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Prep Cook Jobs in Naperville, IL (NOW HIRING)

Crying Tiger

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL

$17.05 - $25/hr

A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...

Bottleneck Management

Prep Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Prep Cook Our Prep Cooks are a key part of our team, and critical to providing genuine hospitality. Prep Cooks help prepare and maintain assigned par levels of food items. They produce all proteins ...

RH

Prep Cook

Oak Brook, IL

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

RH is seeking a driven Prep Cook to contribute to the culinary excellence for which RH is known. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, values precision and efficiency, and takes ...

Restoration Hardware

Prep Cook

Oak Brook, IL

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

RH is seeking a driven Prep Cook to contribute to the culinary excellence for which RH is known. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, values precision and efficiency, and takes ...

RH

Prep Cook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

RH is seeking a driven Prep Cook to contribute to the culinary excellence for which RH is known. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, values precision and efficiency, and takes ...

RH

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

RH is seeking a driven Prep Cook to contribute to the culinary excellence for which RH is known. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, values precision and efficiency, and takes ...

RH

Prep Cook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

RH is seeking a driven Prep Cook to contribute to the culinary excellence for which RH is known. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, values precision and efficiency, and takes ...

RPM Steak

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $25/hr

A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...

New

Restoration Hardware

Prep Cook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

RH is seeking a driven Prep Cook to contribute to the culinary excellence for which RH is known. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, values precision and efficiency, and takes ...

RH

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

RH is seeking a driven Prep Cook to contribute to the culinary excellence for which RH is known. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, values precision and efficiency, and takes ...

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL

$17.05 - $25/hr

A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $25/hr

A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...

RH

Prep Cook

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

RH is seeking a driven Prep Cook to contribute to the culinary excellence for which RH is known. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, values precision and efficiency, and takes ...

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $25/hr

A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...

Restoration Hardware

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

RH is seeking a driven Prep Cook to contribute to the culinary excellence for which RH is known. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, values precision and efficiency, and takes ...

Pizzeria Portofino

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $25/hr

A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...

New

Ema

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL

$17.05 - $25/hr

A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...

Midtown Athletic Club

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL

$22/hr

What You'll Do Our Prep Cooks are the heros behind the scenes, assisting with the heart of our restaurants. They are motivated and passionate about helping others eat delicious and clean, convenient ...

RPM Italian - Chicago

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $25/hr

A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...

New

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL

$17.05 - $25/hr

A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits: * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness * Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees * Blue Cross Blue ...

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All JobsPrep Cook JobsPrep Cook Jobs in Naperville, IL

Prep Cook information

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How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Naperville, IL is $15.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.31 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.
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For Prep Cook jobs in Naperville, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Naperville, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,599 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Prep Cook

Crying Tiger

Chicago, IL

$17.05 - $25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

We’re hiring people to join our team as PREP COOKS! 

A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits:

  • Restaurant Discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness
  • Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Life, Accident Protection & Critical Illness Insurance
  • Domestic Partner Benefits
  • 401(k)



Crying Tiger is the celebrated new Southeast Asian concept from James Beard Award Finalist Chef Thai Dang (HaiSous) and Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants. Located in the heart of River North, Crying Tiger was recently named #1 on Chicago Magazine’s Hot List and has earned accolades from Eater, Time Out, and The Infatuation. Our culinary program explores the vibrant flavors of Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Southeast Asia, featuring a world-class beverage program by Partner Kevin Beary (of Three Dots and a Dash and Gus' Sip & Dip) and desserts by Netflix’s School of Chocolate winner, Executive Chef Juan Gutierrez. Join a team dedicated to excellence in one of Chicago’s most talked-about new openings.




Caring. Creative. Careers.
​
Join the Lettuce Entertain You team! Our 100+ restaurants are nationally recognized for great food and service and as great places to work. We hire and care deeply for people with creativity, passion and the drive to be the best. And we reward our teams with top notch benefits, career-long training and development and opportunities for growth. If you want a career at a progressive company with a long-standing commitment to people, join our caring and creative team.
EOE. We participate in E-Verify / Participamos en E-Verify



PREP COOK JOB DESCRIPTION
Prep Cooks are responsible for the preparation and production of readying foods, garnishes and condiments to be used on the line or for service.


Essential Functions

  • Prepare food items and ingredients needed for menu items according to prescribed recipes and/or special requests
  • Available to work a variety of hours, days and shifts, including weekends
  • Safely and effectively use and operate all necessary tools and equipment, including knives
  • Ability to effectively communicate in order to perform and follow job requirements in written and spoken direction
  • Ability to multi-task calmly and effectively in a busy, stressful environment
  • Work in a confined, crowded space of variable noise and temperature levels
  • Able to move and lift up to 10 pounds, frequently move and/or lift up to 25 pounds, and occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to stand and walk for an entire shift and move safely through all areas of the restaurant, which may include stairs, uneven or slick surfaces

Key Responsibilities and Duties

  • Follow all prescribed portioning controls and par levels
  • Maintain food safety and quality standards
  • Ability to read a thermometer correctly and efficiently
  • Communicate any food delays or issues to Coordinator
  • Accurately account for all items coming out of the kitchen
  • Understand and follow the food allergy procedure and special orders/restrictions
  • Comply with all safety and sanitation guidelines and procedures
  • Follow all rules, policies, procedures and conditions of employment, including those outlined in the Employee Handbook
  • Get along well with others and be a team player
  • Other duties will be assigned as needed
    #CAPOST

Skills Required

  • Fast-Paced Experience
More detail about Crying Tiger part of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/953742-Crying-Tiger

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