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Prep Cook Jobs in Effingham, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sbarros Cook

Effingham, IL

$13 - $17.25/hr

Perform prep cook tasks such as washing, chopping, and sorting ingredients. * Perform grill cook tasks, such as setting up broiler, fryer and grill stations according to the line check sheets.

Perform prep cook tasks such as washing, chopping, and sorting ingredients. * Perform grill cook tasks, such as setting up broiler, fryer and grill stations according to the line check sheets.

Perform prep cook tasks such as washing, chopping, and sorting ingredients. * Perform grill cook tasks, such as setting up broiler, fryer and grill stations according to the line check sheets.

Dunkin Cook

Effingham, IL · On-site

$16 - $16.50/hr

Perform prep cook tasks such as washing, chopping, and sorting ingredients. * Perform grill cook tasks, such as setting up broiler, fryer and grill stations according to the line check sheets.

Sbarros Cook

Effingham, IL · On-site

$16 - $16.50/hr

Perform prep cook tasks such as washing, chopping, and sorting ingredients. * Perform grill cook tasks, such as setting up broiler, fryer and grill stations according to the line check sheets.

Dunkin Cook

Effingham, IL · On-site

$16 - $16.50/hr

Perform prep cook tasks such as washing, chopping, and sorting ingredients. * Perform grill cook tasks, such as setting up broiler, fryer and grill stations according to the line check sheets.

IHOP Cook

Effingham, IL

$13 - $17.25/hr

Perform prep cook tasks such as washing, chopping, and sorting ingredients. * Perform grill cook tasks, such as setting up broiler, fryer and grill stations according to the line check sheets.

IHOP Cook

Effingham, IL · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Perform prep cook tasks such as washing, chopping, and sorting ingredients. * Perform grill cook tasks, such as setting up broiler, fryer and grill stations according to the line check sheets.

Dunkin Cook

Effingham, IL

$13 - $17.25/hr

Perform prep cook tasks such as washing, chopping, and sorting ingredients. * Perform grill cook tasks, such as setting up broiler, fryer and grill stations according to the line check sheets.

Food Prep Person

Effingham, IL · On-site

$12 - $14.75/hr

Maintains a standard inventory of prep items according to the Prep Production Guide and the Display Cooking Prep Production Guide and updates the two guides as directed by management. * Ensures ...

Line Cook - Broil/Grill

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$15 - $22/hr

Understanding equipment and prep sheets * Exhibiting teamwork If you think you would be a legendary Broil Cook, apply today! At Texas Roadhouse, our Roadies are the heart and soul of our company. We ...

Understanding equipment and prep sheets * Exhibiting teamwork If you think you would be a legendary Broil Cook, apply today! At Texas Roadhouse, our Roadies are the heart and soul of our company. We ...

Cook (Effingham, IL)

Effingham, IL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Cooks (Heart of House Team Members) Bring your passion to Buffalo Wild Wings-where every shift ... Help with prep, stocking, and closing duties * The duties of this position may change from time to ...

Cook (Mattoon, IL)

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Cooks (Heart of House Team Members) Bring your passion to Buffalo Wild Wings-where every shift ... Help with prep, stocking, and closing duties * The duties of this position may change from time to ...

Crew Member

Mattoon, IL

$11.25 - $14.75/hr

... cook, prep cook or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our team. If this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, we'd love to meet ...

Crew Member

Effingham, IL

$11 - $14.50/hr

... cook, prep cook or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our team. If this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, we'd love to meet ...

Crew Member

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$11.25 - $14.75/hr

So, whether you have experience as a dishwasher, cashier, server, host, bartender, cook, prep cook or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our ...

Crew Member

Mattoon, IL

$11.25 - $14.75/hr

... cook, prep cook or no experience at all, we're always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to join our team. If this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, we'd love to meet ...

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Prep Cook information

See Effingham, IL salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Effingham, IL is $14.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.60 and $15.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prep cook?

A prep cook works in a restaurant or private kitchen, preparing ingredients for other chefs to cook. As a prep cook, your responsibilities center on simplifying the cooking process for everyone in the kitchen. Your duties include cleaning, peeling, chopping, cutting, slicing, and dicing vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses, and other food. You are also responsible for maintaining health and safety standards in the kitchen, which is a responsibility of everyone on the staff. You need excellent knife skills to safely and quickly prepare food, and you need communication skills to follow instructions and collaborate with your coworkers. Experience working in a kitchen is helpful when you look for jobs as a prep cook, but a prep cook can sometimes be considered to be an entry-level position.

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

To thrive as a Prep Cook, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and experience with kitchen equipment, usually gained through on-the-job training or a culinary certificate. Familiarity with commercial kitchen tools such as slicers, mixers, and standardized recipes is common in this role. Strong attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are essential soft skills for handling multiple tasks efficiently. These abilities ensure high-quality food preparation, kitchen safety, and smooth operation during busy service periods.

What are some common challenges faced by prep cooks, and how can they be managed effectively?

Prep cooks often encounter challenges such as working in fast-paced environments, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and maintaining consistency in food preparation. To manage these effectively, it’s important to develop strong time-management skills, stay organized, and communicate clearly with other kitchen staff. Building stamina and adaptability will also help handle peak hours, and being attentive to detail ensures quality and food safety standards are consistently met.

