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Morning Chef Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

... mornings, days, evenings, holidays and extended hours -Ability to type and use e-mail and other technologies as assigned -Ability to write and cost out recipes -Ability to solve practical problems ...

... mornings, days, evenings, holidays and extended hours -Ability to type and use e-mail and other technologies as assigned -Ability to write and cost out recipes -Ability to solve practical problems ...

Morning Chef information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do morning chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for morning chef in Springfield, IL is $24.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $30.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Morning Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Morning Chef, you need solid culinary skills, experience in breakfast and brunch preparation, and typically a culinary degree or relevant kitchen experience. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety certifications, and inventory management systems are commonly required. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure timely, high-quality meal production and a smooth start to daily kitchen operations.

What does a Morning Chef do?

A Morning Chef is responsible for preparing and cooking breakfast and early morning meals in a restaurant, hotel, or catering setting. Their duties typically include planning breakfast menus, prepping ingredients, cooking a variety of breakfast dishes, and ensuring food quality and safety standards are met. Morning Chefs often start work very early to ensure that everything is ready for opening hours. They may also supervise kitchen staff, manage inventory, and maintain a clean work environment. This role requires excellent time management, culinary skills, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.

What are some challenges unique to working as a Morning Chef, and how can I prepare for them?

Morning Chefs often face the challenge of early start times, which require excellent time management and adaptability to ensure breakfast service runs smoothly. You’ll need to quickly set up the kitchen, coordinate with other team members, and handle high-volume orders during peak morning hours. Staying organized, maintaining a positive attitude, and preparing mise en place the night before can help you excel. Collaboration with kitchen staff and servers is essential to maintain quality and speed during busy breakfast periods.

What is the difference between Morning Chef vs Breakfast Cook?

AspectMorning ChefBreakfast Cook
CredentialsCulinary degree or equivalent experienceOften similar, may require basic culinary training
Work EnvironmentHotels, restaurants, catering services, typically early hoursHotels, diners, cafes, focusing on breakfast service
Industry UsageCommonly used in upscale and hotel settingsCommon in casual dining and breakfast-focused establishments
Job FocusPreparing a variety of dishes, overseeing kitchen operationsSpecializing in breakfast items and morning service

The main difference between a Morning Chef and a Breakfast Cook lies in scope and setting. A Morning Chef often has broader responsibilities, including menu planning and kitchen management, typically working in hotels or upscale restaurants. A Breakfast Cook specializes specifically in preparing breakfast dishes, usually in cafes or diners. Both roles require culinary skills and early hours, but the Morning Chef's role is generally more comprehensive.

What are popular job titles related to Morning Chef jobs in Springfield, IL? For Morning Chef jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Morning Chef jobs in Springfield, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Morning Chef jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Morning Chef jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Morning Chef job openings:
Sous Chef

Sous Chef

Bella Milano

Springfield, IL

$45K - $50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Tired of pre-made sauces and microwaves, want to really cook? Bella Milano is accepting applications from highly-energetic, take charge individuals who want an opportunity to utilize their skills while continuing to learn and grow in a thriving upscale, full service restaurant environment!  Bella Milano offers a unique, fine casual cuisine in a contemporary yet relaxed atmosphere with many exciting menu selections.


Apply now if you think you have what it takes to be part of our growing team.


Goals:

-Food Quality – maintain highest level of food quality

-Sanitation – Ensure kitchen is clean at all times and able to pass Inspections from Health Inspectors and Executive Team

-Labor Cost – Manage kitchen labor to obtain goals, and review practices to ensure most efficient use of labor dollars

-Food Cost – Ensure kitchen staff is using proper devices and measurements for all food service related items. Manage kitchen staff to achieve food cost goals

-Training – all kitchen staff must be fully trained at their station to follow recipe and portioning guidelines

-Evaluate food products to ensure that quality standards are being consistently attained.

-Provide professional development of kitchen staff

-Menu development – keep current in menu trends and submit items as requested for menu changes


Responsibilities:

-Scheduling and coordination of kitchen staff

-Staff for maximum productivity and high standards of quality

-Control labor costs to achieve maximum profitability

-Establish controls to minimize food and supply, waste and theft

-Train employees on best practices regarding safety, sanitation and accident prevention

-Support Safe work habits and a safe working environment at all times

-Consult with GM/AGM regarding menus and offerings for special events

-Cooks or directly supervise items that require skillful preparation

-Evaluate products on quality and price

-Provide communication to Director of Store Operations on policies and procedures

-Establish and maintain a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule for entire kitchen and equipment

-Ensures kitchen managers are achieving their goals and following their responsibilities

-Interview, select, train, supervise, counsel and discipline all employees in Kitchen

-Ensure positive attitudes and professionalism from all staff

-Ensure all kitchen employees adhere to uniform, grooming and appearance standards

-Interact positively with all restaurant staff and guests to promote a team effort and maintain a positive and professional work environment

-Produce a high volume of work in a timely manner, that is accurate, complete and of high quality

-Come to work on-time and regularly

-Be available for phone calls 24/7

-Ability to work a varying schedule to include mornings, days, evenings, holidays and extended hours

-Ability to type and use e-mail and other technologies as assigned

-Ability to write and cost out recipes

-Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

-Proficient in the following restaurant functions: food planning and preparation, purchasing, sanitation, security, company policies and procedures, personnel management, recordkeeping, recipe development, and preparation of reports

-Perform other duties as directed


Compensation and Benefits:

- Salary based on previous work experience and knowledge

- Monthly Bonuses with attainable goals

- Yearly Bonus where you can earn up to 10% of your salary as a bonus

- Vacation - immediately start accruing vacation days

- Health Insurance - competitive plans, we pay 50% of your cost

- Total Compensation including bonus ranges $45,000 to $55,000 based on experience and knowledge


Physical Requirements:

-Ability to speak and hear

-Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus

-Constant standing with some walking

-Be able to work in a standing position for long periods of time (up to 8 hours)

-Be able to reach, bend, stoop and frequently lift up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift/move 50 pounds

-Continual use of manual dexterity and gross motor skills with frequent use of bi-manual dexterity and fine motor skills


Communication:

-Monthly Store Manager meetings

-E-mail

-Phone

-Google Calendar


Licenses, Certificates, Insurance:

-Food Sanitation License

-Drivers License

-Auto Insurance


COVID-19 considerations:

Bella Milano follows all CDC guidelines included but not limited to daily health and temperature screenings of all employees.

Bella Milano is contemporary Italian with old world flavor. Join us for a beautiful meal. We feature a full bar, private rooms, a patio, and offer catering.