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Menu Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Creative input on specials and menu development * Growth opportunities within the company * Employee discounts * Paid time off and sick leave (accrued) * Oppertunity for Health Insurance What You'll ...

This role is focused on production cooking , event execution , and following established systems , not menu development. The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, and comfortable cooking for ...

Banquet Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Collaborate with the Executive Chef and Banquet Chef on menu development, seasonal offerings, and custom requests for events. * Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff, building a skilled and motivated ...

eden - Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$65K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role includes menu development, inventory management, and the supervision and training of kitchen staff. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates strong leadership ...

eden - Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role includes menu development, inventory management, and the supervision and training of kitchen staff. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates strong leadership ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role includes menu development, inventory management, and the supervision and training of kitchen staff. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates strong leadership ...

eden - Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role includes menu development, inventory management, and the supervision and training of kitchen staff. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates strong leadership ...

Ensure consistency in plating, flavor, and presentation. * Assist with menu development, seasonal features, and R&D initiatives. Operations & Execution * Oversee daily kitchen service, ensuring ...

Federales Fulton - Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Executive Chef will enhance and control food and labor cost, food preparation, menu development, and pricing and development of culinary team. This person will report to the Culinary Director.

Personal Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Excel at menu development . You'll create custom menus for your clients each week, as well as bespoke menus for private events. * Present yourself well . This is a customer-facing role, so ...

Director, Foodservice

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead QSR and chain restaurant opportunities, including menu development cycles, limited-time offers, product specifications, procurement processes, and corporate/franchisee engagement. * Partner with ...

Director, Foodservice

Chicago, IL · Remote

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead QSR and chain restaurant opportunities, including menu development cycles, limited-time offers, product specifications, procurement processes, and corporate/franchisee engagement. * Partner with ...

Federales Logan - Pizza Supervisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our ideal candidate is a reliable and creative professional who will elevate and control food and labor cost, food preparation, menu development, and pricing and development of culinary team. This ...

Federales Logan - Pizza Supervisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our ideal candidate is a reliable and creative professional who will elevate and control food and labor cost, food preparation, menu development, and pricing and development of culinary team. This ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Taking part in menu development and tastings * Efficiency of services/kitchen * Product and service standards * Health & Safety * Maintenance of kitchen equipment * Set an example to staff when ...

Sous Chef Dual Property

Matteson, IL · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Menu development and food-costing experience * Culinary degree or professional culinary training Physical Requirements * Ability to stand and walk for extended periods. * Ability to lift and carry up ...

Executive Chef

Waukegan, IL

$81K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Partner with the Executive Chef on menu planning, recipe development, seasonal offerings, and premium club food presentations * Ensure all recipes, portion standards, preparation methods, and plating ...

Showing results 41-60

Menu Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$51.5K

$110.9K

$178.7K

How much do menu development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for menu development in Chicago, IL is $110,944.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,700.00 and $125,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is menu development?

A Menu Development job involves creating, testing, and refining food and beverage menus for restaurants, cafes, or catering businesses. Professionals in this role research food trends, balance flavors, and ensure profitability while maintaining brand identity. They collaborate with chefs, suppliers, and marketing teams to design appealing and cost-effective menu items. Additionally, they may consider dietary restrictions, sustainability, and customer preferences to enhance the dining experience.

What does someone in menu development do?

In a Menu Development role, daily tasks often include researching food trends, developing and testing new recipes, analyzing menu performance data, and collaborating with chefs, nutritionists, and procurement teams. Menu developers may also be responsible for adjusting existing menus to optimize profitability and catering to customer preferences while ensuring quality and consistency. Regular meetings and tastings are part of the job, as is working closely with marketing teams to create visually appealing menu descriptions. This collaborative environment allows you to have a direct impact on both culinary creativity and the business success of the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in menu development?

Excelling in Menu Development requires a strong understanding of culinary trends, nutrition, recipe costing, and food safety, often backed by experience in culinary arts or hospitality management. Familiarity with menu engineering software, inventory systems, and culinary certifications such as ServSafe are commonly beneficial. Creativity, collaboration, and attention to detail help professionals design attractive and cost-effective menus that align with brand standards. These skills ensure menus are innovative, profitable, and meet customer and operational needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Menu Development jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Menu Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Menu Development jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Menu Development jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Menu Development jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Menu Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Menu Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,944 per year, or $53.3 per hour.

$51K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Ositos Tap | Little Village, Chicago

Ositos Tap is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar rooted in Little Village, blending modern Mexican cuisine with elevated Latin street food. Our kitchen is driven by creativity, seasonal ingredients, and a commitment to quality that matches our craft cocktail program.

We’re seeking a Sous Chef who is a natural leader—someone reliable, organized, and passionate about developing both people and product in a fast-paced, evolving kitchen.

Compensation & Perks
  • Competitive pay (based on experience) 
  • Consistent full-time scheduling
  • Staff meals
  • Creative input on specials and menu development
  • Growth opportunities within the company
  • Employee discounts
  • Paid time off and sick leave (accrued)
  • Oppertunity for Health Insurance 
What You’ll Do
  • Support the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations
  • Lead and supervise line and prep cooks during service
  • Execute and oversee prep, cooking, and plating to Ositos Tap standards
  • Assist with ordering, inventory management, and cost control
  • Maintain prep-list, prep systems, and overall kitchen organization
  • Ensure cleanliness, sanitation, and food safety compliance at all times
  • Collaborate with FOH and bar team to ensure smooth service
  • Step into any station as needed and lead by example
  • Be part of the process of recipe building and development 
What We’re Looking For
  • Proven leadership experience in a fast-paced kitchen
  • Strong organization and time management, with ability to pivot quickly
  • High-level knife skills and strong culinary fundamental, terminology, and ability to execute with minimal assistance 
  • Ability to manage and motivate a team with accountability
  • Attention to detail and pride in execution and presentation
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Self-starter mentality with ability to work independently and lead
  • Creative problem-solving and adaptability under pressure
  • Consistent reliability and professionalism
Preferred (Not Required)
  • Experience with Mexican or Latin cuisine
  • Baking or pastry experience
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Requirements
  • Food Handlers Manager Certification (required)
  • City of Chicago Food Handler Certification (required)
  • Allergen Certification (required)
  • BASSET Certification (preferred)
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods
  • Availability for nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Culinary degree or equivalent experience
  • Minimum 3+ years in a similar leadership role in a high-volume kitchen
Position Structure
  • 90-day probationary period (contract), transitioning to W-2 employment
  • Eligible for accrued PTO and sick leave after transition
Why Ositos Tap

We’re not just another bar kitchen—we’re building something creative, disciplined, and community-driven. This is an opportunity to take ownership, contribute to the menu, and help shape a growing concept in one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

The Osito's Tap Family
info@ositostap.com