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Fresh Prep Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cooper's Hawk

Prep Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$15 - $21/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.

Golden Corral

Food Prep Person

Schererville, IN · On-site

$11.75 - $14.50/hr

Vacation Pay The Food Prep Person is responsible for the preparation (cutting, slicing, peeling, etc.) of all fresh fruits and vegetables that are used in operations. Operational Excellence:

Cooper's Hawk

Prep Cook

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$15 - $21/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

$15 - $21/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

$15 - $21/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

$15 - $21/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

$15 - $21/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

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $21/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

$15 - $21/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

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$15 - $21/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

Barrington, IL · On-site

$15 - $21/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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Fresh Prep information

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$9

$14

$18

How much do fresh prep jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fresh Prep worker, and why are they important?

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 are Fresh Prep workers?

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 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 May 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.

Prep Cook

Cooper's Hawk

Naperville, IL • On-site

$15 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Cooper's Hawk rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 111 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 85 rated restaurants

Job description

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. Every slice, portion, and plate supports Uncompromising Hospitality, helping the kitchen run smoothly and ensuring every guest enjoys consistent and memorable food.
Compensation Range: $15.00 - $21.00/hour
Pay offered is determined by skills, qualifications and experience.
What You Will Get
  • 50 percent Dining and Carryout Discount ; 40 percent Retail Wine Discount ; 20 percent Discount on Retail and Private Events
  • Monthly Wine Tastings for Two
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Telehealth
  • 401k with Company Match
  • Paid Time Off and Flexible Schedules
  • Early Pay Access
  • Wellness and Mental Health Support
  • Wine and Culinary Education
  • Career Growth Flight Plan
  • Team Member Rewards, Milestone Recognition, and Referral Bonuses

How You Will Succeed
Show Up Ready: Come Prepared, stay sharp, and start strong .
  • Prepare fresh ingredients and follow recipes with accuracy
  • Set up and organize your station to stay efficient through every shift

Own What You See: Take Responsibility, jump in, and do what needs to be done .
  • Maintain high quality standards in prep and execution
  • Keep your work area clean, stocked, and safe while handling ingredients with care

Stay in Sync: Communicate often, move with your team, and keep service flowing .
  • Communicate with teammates and managers to ensure a smooth kitchen flow
  • Perform these kitchen functions:
  • Wash, peel, slice, and mix vegetables, fruits, and other ingredients for salads, cold plates, and garnishes.
  • Prepare hot and cold sauces
  • Carve and slice meats and cheeses
  • Portion food for service
  • Follow daily systems and procedures to stay organized and on track

Make It Personal: Be genuine, listen well, and tailor each experience .
  • Take pride in your prep work because every detail matters
  • Support the kitchen team by creating the foundation for every great dish

Add a Touch: Go beyond the expected to create memorable moments .
  • Go beyond the basics by keeping kitchen equipment in excellent condition
  • Keep an eye out for ways to make the kitchen cleaner, faster, and better

What You Will Bring
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Previous prep or line cook experience preferred
  • Basic knife skills and knowledge of kitchen safety and sanitation
  • Comfort following recipes and portioning food
  • A team focused attitude and ability to stay organized in a fast paced environment
  • Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 pounds
  • Availability to work flexible schedules including weekends and holidays
  • Ability to read, understand, and communicate in English

Cooper's Hawk reviews several factors when establishing compensation. Salaries and hourly wages appearing in a job posting may be published by third parties and may not reflect the salaries or hourly wages offered by Cooper's Hawk.
Cooper's Hawk is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to the person's race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Cooper's Hawk makes reasonable accommodations during all aspects of the employment process, including during the interview process. The information provided above indicates the general nature and level of work required of the position and is not a comprehensive list of all responsibilities or qualifications. The Benefits list is only a highlight of some of the benefits offered to team members; eligibility for certain benefits apply.
About Us
Cooper's Hawk features a Napa-style tasting room with wine-inspired retail for entertaining and a full-service restaurant, bar and private event space, offering a modern-yet-casual dining experience. Each scratch-kitchen menu item is designed to pair with our wines. Speaking of wine...the Cooper's Hawk Wine Club is perhaps the largest in the world, offering not only top-notch award-winning wines but also exclusive Wine Club membership benefits, including curated dining and travel experiences. Since 2005, we've brought the Napa Valley experience to our guests and Wine Club members, and now, with Piccolo Buco by Cooper's Hawk, we're bringing the vibrant flavors of Rome to them as well. Together, we're creating a lifestyle brand like no other.

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