What is the difference between Prep Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectPrep CookLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesPrepares ingredients, washes, chops, and organizes supplies cooks dishes during service, manages specific station
Skills & CertificationsBasic cooking skills, food safety, knife skillsAdvanced cooking skills, station-specific knowledge
Work EnvironmentKitchen prep area, early shiftsHot line during service, fast-paced environment
Typical EmployerRestaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering

Prep cooks focus on preparing ingredients and organizing supplies, while line cooks handle cooking dishes during service. Both roles require food safety knowledge, but line cooks often need more advanced skills and work in a faster, high-pressure environment. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right culinary role.

Is a prep cook a hard job?

A prep cook role involves preparing ingredients and assisting with kitchen tasks, which can be physically demanding and require attention to detail. The job often involves standing for long periods, working quickly during busy hours, and following safety and hygiene standards. Experience with kitchen tools and time management skills can help manage the workload effectively.

What does a prep cook do?

A prep cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and basic dishes in a kitchen, such as chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and assembling components for chefs. They work in a fast-paced environment, often using knives, food processors, and other kitchen tools, and typically follow food safety and sanitation standards.

What are popular job titles related to Prep Cook jobs in Effingham, IL?

For Prep Cook jobs in Effingham, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Effingham, IL are hiring for Prep Cook jobs?

Cities near Effingham, IL with the most Prep Cook job openings:

Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Effingham, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 71% Physical, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,020 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

$13 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


TravelCenters Of America rating

5.1

Company rating: 5.1 out of 10

Based on 248 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

582nd of 734 rated retailers


Job description

There's never been a better time to join TravelCenters of America! For more than 50 years, millions of professional truck drivers and motorists have called our travel centers home, depending on us daily for fuel, food, truck maintenance and essential services.

Driven by a passionate team, TA is focused on growing its network of travel centers, implementing cutting edge technology and embarking on innovative alternative energy and sustainability initiatives.

From our locations across the country, to our corporate headquarters in Westlake, Ohio, every team member is a stakeholder in TA's success. This environment offers endless career opportunities for individuals interested in sharing their ideas, growing with the company and shaping TA's future.

Job Summary

TravelCenters of America offers a convenient, one-stop shopping experience to our customers. Each location has a plethora of dining options which gives our guests the variety they look for. The Cook is a key member of the restaurant team responsible for preparing and presenting quality food to guests so that we are returning every traveler to the road better than they came!

In this role, you can expect to:

  • Work in a fun, trusting environment focused on great customer service
  • Perform prep cook tasks such as washing, chopping, and sorting ingredients.
  • Perform grill cook tasks, such as setting up broiler, fryer and grill stations according to the line check sheets. Prepare all products to the specifications requested by guests and follow plate presentation guides
  • Complete prep, freezer pull and temperature checklist sheets
  • Practice safe food handling and storage as well as waste control procedures; Know and follow safety guidelines and report potentially unsafe situations caused by team members and customers
  • Maintain equipment per operating standards
  • Prioritize your work according to the restaurant and guest needs
  • Build strong communication and rapport with leaders and co-workers
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned

What we'd like to see:

  • A dedicated individual who works well with others and is excited to be part of our team!
  • Previous food service experience a plus
  • Good verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends and some holidays

With us, you'll enjoy:

  • Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
  • 401(k) with a company match
  • Vacation and paid holidays
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • On-site meal discounts
  • A wide variety of discounts on technology, travel, food and fuel
  • Opportunity for growth and advancement

Not all benefit plans are available to all team members. For a more comprehensive list of benefits, please visit https://www.ta-petro.com/careers/working-at-ta-travel-centers

Pay Range

COMPENSATION.RANGE per hour

 A pay range listed reflects the potential pay for this role. The pay will depend on various factors, such as responsibilities of the position, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Not all positions posted will have a pay range listed.

Our travel centers serve thousands every day; not one traveler is the same and our team must reflect that. We can "return every traveler to the road better than they came" only by understanding and celebrating individualism. TravelCenters of America is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, familial status, ancestry, sex, gender, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, handicap, military service or Veteran status, genetic information or membership in any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local law. At TravelCenters of America, we invite everyone to make themselves at home.

Typical Physical Demands

In this role, the team member is regularly required to talk and hear.  Standing, walking, kneeling, stooping, bending over, crouching, crawling, climbing, and repetitive use of legs are done occasionally. The team member is occasionally required to lift up to 50 lbs and/or move heavy objects.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. All performed with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment

While performing these duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to outdoor elements in all seasons. Occasionally, the employee will also be exposed to fumes and particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The noise level in the work environment can be loud at times. While performing these duties, the employee may be exposed to dirt, dust, grime, grease, oil, gas, high-concentrated cleaning solutions, etc.

Disclaimer

This job description may not list all duties for this position.   The incumbent in the position may be asked to perform other duties.  TA Operating LLC reserves the right to revise the job description at any time.   This job description is not a contract for employment, and either the incumbent or TA Operating LLC may terminate employment at any time, for any reason.


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