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Temp Chef Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Aba

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Lead BOH pre-shift meetings and participating in line, temp and cooler checks and food tastings for the shift * Partner with GM and/or designated managers/chefs to regularly review and maintain ...

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Lead BOH pre-shift meetings and participating in line, temp and cooler checks and food tastings for the shift * Partner with GM and/or designated managers/chefs to regularly review and maintain ...

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Lead BOH pre-shift meetings and participating in line, temp and cooler checks and food tastings for the shift * Partner with GM and/or designated managers/chefs to regularly review and maintain ...

Aba

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Lead BOH pre-shift meetings and participating in line, temp and cooler checks and food tastings for the shift * Partner with GM and/or designated managers/chefs to regularly review and maintain ...

Summer House Santa Monica

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Lead BOH pre-shift meetings and participating in line, temp and cooler checks and food tastings for the shift * Partner with GM and/or designated managers/chefs to regularly review and maintain ...

Summer House Santa Monica

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Lead BOH pre-shift meetings and participating in line, temp and cooler checks and food tastings for the shift * Partner with GM and/or designated managers/chefs to regularly review and maintain ...

Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Lead BOH pre-shift meetings and participating in line, temp and cooler checks and food tastings for the shift * Partner with GM and/or designated managers/chefs to regularly review and maintain ...

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Lead BOH pre-shift meetings and participating in line, temp and cooler checks and food tastings for the shift * Partner with GM and/or designated managers/chefs to regularly review and maintain ...

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Lead BOH pre-shift meetings and participating in line, temp and cooler checks and food tastings for the shift * Partner with GM and/or designated managers/chefs to regularly review and maintain ...

Pizzeria Gabbo

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Lead BOH pre-shift meetings and participating in line, temp and cooler checks and food tastings for the shift * Partner with GM and/or designated managers/chefs to regularly review and maintain ...

Wildfire

Sous Chef

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Lead BOH pre-shift meetings and participating in line, temp and cooler checks and food tastings for the shift * Partner with GM and/or designated managers/chefs to regularly review and maintain ...

Café Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Lead BOH pre-shift meetings and participating in line, temp and cooler checks and food tastings for the shift * Partner with GM and/or designated managers/chefs to regularly review and maintain ...

Cindy's

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

We're seeking a passionate and talented Sous Chef to help us craft unforgettable dining experiences ... temp logs, line checks, prep lists, order guides, etc. * Daily follow-through of BOH systems - It ...

Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Lead BOH pre-shift meetings and participating in line, temp and cooler checks and food tastings for the shift * Partner with GM and/or designated managers/chefs to regularly review and maintain ...

Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Lead BOH pre-shift meetings and participating in line, temp and cooler checks and food tastings for the shift * Partner with GM and/or designated managers/chefs to regularly review and maintain ...

Wildfire

Sous Chef

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Lead BOH pre-shift meetings and participating in line, temp and cooler checks and food tastings for the shift * Partner with GM and/or designated managers/chefs to regularly review and maintain ...

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Sous Chef

Glenview, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Lead BOH pre-shift meetings and participating in line, temp and cooler checks and food tastings for the shift * Partner with GM and/or designated managers/chefs to regularly review and maintain ...

Wildfire

Sous Chef

Glenview, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Lead BOH pre-shift meetings and participating in line, temp and cooler checks and food tastings for the shift * Partner with GM and/or designated managers/chefs to regularly review and maintain ...

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Temp Chef information

What is a temp chef?

Temp chefs, also known as temporary chefs, are culinary professionals who are hired on a short-term or contract basis to work in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, or private households. They may cover staff shortages, seasonal demand, special events, or provide expertise for a specific period. Temp chefs can have various specialties and skill levels, and their assignments can last from a single day to several months. Their flexibility allows businesses to maintain high standards and consistent service during busy periods or when permanent staff are unavailable.

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

To thrive as a Temp Chef, you need solid culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and experience in a variety of kitchen settings, often supported by a culinary certificate or relevant work history. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and tools like inventory management systems is typically required. Strong adaptability, time management, and clear communication help you quickly integrate into new teams and work efficiently under pressure. These skills and qualities ensure you can deliver high-quality food and maintain kitchen standards in diverse, fast-changing environments.

