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Menu Development Chef Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Market and Main Local Eatery

Sous Chef

Troy, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

The Sous Chef is the second-in-command in the kitchen, working closely with the Executive Chef to ... Menu Development: Assist with creating new menu items, seasonal specials, and improving existing ...

Home Chef

Menu Strategy Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Menu Strategy Analyst will assist with planning the Home Chef Ecommerce menus. This requires involvement in the meal R&D process/planning, supporting the menu development, execution process, and ...

Home Chef

Menu Strategy Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Menu Strategy Analyst will assist with planning the Home Chef Ecommerce menus. This requires involvement in the meal R&D process/planning, supporting the menu development, execution process, and ...

Home Chef

Menu Strategy Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Menu Strategy Analyst will assist with planning the Home Chef Ecommerce menus. This requires involvement in the meal R&D process/planning, supporting the menu development, execution process, and ...

Central Shops on the Block

Be Seen First

Chef Manager

Highland Park, IL · On-site

$1 - $35/hr

The Chef Manager will lead and oversee all kitchen operations within a casual dining environment ... This role holds full responsibility for menu development and ensures high-quality food preparation ...

New

Gecko Hospitality

Hotel Sous Chef

Lake Forest, IL

$70K - $75K/yr

Hotel Sous Chef Downtown Chicago Salary: $70K - $75K Position Overview We are seeking a talented ... Strong knowledge of culinary techniques, food preparation, kitchen operations, and menu development.

Osaka Nikkei - Chicago

Chef de Cuisine

Chicago, IL

$80K - $90K/yr

In this role, you'll work closely with the Executive Chef, Sous Chef, and Head Itamae to drive ... You'll have real ownership over staffing, training, cost control, and menu development, in a fast ...

QUEENSIDE HOSPITALITY LLC

Executive Chef

Matteson, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

The Executive Chef will oversee multiple Food & Beverage concepts, including the Applebee's kitchen ... The ideal candidate is a strong culinary leader with banquet expertise, menu-development experience ...

The Purple Pig

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

... menu development, seasonal features, and recipe execution - Assist food ordering, inventory ... Sous Chef experience in a high volume setting - Must have open availability including evenings ...

Invited

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

... a Sous Chef, you are responsible for supporting the daily operations of the kitchen. You will ... to menu development, while also adhering to all health and safety regulations. This position ...

Invited Clubs

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

Job Summary As a Sous Chef, you are responsible for supporting the daily operations of the kitchen ... to menu development, while also adhering to all health and safety regulations. This position ...

ClubCorp

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Job Summary As a Sous Chef, you are responsible for supporting the daily operations of the kitchen ... to menu development, while also adhering to all health and safety regulations. This position ...

Sous | Chicago

Personal Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Chefs work in client's homes, and need to be open to customer input and feedback ... Excel at menu development . You'll create custom menus for your clients each week, as well as ...

BLUE PLATE CATERING LTD

Chef de Cuisine

Chicago, IL · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

Executive Chef Customary Days: Sunday - Saturday Customary Hours: Varies to include evenings ... Ensure menu development aligns with cost efficiency, profitability goals, and operational ...

Blue Plate Catering

Chef de Cuisine

Chicago, IL · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

Executive Chef Customary Days: Sunday - Saturday Customary Hours: Varies to include evenings ... Ensure menu development aligns with cost efficiency, profitability goals, and operational ...

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All JobsMenu Development Chef JobsMenu Development Chef Jobs in Illinois

Menu Development Chef information

See Illinois salary details

$27.6K

$62K

$92.1K

How much do menu development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for menu development chef in Illinois is $62,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $72,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a menu development chef do?

A Menu Development Chef is responsible for creating and refining restaurant or food service menus. They research food trends, develop new recipes, and ensure dishes meet quality, cost, and customer preference standards. Their role involves collaborating with kitchen staff, sourcing ingredients, and balancing creativity with operational feasibility. They may also consider dietary restrictions, sustainability, and market demands to craft appealing menus.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a menu development chef?

A Menu Development Chef typically spends their days designing and testing new recipes, evaluating food costs, and sourcing high-quality ingredients. They often collaborate closely with kitchen staff, suppliers, and management to ensure new menu items align with the restaurant's brand and cost targets. The role also involves staying up-to-date with culinary trends and conducting staff training on new dishes. This balance of creative experimentation and operational planning makes for a dynamic and rewarding workday.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the menu development chef position, and why are they important?

A Menu Development Chef needs a strong background in culinary arts, menu planning, and food safety, typically supported by formal culinary education or significant industry experience. Proficiency with recipe costing software, inventory management systems, and HACCP certification are often required. Creativity, adaptability, and excellent collaboration skills help chefs stand out in this role. These qualifications ensure the chef can design innovative yet practical menus that meet customer preferences, operational needs, and budget goals.

How to become a menu development chef?

To become a menu development chef, typically one needs a culinary degree or equivalent experience, along with strong creativity and knowledge of food trends. Experience in culinary arts, menu planning, and ingredient sourcing is essential, and skills in food presentation and cost control are valuable. Some roles may require certifications such as ServSafe or food safety training.

What are popular job titles related to Menu Development Chef jobs in Illinois?

For Menu Development Chef jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Menu Development Chef jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Menu Development Chef jobs in Illinois are:

Menu Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Menu Development Chef job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,012 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Sous Chef

Market and Main Local Eatery

Troy, IL • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

The Sous Chef is the second-in-command in the kitchen, working closely with the Executive Chef to oversee food preparation, ensure consistency, and maintain high culinary standards. This role requires a strong leader who can manage the kitchen staff, execute menu items with precision, and help create a smooth, efficient kitchen operation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Kitchen Leadership: Support the Executive Chef in managing daily kitchen operations and leading the team

• Food Preparation & Quality Control: Ensure all dishes are prepared consistently, with excellent taste and presentation

• Team Supervision & Training: Coach, mentor, and train kitchen staff to uphold culinary standards

• Inventory & Ordering: Monitor inventory, place orders, manage food costs, and minimize waste

• Health & Safety Compliance: Maintain strict adherence to all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene protocols

• Menu Development: Assist with creating new menu items, seasonal specials, and improving existing dishes

• Line Cooking & Expedite Service: Step in as needed during busy service periods, including cooking on the line or expediting

• Problem-Solving & Efficiency: Address issues quickly to ensure a smooth and productive kitchen environment

What We’re Looking For:

• Minimum 2+ years of experience as a Sous Chef or Lead Line Cook in a high-volume kitchen

• Strong culinary skills and knowledge of cooking techniques, ingredients, and kitchen equipment

• Proven leadership ability with excellent communication and team management skills

• Strong time management and the ability to work efficiently in a high-pressure environment

• Creativity and passion for food innovation and menu development

• Keen attention to detail, especially regarding quality, consistency, and plating

• Food Safety Certification (ServSafe or equivalent preferred)