thespecifications outlined in the Recipe Manual and Recipe Cards while utilizing predetermined safety andsanitary procedures. Operates ...

Griller

Bolingbrook, IL ยท On-site

$12.25 - $16.75/hr

Must have knowledge of cooking techniques and equipment * Must have knowledge of sanitation and safety procedures * Must keep work areas and food storage areas clean and safe at all times * Must be ...

At Social 18 / Mully's Grill, we are a new fast food restaurant / Golf simulator place with a bar, and we are seeking talented cooks to run the line efficiently and deliver high-quality food to our ...

Cook

Arlington Heights, IL ยท On-site

$19.50/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $19.50/hour Full-time position available Evening/Night shift available ... Minimum of 2 years of experience in a commercial kitchen (fast food, hotel operations, healt ...

Cook

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

The Cook prepares and assists with food preparation for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Cook is ... Quick service & fast food restaurant

Line Cook

Northbrook, IL ยท On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Typically performs fast food cooking duties in preparing food items to be served to customers. Cleaning, Storage and Sanitation * Clean and sanitize workstations and equipment and must follow all ...

Cook

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

The Cook prepares and assists with food preparation for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Cook is ... Quick service & fast food restaurant

Line Cook

Evanston, IL ยท On-site

$17.52 - $23.06/hr

Typically performs fast food cooking duties in preparing food items to be served to customers. Cleaning, Storage and Sanitation * Clean and sanitize workstations and equipment and must follow all ...

Line Cook

Evanston, IL ยท On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Typically performs fast food cooking duties in preparing food items to be served to customers. Cleaning, Storage and Sanitation * Clean and sanitize workstations and equipment and must follow all ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Fast Food Cook information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$8

$15

$27

How much do fast food cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for fast food cook in Chicago, IL is $15.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.40 and $16.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a fast food cook do?

A Fast Food Cook prepares and cooks food items quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced restaurant environment. Their duties include assembling ingredients, operating kitchen equipment such as grills and fryers, following standardized recipes, and ensuring food safety and cleanliness. They work as part of a team to meet customer orders promptly, often handling multiple tasks at once. Fast Food Cooks also help with restocking supplies and keeping their work area organized.

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

To thrive as a Fast Food Cook, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and time management, often supported by on-the-job training rather than formal education. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and food safety protocols like ServSafe certification is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure consistent food quality, customer satisfaction, and smooth kitchen operations in a fast-paced environment.

What are some typical challenges fast food cooks face during busy shifts, and how can they manage them effectively?

Fast food cooks often encounter challenges such as high order volumes, time pressure, and the need to maintain food quality and safety standards during peak hours. Staying organized, communicating clearly with team members, and mastering multitasking are crucial for managing these demands. Developing a strong understanding of kitchen workflows and prioritizing tasks can help cooks work efficiently, reduce errors, and minimize stress during rush periods.

What is the difference between Fast Food Cook vs Restaurant Line Cook?

AspectFast Food CookRestaurant Line Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma; food safety certification usually required
Work EnvironmentFast-paced, high-volume, quick serviceVaried, often more structured, with focus on specific stations
Employer & IndustryFast food chains, quick service restaurantsCasual to fine dining restaurants
Common TasksAssembling burgers, fries, simple menu itemsPreparing specific dishes, following recipes, station management

Fast Food Cooks and Restaurant Line Cooks both prepare food in the food service industry, but Fast Food Cooks focus on quick, high-volume tasks in fast food settings, while Restaurant Line Cooks work in more structured environments preparing a wider variety of dishes. The credentials and certifications are similar, but the work pace and complexity differ.

Infographic showing various Fast Food Cook job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,972 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Sushi Cook - TAO Restaurant Chicago

Tao Group Hospitality

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Tao Group Hospitality offers competitive benefits for all full-time team members such as:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • 401(k) Retirement Program with Employer Match
  • Life and Disability Insurance Plans
  • Ancillary Insurance Plans
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Fertility & Family Forming Support and Resources
  • Pet Insurance
  • TAO Marketplace
  • Employee Discounts
  • Time off and much more!

