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Fresh Prep Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Golden Corral

Food Prep Person

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

The freshness of our Cold Choice Buffet makes a statement about our buffet being fresh and of high-quality. Operational Excellence: * Prepares prep items according to Golden Corral product ...

Golden Corral

Food Prep Person

Algonquin, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

The freshness of our Cold Choice Buffet makes a statement about our buffet being fresh and of high-quality. Operational Excellence: * Prepares prep items according to Golden Corral product ...

Lazy Dog Restaurants LLC

Prep Cook

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Prep Cook: At this location prep cooks e arn $19 / hour. If you thrive on flawless food handling ... Ensure only "fresh" high quality ingredients are used when preparing all recipes. * Ensure the ...

Lazy Dog Restaurants LLC

Prep Cook

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$17.50/hr

Prep Cook: At this location prep cooks e arn $17.50 / hour. Monday-Friday: 11am-Midnight Saturday ... Ensure only "fresh" high quality ingredients are used when preparing all recipes. * Ensure the ...

Cooper's Hawk

Prep Cook

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

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.

Cooper's Hawk

Prep Cook

New Lenox, IL · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

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.

Cooper's Hawk

Prep Cook

Oak Lawn, IL · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

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.

Cooper's Hawk

Prep Cook

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

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.

Cooper's Hawk

Prep Cook

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

A t 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.

Cooper's Hawk

Prep Cook

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

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.

Cooper's Hawk

Prep Cook

Orland Park, IL · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

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.

Cooper's Hawk

Prep Cook

Kildeer, IL · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

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.

Cooper's Hawk

Prep Cook

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

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.

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFresh Prep JobsFresh Prep Jobs in Chicago, IL

Fresh Prep information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$14

$18

How much do fresh prep jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for fresh prep in Chicago, IL is $14.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $15.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Fresh Prep?

Fresh Prep workers are employees who prepare fresh ingredients and meals in food service settings, such as restaurants, cafeterias, or meal kit companies. Their duties typically include washing, chopping, and portioning produce, as well as assembling salads, sandwiches, or meal kits. Fresh Prep workers help ensure that food is prepared safely, efficiently, and according to quality standards. This role is essential for maintaining a smooth kitchen operation and delivering fresh, high-quality meals to customers.

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

To thrive as a Fresh Prep worker, you need a basic understanding of food safety, kitchen hygiene, and efficient food preparation techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure food quality, safety compliance, and a productive, collaborative work environment in fast-paced food service operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Fresh Prep team members and how are they typically addressed?

Fresh Prep team members often navigate challenges such as maintaining food safety standards during busy shifts and managing time efficiently to ensure all ingredients are prepped according to schedule. Working as part of a team in a fast-paced kitchen environment also requires strong communication and adaptability. Most organizations address these challenges by providing thorough training, clear protocols, and encouraging open communication among staff. Regular feedback and supportive supervision help team members grow and improve their workflow.

What is the difference between Fresh Prep vs Food Prep?

AspectFresh PrepFood Prep
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, meal kit assembly linesCommercial kitchens, catering services, meal preparation areas
Industry UsageMeal kit delivery companies, food service providersRestaurants, catering, food manufacturing
Job FocusAssembling meal kits, portioning ingredientsPreparing ingredients, cooking, portioning

Fresh Prep and Food Prep roles both involve working in food service environments with similar credentials and certifications. Fresh Prep focuses on assembling meal kits and portioning ingredients, while Food Prep encompasses a broader range of food preparation tasks including cooking and ingredient prep. Both roles are essential in the food industry but differ mainly in scope and specific responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Fresh Prep jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Fresh Prep jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fresh Prep jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Fresh Prep jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Fresh Prep jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Fresh Prep job openings:

Fresh Prep jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fresh Prep job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, and 54% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,662 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Food Prep Person

Golden Corral

Arlington Heights, IL • On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Our franchise organization, Himalaya Holdings, LLC dba Golden Corral, is currently seeking energetic, friendly individuals to join our team!
The quality, quantity, freshness, tastiness, and presentation of our products have significant impact on the perceptions our guests have of Golden Corral. The Food Prep Person is responsible for the preparation (cutting, slicing, peeling, etc.) of all fresh fruits and vegetables that are used in Golden Corral. The freshness of our Cold Choice Buffet makes a statement about our buffet being fresh and of high-quality.
Operational Excellence:
  • Prepares prep items according to Golden Corral product specifications and recipes.
  • Maintains a standard inventory of prep items according to the Prep Production Guide and the Display Cooking Prep Production Guide and updates the two guides as directed by management.
  • Ensures optimum yield of products through the product cycle.
  • Labels, dates, and rotates all bulk produce and prepped items.
  • Ensures all food items are in approved, covered storage containers.
  • Complete use and following of the buffet production system to insure quality and shelf life compliance.
  • Notifies the Manager of any discrepancies; for example, food spoilage, invoice errors, excessive waste, or products that do not meet specifications.
  • Assists the Buffet Attendant in maintaining a full, clean buffet.

Cleanliness:
  • Cleans, maintains, and organizes prep area including cooler(s), equipment, and dry storage.
  • Performs duty roster and ensures cleanliness, service, and quality standards are met.
  • Knows and follows position responsibilities as they relate to just-in-time delivery.
  • Follows local health department laws.

Guest Service:
  • Performs administrative tasks and helps guests during meal periods.

Thank you for your interest in Golden Corral. Upon completion of your online application, you may be directed to complete an additional online questionnaire that is specific to the position in which you are applying.
The job opening listed on this page has been posted by an independent franchisee of Golden Corral Corporation. Golden Corral Corporation does not hire or employ any individuals at this franchise location. The franchisee will make all decisions with respect to applications for the position listed on this page. The name of the franchisee appears in this job posting. All questions concerning this job opportunity should be directed to the franchisee.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchisee. All inquiries about employment at this franchisee should be made directly to the franchisee, and not to Golden Corral Corporate.

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