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Kitchen Cook Jobs in Ottawa, IL (NOW HIRING)

Culver's

Cook

Yorkville, IL

$15 - $18/hr

We are looking for an experienced Back of House Team Member to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen ... Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques. * Manage food storage, stock, and ...

Culver's

Cook

Yorkville, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

We are looking for an experienced Back of House Team Member to fill a vacant spot in our kitchen ... Preparing cooking ingredients using various techniques. * Manage food storage, stock, and ...

CHIPOTLE

Kitchen Leader

Yorkville, IL · On-site

Ensuring food quality by cooking and prepping food to order, and following kitchen procedures * Monitoring food waste and inventory levels, and resolving food quality issues * Supporting a strong ...

CHIPOTLE

Kitchen Leader

Ottawa, IL · On-site

Ensuring food quality by cooking and prepping food to order, and following kitchen procedures * Monitoring food waste and inventory levels, and resolving food quality issues * Supporting a strong ...

Chipotle

Kitchen Leader

Ottawa, IL

Ensuring food quality by cooking and prepping food to order, and following kitchen procedures * Monitoring food waste and inventory levels, and resolving food quality issues * Supporting a strong ...

Chipotle

Kitchen Leader

Yorkville, IL

Ensuring food quality by cooking and prepping food to order, and following kitchen procedures * Monitoring food waste and inventory levels, and resolving food quality issues * Supporting a strong ...

Denny's

Denny's Cook - Full Time

La Salle, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

About the Job: We're looking for a skilled and passionate Cook to join our kitchen crew. You'll be responsible for preparing delicious meals, keeping things running smoothly, and ensuring every plate ...

RREMC Restaurants

Denny's Cook - Full Time

La Salle, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

About the Job: We're looking for a skilled and passionate Cook to join our kitchen crew. You'll be responsible for preparing delicious meals, keeping things running smoothly, and ensuring every plate ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team

Morris, IL · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness for our guests. Thrive in a safe and ...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

Cook

Ottawa, IL

$16 - $18/hr

Cook Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Cook, where you will play a vital role in preparing ... Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines; maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. * Assist ...

World Wide Wings, LLC

Cook (Peru, IL)

Peru, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Cooks (Heart of House Team Members) Bring your passion to Buffalo Wild Wings-where every shift ... If you thrive in a fast-paced kitchen and love being part of a team that delivers amazing food and ...

ANCHOR POINT MANAGEMENT GROUP

Cook (Peru, IL)

Peru, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Cooks (Heart of House Team Members) Bring your passion to Buffalo Wild Wings--where every shift ... If you thrive in a fast-paced kitchen and love being part of a team that delivers amazing food and ...

Red Lobster

Cook

Peru, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

Setting up and stocking prep and line stations Cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing the kitchen ... seasoning, and cooking food according to recipes, quantity calls, and specification while ...

Cracker Barrel

Cook

Ottawa, IL

$15 - $17/hr

What You'll Do - You'll Make the Moment Great times start in the kitchen, and it takes a team to bring the experience together. As a Cook, you might be prepping ingredients, plating comfort food, or ...

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Kitchen Cook information

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How much do kitchen cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen cook in Ottawa, IL is $15.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $17.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a kitchen cook do?

A kitchen cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting food according to recipes and restaurant standards. They handle various tasks such as chopping ingredients, monitoring food safety, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring meals are served on time. Kitchen cooks may also assist in menu planning, inventory management, and training new staff. Their role is essential to creating a positive dining experience for customers.

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

To thrive as a Kitchen Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or culinary training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, POS systems, and food handling certifications (such as ServSafe) is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are standout soft skills for this position. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safe kitchen operations, and smooth service in a fast-paced environment.

What are some typical challenges kitchen cooks face during busy service hours, and how can they be managed?

