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Side Chef Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef- Chicago

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

You'll work side-by-side with an Executive Chef, help shape the guest experience, and play a critical role in developing the next generation of culinary talent. What You'll Do * Lead the kitchen ...

Sous Chef- Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

You'll work side-by-side with an Executive Chef, help shape the guest experience, and play a critical role in developing the next generation of culinary talent. What You'll Do * Lead the kitchen ...

Personal Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

On the customer side, we believe having your own personal chef is the best way to eat great food on an everyday basis, and eat your ideal diet (whatever you imagine that to be). We work to help our ...

Sous Chef

Long Grove, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Helps Manage employees in the Kitchen, Dish and Pantry areas along side the Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

... a side of old-school hip-hop and ice-cold beer. Overview Sushi-san is Hiring Now: SOUS CHEF ... Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience.

Executive Chef (4231)

Lombard, IL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Executive Chef responsibilities include but are not limited to creating exceptional culinary ... side of fun. We're more than just tacos, amigos and tequila... we're the champions of bringing ...

Executive Chef (4231)

Lombard, IL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Executive Chef responsibilities include but are not limited to creating exceptional culinary ... side of fun. We're more than just tacos, amigos and tequila... we're the champions of bringing ...

Sous Chef (6784)

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Sous Chef responsibilities include but are not limited to creating exceptional culinary experiences ... side of fun. We're more than just tacos, amigos and tequila ... we're the champions of bringing ...

Sous Chef (6784)

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Sous Chef responsibilities include but are not limited to creating exceptional culinary experiences ... side of fun. We're more than just tacos, amigos and tequila ... we're the champions of bringing ...

Chef de Cuisine

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

... a side of old-school hip-hop and ice-cold beer. Overview Sushi-san River North is Hiring Now: CHEF ... de CUISINE! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Chef de Cuisine with 2 years of Chef ...

... a side of old-school hip-hop and ice-cold beer. Overview Sushi-san River North is Hiring Now: CHEF ... de CUISINE! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Chef de Cuisine with 2 years of Chef ...

Executive Chef - Exodo Hospitality Salary: $80,000-$90,000 per year (based on experience) Benefits ... managing the business side of the kitchen. We're looking for someone who doesn't just cook ...

At Benihana your chef career will include more than crafting incredible meals. You'll learn how to ... Prepares and sets up food for cooking and side orders. Essential Functions andResponsibilities: In ...

Sous Chef

Lemont, IL

$50K - $60K/yr

... very hands-on, side-by-side coaching every shift. Every day, you'll be in the thick of it ... Our Sous Chef will work 5 days, and typically 45-ish hours per week. WILL YOU FIT IN HERE? Our team ...

Sous Chef

Lemont, IL

$50K - $60K/yr

... very hands-on, side-by-side coaching every shift. Every day, you'll be in the thick of it ... Our Sous Chef will work 5 days, and typically 45-ish hours per week. WILL YOU FIT IN HERE? Our team ...

Teppan Chef

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

At Benihana your chef career will include more than crafting incredible meals. You'll learn how to ... Prepares and sets up food for cooking and side orders. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: In ...

At Benihana your chef career will include more than crafting incredible meals. You'll learn how to ... Prepares and sets up food for cooking and side orders. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: In ...

Teppan Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

At Benihana your chef career will include more than crafting incredible meals. You'll learn how to ... Prepares and sets up food for cooking and side orders. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: In ...

At Benihana your chef career will include more than crafting incredible meals. You'll learn how to ... Prepares and sets up food for cooking and side orders. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: In ...

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Side Chef information

What is a side chef?

A side chef, often referred to as a sous chef, is the second-in-command in a professional kitchen. They assist the head chef in managing kitchen operations, supervising other staff, and ensuring that dishes are prepared to high standards. Side chefs are responsible for tasks like preparing ingredients, overseeing cooking stations, and helping with menu planning. Their role is essential for maintaining kitchen efficiency and food quality.

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

To thrive as a Side Chef, you need a solid understanding of culinary techniques, food safety, and kitchen operations, often gained through culinary school or relevant kitchen experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management software, and safe food handling certifications is commonly required. Strong teamwork, time management, and communication skills help Side Chefs excel in fast-paced kitchen environments. These abilities ensure efficient food preparation, maintain high standards of quality and safety, and support overall kitchen success.

What are some common challenges a side chef faces when supporting the head chef in a busy kitchen?

As a Side Chef, one of the most common challenges is managing multiple tasks simultaneously, such as prepping ingredients, ensuring food quality, and assisting with plating, all while maintaining clear communication with the Head Chef and other team members. The fast-paced environment requires strong organizational skills and the ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities or sudden high-volume orders. Additionally, Side Chefs are often responsible for stepping in during absences or rush periods, which demands flexibility and a strong understanding of kitchen operations. Developing efficient workflows and fostering positive teamwork are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Side Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectSide ChefLine Cook
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary trainingFood safety certification, culinary training
Work EnvironmentAssists main kitchen staff, supports prep and platingPrepares dishes on the line during service
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, catering, hotelsRestaurants, hotels, catering
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Side Chef and a Line Cook is that a Side Chef typically supports the kitchen team by assisting with prep, plating, and other tasks, while a Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes during service on the kitchen line. Both roles require culinary skills and certifications, but the Side Chef often has a broader support role, whereas the Line Cook is more directly involved in cooking during busy hours.

What are popular job titles related to Side Chef jobs in Illinois?

For Side Chef jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Side Chef jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Side Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Side Chef job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

$51K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Legal Sea Foods rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Sous Chef - Join Our Culinary Leadership Team

At Legal Sea Foods, our passion for fresh, sustainably sourced seafood is at the heart of everything we do. We bring New England's coastal flavors to life through elevated cuisine, a commitment to quality, and a team that takes pride in delivering exceptional hospitality.

We're looking for a talented Sous Chef who is ready to lead, inspire, and grow within a high-performing culinary team.

Why This Role is Exciting

This is more than a Sous Chef position, it's an opportunity to be a key leader in a kitchen that values craftsmanship, teamwork, and continuous growth. You'll work side-by-side with an Executive Chef, help shape the guest experience, and play a critical role in developing the next generation of culinary talent.

What You'll Do

  • Lead the kitchen alongside the Executive Chef and drive daily operations
  • Ensure every dish reflects our standards for quality, consistency, and presentation
  • Coach, develop, and motivate a high-performing culinary team
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe environment
  • Support inventory, ordering, and cost management

What You Bring

  • Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Kitchen Manager ready to take the next step
  • A passion for seafood and high-quality ingredients
  • Leadership presence with a hands-on, team-first mentality
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
  • A commitment to excellence in both food and team development

What We Offer

  • Competitive compensation with performance-based incentives
  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, vision, and health savings options
  • 401(k) with company match opportunities
  • Paid time off designed to support rest, recharge, and work-life balance
  • Structured manager training program with hands-on development from day one, supported by ongoing learning through in-person sessions, virtual training, language support, and leadership podcasts
  • Career growth with defined paths to advancement, with more than half of our managers promoted from within the company
  • Ownership of your team, including hiring, development, and performance
  • Wellness programs that support your well-being, with fitness and healthcare incentives that reward participation
  • A culture built on accountability, teamwork, and high standards, where leaders are expected to develop people and deliver results

Legal Sea Foods participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility of all new hires. E-Verify is an online system that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. All new hires will be required to complete Form I-9 and successfully participate in the E-Verify process.


What Legal Sea Foods employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

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