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Restaurant Helper Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Previous restaurant or kitchen experience is preferred, but we are willing to train the right candidates What We Offer * Competitive hourly pay * Full-Time and Part-Time opportunities * Paid Time Off ...

We have an incredible opportunity for a dynamic Kitchen helper to join our growing Des Plaines, IL ... With the three business segments of Airline Catering, International Event Catering, and Restaurants ...

Kitchen Helper

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.35/hr

We have an incredible opportunity for a dynamic Kitchen helper to join our growing Des Plaines, IL ... With the three business segments of Airline Catering, International Event Catering, and Restaurants ...

Kitchen Helper

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.35/hr

We have an incredible opportunity for a dynamic Kitchen helper to join our growing Des Plaines, IL ... With the three business segments of Airline Catering, International Event Catering, and Restaurants ...

Restaurant Manager

Hanover Park, IL · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

They help to build profitable top line sales of a single restaurant. They are responsible for the overall operation of the restaurant according to Dunkin' standards, franchisee policies and ...

... restaurants example : McDonalds, Burger King, Krogers (temperature sensors for the fryers ... year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals ...

New

A Restaurant Manager is generally resp onsible for providing strong, positive leadership to his/her team to deliver great and friendly guest experiences, operational excellence an d for helping to ...

A Restaurant Manager is generally resp onsible for providing strong, positive leadership to his/her team to deliver great and friendly guest experiences, operational excellence an d for helping to ...

A Restaurant Manager is generally resp onsible for providing strong, positive leadership to his/her team to deliver great and friendly guest experiences, operational excellence an d for helping to ...

Restaurant Manager

Glen Ellyn, IL · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

They help to build profitable top line sales of a single restaurant. They are responsible for the overall operation of the restaurant according to Dunkin' standards, franchisee policies and ...

A Restaurant Manager is generally resp onsible for providing strong, positive leadership to his/her team to deliver great and friendly guest experiences, operational excellence an d for helping to ...

Restaurant Manager

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

They help to build profitable top line sales of a single restaurant. They are responsible for the overall operation of the restaurant according to Dunkin' standards, franchisee policies and ...

Restaurant Manager

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

They help to build profitable top line sales of a single restaurant. They are responsible for the overall operation of the restaurant according to Dunkin' standards, franchisee policies and ...

A Restaurant Manager is generally resp onsible for providing strong, positive leadership to his/her team to deliver great and friendly guest experiences, operational excellence an d for helping to ...

A Restaurant Manager is generally resp onsible for providing strong, positive leadership to his/her team to deliver great and friendly guest experiences, operational excellence an d for helping to ...

Restaurant Manager

Streamwood, IL · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

They help to build profitable top line sales of a single restaurant. They are responsible for the overall operation of the restaurant according to Dunkin' standards, franchisee policies and ...

A Restaurant Manager is generally resp onsible for providing strong, positive leadership to his/her team to deliver great and friendly guest experiences, operational excellence an d for helping to ...

Restaurant Manager

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

They help to build profitable top line sales of a single restaurant. They are responsible for the overall operation of the restaurant according to Dunkin' standards, franchisee policies and ...

A Restaurant Manager is generally resp onsible for providing strong, positive leadership to his/her team to deliver great and friendly guest experiences, operational excellence an d for helping to ...

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Restaurant Helper information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$17

$23

How much do restaurant helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant helper in Chicago, IL is $17.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a restaurant helper?

Restaurant helpers are support staff in restaurants who assist with a variety of tasks to ensure smooth operations. Their duties often include cleaning tables, setting up dining areas, assisting servers, washing dishes, and sometimes helping in the kitchen. They work under the supervision of chefs, servers, or restaurant managers and play a critical role in maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient environment. Restaurant helpers typically do not require formal education, but on-the-job training is common. Their support allows other restaurant staff to focus on service and food preparation.

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

To thrive as a Restaurant Helper, you need basic food handling knowledge, physical stamina, and attention to cleanliness, often supported by a food handler’s permit. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment and safety protocols is typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and strong communication skills help you assist kitchen staff and serve customers efficiently. These competencies are crucial for maintaining a smooth workflow, ensuring food safety, and delivering a positive dining experience.

What are some common challenges restaurant helpers face during busy shifts, and how can they effectively manage them?

Restaurant Helpers often encounter fast-paced environments, especially during peak dining hours, leading to challenges like managing multiple tasks at once and maintaining cleanliness under pressure. To handle these situations, it's important to stay organized, communicate clearly with kitchen staff and servers, and prioritize tasks based on immediate needs. Developing a strong sense of teamwork and being proactive about replenishing supplies or clearing tables can help ensure smooth operations and a positive dining experience for guests.

What is the difference between Restaurant Helper vs Waitstaff?

AspectRestaurant HelperWaitstaff
CredentialsMinimal; often no formal certification neededMay require food safety or alcohol service certifications
Work EnvironmentKitchen, dining area, assisting staffFront of house, interacting directly with customers
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, cafes, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles assisting in restaurant operationsCompared for customer service and serving roles

Restaurant Helpers typically assist in the kitchen or dining area without direct customer interaction, requiring minimal credentials. Waitstaff, on the other hand, serve customers directly and may need certifications. Both roles are common in the restaurant industry but differ mainly in responsibilities and work environment.

What does a restaurant helper do in a restaurant?

A restaurant helper assists with various tasks such as cleaning, setting tables, refilling supplies, and supporting kitchen or service staff to ensure smooth restaurant operations. They often work in a fast-paced environment and may need basic food safety or sanitation training.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Restaurant Helper jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Restaurant Helper jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Restaurant Helper jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Restaurant Helper jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Restaurant Helper jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Restaurant Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Restaurant Helper job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,387 per year, or $18 per hour.

$17.04 - $21/hr

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Kitchen Team Member – Full-Time / Part-Time

Qiao Lin Hotpot – Chicago Downtown

Qiao Lin Hotpot is growing, and we are looking for reliable, hardworking kitchen team members to join our Downtown Chicago location.

We are currently hiring for several back-of-house positions, including:

  • Vegetable Prep

  • Seafood Prep

  • Sauce Bar / Sauce Station

  • Soup / Broth Station

  • General Kitchen Prep

Full-Time and Part-Time positions are both available.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for team members who are:

  • Dependable and punctual

  • Hardworking and willing to learn

  • Able to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen

  • Team-oriented and responsible

  • Comfortable maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety

  • Previous restaurant or kitchen experience is preferred, but we are willing to train the right candidates

What We Offer
  • Competitive hourly pay

  • Full-Time and Part-Time opportunities

  • Paid Time Off (PTO) for eligible employees

  • Health Insurance for eligible employees

  • Employee Dining Discounts

  • Staff meals / meal benefits

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Stable hours and a busy restaurant environment

  • Opportunities to learn multiple kitchen stations

  • Opportunities for advancement as Qiao Lin Hotpot continues to grow

Qiao Lin Hotpot is an established and growing hot pot restaurant brand with multiple locations across the United States. We value hardworking employees and want to build a strong kitchen team where reliable team members can grow with the company.

If you are looking for a stable restaurant job, good benefits, consistent hours, and an opportunity to grow, we would love to hear from you.

Location: Qiao Lin Hotpot – Chicago Downtown
210 E Illinois St
Chicago, IL 60611

More detail about Qiao Lin Hotpot Downtown part of Qiao Lin Hotpot, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/744390-Qiao-Lin-Hotpot-Downtown-