1

Garden Cook Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Line Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $25.50/hr

Because at Olive Garden, We're All Family Here. One key to our success is the high standards we set ... As a line cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes and ...

Line Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $25.50/hr

Because at Olive Garden, We're All Family Here! One key to our success is the high standards we set ... As a line cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes and ...

Line Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $25.50/hr

Because at Olive Garden, We're All Family Here! One key to our success is the high standards we set ... As a line cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes and ...

Line Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $25.50/hr

Because at Olive Garden, We're All Family Here! One key to our success is the high standards we set ... As a line cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes and ...

Prep Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $24.75/hr

Because at Olive Garden, We're All Family Here! One key to our success is the high standards we set ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Because at Olive Garden, We're All Family Here. One key to our success is the high standards we set ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Prep Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $24.75/hr

Because at Olive Garden, We're All Family Here! One key to our success is the high standards we set ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Prep Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $24.75/hr

Because at Olive Garden, We're All Family Here. One key to our success is the high standards we set ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Because at Olive Garden, We're All Family Here! One key to our success is the high standards we set ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16/hr

At the Hilton Garden Inn Sprinfgfield, the Cook plays a vital role in delivering high-quality meals to guests by preparing and cooking food items according to recipes and standards. This role is ...

At the Hilton Garden Inn Sprinfgfield, the Cook plays a vital role in delivering high-quality meals to guests by preparing and cooking food items according to recipes and standards. This role is ...

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16/hr

At the Hilton Garden Inn Sprinfgfield, the Cook plays a vital role in delivering high-quality meals to guests by preparing and cooking food items according to recipes and standards. This role is ...

At the Hilton Garden Inn Sprinfgfield, the Cook plays a vital role in delivering high-quality meals to guests by preparing and cooking food items according to recipes and standards. This role is ...

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16/hr

At the Hilton Garden Inn Sprinfgfield, the Cook plays a vital role in delivering high-quality meals to guests by preparing and cooking food items according to recipes and standards. This role is ...

Garden Cook information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do garden cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for garden cook in Springfield, IL is $15.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a garden cook?

Garden Cooks are culinary professionals who specialize in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients directly from gardens. They often work in farm-to-table restaurants, community gardens, or private estates, focusing on sustainable and locally sourced produce. Their responsibilities include harvesting ingredients, planning seasonal menus, and preparing meals that highlight the natural flavors of garden-fresh foods. Garden Cooks play a key role in promoting healthy eating and sustainable food practices.

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

To thrive as a Garden Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of seasonal produce, and experience in food preparation, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant kitchen experience. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety certifications, and garden-to-table practices is typically required. Creativity, time management, and a passion for sustainable cooking help someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure fresh, high-quality dishes while minimizing waste and celebrating locally grown ingredients.

How does a garden cook collaborate with gardeners and kitchen staff to create seasonal menus?

A Garden Cook works closely with gardeners to understand which fruits, vegetables, and herbs are in peak season, often planning menus around the freshest available produce. Collaboration with kitchen staff is essential to ensure that ingredients are harvested, stored, and prepared efficiently. This role requires flexibility and creativity, as menu offerings may change frequently based on what is available from the garden. Regular communication and teamwork help maintain a farm-to-table approach, making the most of each harvest and minimizing food waste.

What is the difference between Garden Cook vs Garden Chef?

AspectGarden CookGarden Chef
CertificationsBasic culinary or gardening knowledge, sometimes food safetyAdvanced culinary certifications, food safety, and gardening knowledge
Work EnvironmentOutdoor garden settings, farm-to-table kitchensOutdoor gardens, farm-to-table restaurants, culinary events
Employer & IndustryCommunity gardens, farm-to-table restaurants, culinary farmsHigh-end restaurants, culinary farms, catering services

The main difference between a Garden Cook and a Garden Chef lies in their level of culinary expertise and responsibilities. A Garden Cook typically focuses on preparing meals using garden ingredients, often with basic culinary skills. In contrast, a Garden Chef has advanced culinary training and may oversee menu creation, food presentation, and more complex cooking techniques, often working in upscale settings. Both roles involve working outdoors and utilizing garden produce, but the Garden Chef's role is more specialized and professional.

What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Garden Cook jobs?

Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Garden Cook job openings:

Line Cook

Springfield, IL • On-site

Olive Garden
Food and Beverage Stores • 10K+ employees

$15 - $25.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


Olive Garden rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,041 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

$15.00 per hour - $25.50 per hour Our Winning Family Starts With You. Check out these great benefits. Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc.) Free Employee Meal

(limited menu) Weekly pay Anniversary pay Paid Sick Leave (1 hour for every 30 hours worked, begin accruing upon hire) Paid Family and Medical Leave (up to 2 weeks after 1 year of service) Medical/dental insurance Ongoing training to build critical skills for current and future roles Discounts on cellphones, travel, electronics & much more. 401(k) savings plan (Company match after 1 year of service) Management career advancement opportunities (50%+ of our managers are promoted from hourly positions!) State Benefits Overview And much more. Because at Olive Garden, We're All Family Here.

One key to our success is the high standards we set for ourselves and each other. That includes placing the health and safety of our team members and guests as a top priority. We are committed to the highest safety and sanitation practices, including ensuring team member wellness and maintaining clean restaurants.

In Italy and at Olive Garden, it is all about the food. As a line cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes and plate presentation to delight our guests. Our line cooks also have a firm commitment to the highest safety and sanitation standards.

We'd love to welcome you home as the newest member of the Family. #MyOliveGardenFam Apply


What Olive Garden employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Olive Garden logo

About Olive Garden

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Olive Garden, we know that life is better together and everyone is happiest when they’re with family. From never ending servings of our freshly baked breadsticks and iconic garden salad, to our homemade soups and sauces, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. At Olive Garden, we make everyone feel like family and the communities we serve are an extension of that family. That’s why we are committed to supporting these communities in the fight against hunger. Every one of our 900+ restaurants participates in our Harvest program, donating high-quality, wholesome food to local nonprofit partners. We’re also long-term partners with Feeding America®, and since 2017, the Darden Foundation, the charitable arm of our parent company, has donated more than $16.3 million on behalf of our family of restaurants to support Feeding America member food banks across all 50 states. As part of these ongoing efforts to fight hunger, Olive Garden has partnered with Feeding America® to enhance mobile food pantry programs in communities where food insecurity rates are disproportionately high. Through grants from the Darden Foundation and additional support from Darden’s partners, Penske Truck Leasing and Lineage Logistics, 35 Feeding America food banks in 35 different parts of the country received a 26-foot refrigerated box truck to help increase address transportation needs and give access to nutritious food for those who need it most.

Industry

Food and beverage stores and restaurants

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Orlando, FL, US