What are some common challenges temp chefs face when adapting to new kitchens and teams?

Temp Chefs often need to quickly acclimate to unfamiliar kitchens, equipment, and team dynamics. This can involve learning new menus, understanding different food safety protocols, and building rapport with permanent staff—sometimes all within a single shift. Flexibility, strong communication skills, and a willingness to ask questions are essential for success. Embracing these challenges helps Temp Chefs deliver high-quality results and maintain a positive reputation for future assignments.

What is the difference between Temp Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectTemp ChefLine Cook
CredentialsCooking experience, culinary certifications (optional)Cooking experience, culinary certifications (optional)
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments in various kitchensFull-time or part-time in a specific kitchen
Employer UsageStaffing agencies, event catering, hotelsRestaurants, hotels, catering services
Search & ComparisonOften compared for temporary vs permanent rolesCommonly compared for kitchen roles

Temp Chefs and Line Cooks both require culinary skills and experience, but Temp Chefs work on temporary assignments across different kitchens, offering flexibility and variety. Line Cooks typically work full-time in a single establishment, focusing on consistent kitchen operations. The choice depends on whether you prefer temporary, diverse work or a stable, ongoing position in a specific kitchen environment.

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

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Illinois are:

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

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

What job categories do people searching Temp Chef jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Temp Chef jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Temp Chef jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Temp Chef job openings:

Temp Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temp Chef job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Sous Chef

Aba

Chicago, IL • On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

About US
Located in Chicago's Fulton Market neighborhood, Aba, meaning father in Hebrew, is a Mediterranean restaurant with a California influence. With locations in Austin, TX, Chicago, IL, and Nashville, TN, the menu features Top Chef Alum, Chef Partner CJ Jacobson's modern approach to Mediterranean cooking and the beverage program showcases spirits and rare wines from lesser known Mediterranean regions.
Overview
Aba Chicago is now Hiring a SOUS CHEF!
Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training and growth opportunities.
A Few of Our Benefits:
  • Competitive Salary
  • Quarterly Bonus
  • Paid Time Off - including Paid Holidays, Personal Days & Vacation
  • 401(k)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Life, Accident Protection & Critical Illness Insurance
  • Domestic Partner Benefits
  • Restaurant Discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program - focusing on a commitment to mental health & wellness

Why Work With Lettuce?
Lettuce is a culinary-driven restaurant company with a genuine commitment to our people: we welcome unique perspectives and nurture diverse talents at 130+ locations, supported by our Culture of Caring. If you're ready to be a part of what we do next, then explore your possibilities at Lettuce and apply today!
We participate in E-Verify / Participamos en E-Verify
Responsibilities
  • Run BOH shifts and ensure effective and efficient BOH shifts and operations including food prep and cooking, ensure adequate inventory levels of food and supplies, and supervise the kitchen, dish and all other BOH teams
  • Lead BOH pre-shift meetings and participating in line, temp and cooler checks and food tastings for the shift
  • Partner with GM and/or designated managers/chefs to regularly review and maintain recipe books
  • Perform regular line checks throughout the day to ensure quality of all menu items
  • Purchase and order food product and supplies for the restaurant including daily product order
  • Assist with tracking and controlling food cost
  • Ensure effective communication of food production and timing issues, needs, and special requests between front of house (FOH) and BOH
  • Partner with GM and management team to interview, hire, onboard, train, supervise and develop all BOH employees and teams as needed
  • Model and promote teamwork across all teams
  • Use tact and good judgment when dealing with challenges pertaining to guests, vendors and employees, and respond with patience and courtesy
  • Work a variety of days and shifts (including early mornings, late nights and weekends) at multiple sites with or without overnight travel, as needed
  • Move and lift up to 10 pounds, frequently move and/or lift up to 25 pounds, occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds

Qualifications
  • 2-3 years of sous chef experience in a full-service restaurant
  • Ability to lead and manage the kitchen staff

Salary Range
USD $55,000.00 - USD $75,000.00 /Yr.

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