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Food For Thought Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Food For Thought is hiring a Chef Manager to oversee both the front and back of house teams across our Chicagoland café locations. In this role, you'll set the vision for your kitchen, stay ahead of ...

Pastry Cook

Lincolnwood, IL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Lincolnwood, IL Job Summary As one of our Food for Thought Pastry Cooks, you will prepare all products in accordance with FFT standards or as specified by the Pastry Chef, creating petite pastries ...

BAR MANAGER

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K/yr

Role Overview As a Food for Thought General Manager, you are the driving force behind the overall success of the food and beverage operations. You are an experienced, energetic, and hospitality ...

WOK / LINE COOK

Boca Raton, FL · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The saying runs true...if you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen...and our kitchens are LIT (literally)! What you will do: * Be Genuine and authentically yourself * Work ...

WOK / LINE COOK

Boca Raton, FL · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The saying runs true...if you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen...and our kitchens are LIT (literally)! What you will do: * Be Genuine and authentically yourself * Work ...

Lead Cook (Brookhaven, Ga)

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

Holds monthly "Food for Thought" meetings for AL and MC residents. During summer months and/or major holidays, coordinates with the Engagement department on cookouts/Dining Under the Stars event, etc.

Showing results 21-40

Food For Thought information

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$10

$18

$25

How much do food for thought jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for food for thought in the United States is $18.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Food For Thought vs Food Service Worker?

AspectFood For ThoughtFood Service Worker
Required CredentialsNone or basic food handling certificationsFood handler permits, sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, community programsRestaurants, cafeterias, catering
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, nonprofitsHospitality, food service industry
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Food For Thought roles typically involve educational or community-based food programs, often requiring minimal certifications. Food Service Workers are employed in restaurants or cafeterias, with more industry-specific food handling permits. Both roles focus on food preparation and service but differ mainly in work environment and certification requirements.

More about Food For Thought jobs

What cities are hiring for Food For Thought jobs?

Cities with the most Food For Thought job openings:

What states have the most Food For Thought jobs?

States with the most job openings for Food For Thought jobs include:

Infographic showing various Food For Thought job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,646 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Food For Thought rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 68 rated caterers


Job description

Chef Manager

Are you ready to bring your culinary passion and leadership skills to the next level? Food For Thought is hiring a Chef Manager to oversee both the front and back of house teams across our Chicagoland café locations. In this role, you'll set the vision for your kitchen, stay ahead of industry trends, and ensure flawless execution of menus, promotions, and client expectations.

You're a cautious risk-taker who thrives in a fast-paced environment—balancing creativity with operational excellence. You hold yourself and others to high standards, manage costs with precision, and know how to keep both customers and employees satisfied. With at least 5 years in food service management and the ability to adapt quickly, you're self-sufficient, direct, and motivated to lead teams to success.

Responsibilities

  • Measuring customer satisfaction levels through feedback and resolving any issues immediately.
  • Working with the District Manager to maintain 100% compliance with the new menu and promo rollouts from the chef's committee.
  • Acting as the liaison with the client to ensure expectations are met.
  • Managing and maintaining all SOP and HACCP standards.
  • Demonstrating financial expertise and accountability in managing food, labor, and direct costs against budgets and forecasts.
  • Other duties as required or assigned.

Required Qualifications

  • 5+ years in food service management.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong communication and leadership skills.
  • Proficient computer skills and exceptional organizational skills.
  • Must provide valid food service manager certificate and food allergen certification.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Associate's degree in culinary arts.
  • A passion for culinary arts, with a desire for creativity.
  • Ability to budget and manage inventory.
  • Creativity and adaptability to challenges.

Why We're the Leaders

  • Excellent training.
  • Employee referral bonuses.
  • Flexible scheduling.
  • Career advancement opportunities.
  • Competitive pay.
  • Anniversary milestone incentives.

Company Benefits & Perks

  • Paid time off.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance – includes spouse and domestic partner coverage (Blue Cross Blue Shield provider).
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSA).
  • Health savings account (HSA).
  • Paid life insurance ($50K by the company, optional additional coverage).
  • Accidental death and dismemberment insurance (AD&D) & critical illness insurance.
  • Short term disability.
  • Employee assistance program (EAP) – mental health, relationship conflicts, child and eldercare, substance abuse, grief and loss – assistance for you and household members, in person sessions, unlimited phone access.
  • Parental leave – equal benefits to mothers and fathers.
  • 401K retirement plan.
  • FFT University – over 70 courses designed to enhance your skills in life and on the job to help your career growth.
  • Employee meal plan.
  • Employee discounts (pet insurance, entertainment, travel, company discounts, and much more).

Company Values & Culture

• Collaboration & open communication.

• Diverse, inclusive, safe, and motivating.

• Our triple bottom line – people, product, and planet.

• A net positive organization.

Grow with us! - at Food For Thought, instruction, advice, and assistance are always readily available, which is why our average tenure is 5 years. The U.S. average is 4.3 years, while the hospitality industry average is only 2 years!


What Food For Thought employees say

Hours and flexibility

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