Kitchen cooks often encounter high-pressure situations during peak meal times, which can lead to stress and a fast-paced work environment. Managing these challenges involves strong organizational skills, effective communication with team members, and the ability to prioritize tasks quickly. Many kitchens rely on 'mise en place' (everything in its place) to ensure ingredients and tools are ready before service begins, helping cooks stay efficient and focused. Developing these habits not only improves performance but also builds resilience and teamwork in a professional kitchen.

What is the difference between Kitchen Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectKitchen CookLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training often preferred
Work EnvironmentKitchen, various stations, prep and cooking areasKitchen, specific station, fast-paced cooking line
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering services
Common Search & ComparisonKitchen Cook vs Line Cook

Both Kitchen Cooks and Line Cooks work in similar culinary environments, often sharing credentials and industry settings. The main difference is that Kitchen Cooks may have broader responsibilities, including prep work and overseeing multiple stations, while Line Cooks focus specifically on preparing dishes at a designated station during service. Understanding these roles helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the culinary industry.

What cities near Ottawa, IL are hiring for Kitchen Cook jobs?

Cities near Ottawa, IL with the most Kitchen Cook job openings:

Kitchen Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Cook job openings in Ottawa, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, and 53% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,961 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Buffalo Wild Wings GO - Cook / Team Member

Buffalo Wild Wings

Yorkville, IL • On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Buffalo Wild Wings rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 694 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 88 rated restaurants

Job description

COOK / TEAM MEMBER: You'll work directly at the Heart of House as a Kitchen Cook / Team Member, You will work in multiple stations, inclusive of Chip, Shake, Grill, Southwest, and Expo (Packing). Ensuring proper sanitation, portion control, and quality standards. Through the production of all Buffalo Wild Wings food items, You are responsible for top-notch cleanliness and sanitation standards at all times. You will be a member of a cohesive team that supports each other's success in a fast-paced environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Sets-up, maintains and operates the station using prep sheets and station charts.
  • Adheres to standardized recipes, portion sizes and department rules and procedures.
  • Maintains quality and freshness of all food items.
  • Prepares food items that meet or exceed guest expectations.
  • Preps and prepares menu items at correct temperature within specified timeframes.
  • Maintains Quality Assurance of all food products.
  • Packages carryout orders accordingly.
  • Keeps station neat and clean by using theclean as you gomethod.
  • Sweeps, wet mops and/or brushes floors, as needed or directed by manager
  • Exhibits a sense of urgency responding to orders and guest requests.

TEAM

Promotes excellence cooperation and teamwork within the company.

Supports and assists team members.

BRAG FACTOR

You'll be working for the hottest brand around - and having tons of fun doing it. What else is in it for you? A lot! Competitive pay, Team Member discounts, incentive contests, flexible scheduling. Join our Team - and get ready for a whole new ball game.

brand_namelocation_name

Company Introduction

IT ALL STARTED 35 YEARS AGO WITH TWO GUYS DRIVEN BY HUNGER
The year was 1982.
Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery had recently moved to Ohio from Buffalo, New York. All was fine until one day when the two were craving wings. Not just ordinary wings, but authentic Buffalo, New York-style chicken wings. With none to be found nearby, Jim and Scott had two choices: road trip to New York, or open a wing joint close to home. Lucky for us, they chose the latter. Hence, the beginning of Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck, now Buffalo Wild Wings, the welcoming neighborhood atmosphere with a front-row seat for every sports fan that offers 21 mouth-watering signature sauces and seasonings.

What Buffalo Wild Wings employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Buffalo Wild Wings logo

About Buffalo Wild Wings

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Buffalo Wild Wings has an atmosphere that creates stories worth telling - for our guests and for our team members. Yes, it is literally working at a Sports Bar and all the energy that comes with it. But Buffalo Wild Wings is also a place to start the next phase of your career. Whether you grow in our system here or your game-plan takes you elsewhere, we want you to have an experience here that lasts a lifetime. We're a brand on the rise, and we need great people as we write the next chapter of our story. If that's you, pull up a barstool.

Industry

Food services and drinking places and restaurants

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Social media

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