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Prep Helper Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prep Cooks help prepare and maintain assigned par levels of food items. They produce all proteins, sauces, dressing, and stocks from scratch; they are the heart of the kitchen. Prep Cook upholds the ...

Prep Cook

Naperville, IL

$15 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Prep Cook

Moline, IL · On-site

$15 - $24.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Prep Cook

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Prep Cook

North Riverside, IL

$15 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Prep Cook

Peoria, IL · On-site

$15 - $24.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Prep Cook

Moline, IL · On-site

$15 - $24.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Prep Cook

Peru, IL

$15 - $24.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Prep Cook

West Dundee, IL

$15 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Prep Cook

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Prep Cook

Marion, IL · On-site

$15 - $24.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Prep Cook

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Prep Cook

Lombard, IL

$15 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Prep Cook

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Prep Cook

Mchenry, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Prep Cook

Champaign, IL

$15 - $24.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Prep Cook

Lincolnwood, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Prep Cook

Naperville, IL

$15 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Prep Cook

Edwardsville, IL · On-site

$15 - $24.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc ... As a prep cook, you must have a strong passion for delivering and flawlessly executing recipes to ...

Showing results 21-40

Prep Helper information

What is a prep helper?

Prep helpers, also known as kitchen assistants or food preparation workers, assist chefs and cooks by performing basic tasks in the kitchen. Their duties typically include washing and chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, organizing supplies, and maintaining cleanliness in the work area. Prep helpers play a crucial role in ensuring that the kitchen runs efficiently by preparing ingredients ahead of time and supporting the cooking staff as needed.

What are the typical daily tasks and team interactions for a prep helper in a commercial kitchen?

As a Prep Helper, your daily tasks often include washing and chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and assisting chefs with basic food preparation. You'll usually work closely with line cooks and kitchen staff to ensure ingredients are ready for meal service, and may also help with maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Teamwork is essential, as you'll need to coordinate timing and workflow to keep the kitchen running efficiently. Communication skills and the ability to follow instructions are key to succeeding in this fast-paced environment.

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

To thrive as a Prep Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling certifications (such as a food handler’s permit), and inventory systems are often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are crucial soft skills. These abilities ensure food is prepared safely and efficiently, supporting smooth kitchen operations and high-quality meal service.

What is the difference between Prep Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectPrep HelperKitchen Assistant
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary knowledgeHigh school diploma or equivalent; some culinary experience beneficial
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, catering events, food prep areasCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, catering companies, food service providersRestaurants, hotels, catering companies
Common Search & ComparisonPrep Helper vs Kitchen Assistant

Prep Helpers and Kitchen Assistants often perform similar roles in food preparation and support. While both roles require basic culinary skills and work in similar environments, Prep Helpers typically focus on basic food prep tasks, whereas Kitchen Assistants may have broader responsibilities including cleaning and equipment maintenance. The roles are often interchangeable depending on the employer's needs, but understanding these distinctions can help job seekers target the right position.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prep jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Prep jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Prep Helper jobs in Illinois?

For Prep Helper jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Prep Helper jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Prep Helper jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Prep Helper jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Prep Helper job openings:

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Position: 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, sauces, dressing, and stocks from scratch; they are the heart of the kitchen. Prep Cook upholds the origination of all recipes and provides the guests with the best possible culinary experience.
Who is Bottleneck Management?
Bottleneck Management operates vibrant, high-energy, approachable restaurants in the most dynamic neighborhoods and locations. From the start, we've been about genuine people and genuine hospitality. We've grown into a crowd-pleasing hospitality juggernaut while continuing to hold our core values close to our hearts.
Core Values
Understand the wants and needs of others
Support others through words and actions
Empower each team member to excel
Enjoy each other, our guests, and our time at work
We believe it's our people that make us strong, so we're committed to finding driven, hospitable, upbeat, and intelligent teammates. Whether it's in our home office or our restaurants, we put hospitality first, like excellent hosts at a party.
We offer a fun and supportive working environment, comprehensive benefits, 401k, a generous PTO plan, EAP access, and restaurant dining discounts.
Primary Responsibilities and Duties
Essential Functions:
  • Follow recipes and procedures to prepare assigned sauces and food items according to prep lists and par guidelines
  • Follow all prescribed portioning controls and par levels
  • Understand and follow the food allergy procedure and special orders/restrictions
  • Responsible for the preparation and production of readying foods, garnishes, and condiments to be used on the line or for service
  • Comply with all health code requirements.
  • Use knives correctly to include use of a cut glove to chip, cut, dice, etc. Clean shelves, organize and remove trash
  • Ensure the work area stays clean throughout the workday
  • Operate equipment safely determined by position and OSHA regulations
  • Contribute to a positive guest experience by doing everything to exceed their expectations Store, receive, stock and rotate food throughout the workday per company standards as needed
  • Work closely and communicate with BOH and FOH team members, in a high-paced environment while doing a variety of time restraint tasks
  • Assist other cooks during high volume when needed
  • Other functions as assigned by management

Qualifications and Skills:
  • No prior education required
  • Previous prep experience preferred
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced work environment
  • Ability to work a variable schedule, including nights and weekends
  • Good judgment skills and adaptive attitude
  • Must have all required food / alcohol certifications as designated by location

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
Department: HOH Operations
Compensation:
Please visit our Careers Page to view and learn more about payrates
Reports to: Executive Chef
Work Environment/Physical Demand:
  • 75% Work at approximately 36" table/stove and reach in approximately 36"
  • 75% Reach (6" to overhead) bend, stoop, and wipe
  • 60% Perform job at continuous high pace, under pressure, also maintain quality and speed standards
  • 50% Lift and carry sacks, boxes, and product up to 50 pounds from floor to above waist level, approximately 20 feet and sometimes involving stairs
  • Must be able to walk and stand for full shift
  • Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds
  • Must have good hearing for accurate communication with guests
  • Must be able to use hands and fingers to handle and feel objects, tools controls and type
  • Must be able to work in areas of loud noises

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.
Bottleneck Management provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
An equal opportunity employer.
We adhere to E-Verify procedures where applicable in accordance with federal regulations.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.