Ensure quality, consistency and production of all food items. This entails preparation of food and setting up all stations with necessary supplies in an efficient and timely matter. Sushi cooks are expected to prepare each dish in a consistent manner including portion size, taste and plating. All recipes need to be followed and executed to TAO Standards. Sushi cooks are expected to follow guidelines of sanitation, food handling and hygiene.ย 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:ย 

  • Anticipate and accommodate the needs of the guests
  • Handles all allergy and/or dietary restrictions and modifications
  • Prepare all restaurants foods, hot and cold. Responsible for working in all aspects of food preparation
  • Accurately follows all orders received from the POS system and/or directions from the expeditor
  • Maintains cleanliness and sanitation of assigned station
  • Follow supervisor's instructions, and communicate with and support co-workers, while being a team player
  • Possesses in-depth knowledge of assigned recipes with the ability to execute them to company standards
  • Possesses general knowledge of the venueย 
  • Complies with Department of Health and company sanitation standards
  • Communicates product needs to the chefs and the support staff
  • Required to check cover counts, BEOs, and/or Fire Sheets
  • Properly sets-up station and performs opening/closing procedures as directed by management, including:ย ย 
    • Stocks station with prescribed supplies
    • Sets "mise en place" following FIFO and company standards
    • Wipes down and sanitizes station
    • Completes opening duties as assigned or directed
    • Completes closing duties as assigned or directed
  • Reports all breakage, and damage of equipment or furniture immediately to management
  • Attends and participates in daily pre-service meetings (where applicable)
  • Attends and participates in any training sessions or departmental meetings
  • Learn by listening, observing other team members, and sharing knowledge while leading by example
  • Portrays a positive and professional attitude
  • Demonstrates knowledge of Tao Group Hospitality, its partners, and supporting hotel environmentsย 
  • Works as part of a team and provides help and support to all fellow team members
  • Assist and/ or complete additional tasks as assigned

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:ย 

  • Tao Group Hospitality in-venue line cook trainingย 

EDUCATION/WORKING KNOWLEDGE:ย 

  • Minimum 1 year prep or sushi cook experience or equivalent related Tao Group Hospitality experience required
  • Previous experience in a high-volume restaurant/nightclub/lounge preferred
    ย 

SKILLS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT / SCHEDULEย ย 

The work environment characteristics and/or physical demands described here are representative of those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functionsย 

  • Ability to write, read, and verbally communicateย 
  • Must be able to move quicklyย 
  • Must be able to push and lift up to 75 lbs. with or without assistanceย 
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods of timeย 
  • Work in an environment that is subject to varying levels of noise, crowds, and smoke, the severity of which depends upon the guest volumeย 
  • Office, Casino, Nightclub, Bar, Lounge, and/or Restaurant working Environmentย 
  • Exposure to hot kitchen elements or cleaning materialsย 
  • Office, Casino, Nightclub, Bar, Lounge, and/or Restaurant working environmentย 
  • May work extended hours irregular shifts, evening and/or weekend shifts, and holiday work may be requiredย 
  • Maintain a professional, neat, and well-groomed appearance adhering to Company standardsย 
  • Must be effective as part of a team; ability to interact with internal and external customers, managers, and co-workers in a professional, courteous mannerย 
  • Ability to maintain confidentialityย 
  • Ability to handle a fast-paced, busy, and somewhat stressful environmentย 

An artificial intelligence (AI) tool developed and provided by Gofriendshop, Inc. d/b/a Landed, known as the LANDED Platform, is employed in the assessment of applicants for the positions being recruited in order to gauge the following pertinent qualifications or traits:

ย  The candidate's ability to perform the tasks in the available job role.

ย  The candidate's self-rated skill proficiency.

ย  The candidate's fit for this job posting.

The use of AI technology is used to converse with candidates for hourly employment positions, screen based on the position's pre-set criteria, and schedule interviews. The AI system collects and processes personal information from candidate resumes and candidate responses to screening questions. The candidate may ask any questions about the AI tool and how we use it, and/or request an alternative selection process or reasonable accommodation if desired, by emailing the employer directly atย careers@taogroup.com.

ABOUT TAO GROUP HOSPITALITY
ย 
Tao Group Hospitality delivers distinctive culinary and premium entertainment experiences through its portfolio of restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, and daylife venues. The company operates branded locations across the globe, featuring a collection of widely recognized hospitality brands including TAO, OMNIA, Marquee, LAVO, Beauty & Essex, Cathedrale, Little Sister, The Highlight Room, Sake No Hana, KOMA, Avenue, Fleur Room, JEWEL, and more. Tao Group Hospitality is part of Mohari Hospitality, an investment firm focused on the luxury lifestyle and hospitality sectors. With over 25 years of industry experience, Tao Group Hospitality consistently sets the bar for guest experiences by delivering unforgettable entertainment with innovation and creativity at the core. The company strives to exceed expectations and continually reinvent the future of hospitality through its owned operations as well as joint venture and managed properties.