ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Weekday Chef Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Ema

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Domestic Partner Benefits * 401(k) Ema is a Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago's River North neighborhood showcasing Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter California style of cooking. Ema offers weekday lunch ...

New

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Counter/Cashier

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $18/hr

... weekday breakfast and lunch. The menu features a large self-serve salad bar, hot bar, soup bar, rotating chef-prepared salads, sandwiches and snacks, catering options, as well as a Beatrix coffee and ...

Ēma

Host

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $24/hr

Domestic Partner Benefits * 401(k) Ēma is a Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago's River North neighborhood showcasing Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter California style of cooking. Ema offers weekday lunch ...

Ema

Dishwasher

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $25/hr

Domestic Partner Benefits * 401(k) Ēma is a Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago's River North neighborhood showcasing Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter California style of cooking. Ema offers weekday lunch ...

Ema

Dishwasher

Chicago, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Domestic Partner Benefits * 401(k) Ema is a Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago's River North neighborhood showcasing Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter California style of cooking. Ema offers weekday lunch ...

Beatrix Market- Loop

Counter/Cashier

Chicago, IL

$15.75 - $18/hr

... weekday breakfast and lunch. The menu features a large self-serve salad bar, hot bar, soup bar, rotating chef-prepared salads, sandwiches and snacks, catering options, as well as a Beatrix coffee and ...

New

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Host

Chicago, IL · On-site

Domestic Partner Benefits * 401(k) Ema is a Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago's River North neighborhood showcasing Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter California style of cooking. Ema offers weekday lunch ...

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Cashier

Chicago, IL · On-site

$12 - $16.50/hr

... weekday breakfast and lunch. The menu features a large self-serve salad bar, hot bar, soup bar, hummus bar, pizza bar, rotating chef-prepared salads, sandwiches and snacks, catering options, as well ...

Beatrix Market

Barista

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

... weekday breakfast and lunch. The menu features a large self-serve salad bar, hot bar, soup bar, rotating chef-prepared salads, sandwiches and snacks, catering options, as well as a Beatrix coffee and ...

New

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Dishwasher

Chicago, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Domestic Partner Benefits * 401(k) Ema is a Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago's River North neighborhood showcasing Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter California style of cooking. Ema offers weekday lunch ...

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Runner

Chicago, IL · On-site

Domestic Partner Benefits * 401(k) Ema is a Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago's River North neighborhood showcasing Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter California style of cooking. Ema offers weekday lunch ...

Ema

Runner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $35/hr

Domestic Partner Benefits * 401(k) Ēma is a Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago's River North neighborhood showcasing Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter California style of cooking. Ema offers weekday lunch ...

Beatrix Market

Cashier

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $24/hr

... weekday breakfast and lunch. The menu features a large self-serve salad bar, hot bar, soup bar, hummus bar, pizza bar, rotating chef-prepared salads, sandwiches and snacks, catering options, as well ...

Beatrix Market - DePaul Loop

Cashier

Chicago, IL · On-site

$12 - $16.50/hr

... weekday breakfast and lunch. The menu features a large self-serve salad bar, hot bar, soup bar, hummus bar, pizza bar, rotating chef-prepared salads, sandwiches and snacks, catering options, as well ...

Ema

Host

Chicago, IL · On-site

Domestic Partner Benefits * 401(k) Ema is a Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago's River North neighborhood showcasing Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter California style of cooking. Ema offers weekday lunch ...

Ema

Runner

Chicago, IL

Domestic Partner Benefits * 401(k) Ema is a Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago's River North neighborhood showcasing Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter California style of cooking. Ema offers weekday lunch ...

The Greggory

Barback

Barrington, IL · On-site

$9 - $10/hr

... Chef Jose Sosa (Gibsons Italia). The Greggory responds to the growing demand in the Northwest ... relaxed weekday dinners or a celebratory dining experience, all with the generous spirit and ...

Ema

Host

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $24/hr

Domestic Partner Benefits * 401(k) Ēma is a Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago's River North neighborhood showcasing Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter California style of cooking. Ema offers weekday lunch ...

Study Hotels

Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

We are looking for a skilled candidate who has the flexibility to work weekends and weekdays. The ... Maintain the food quality to the Chef's standards; ensure a consistent product each time. * Explain ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsWeekday Chef JobsWeekday Chef Jobs in Illinois

Weekday Chef information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a weekday chef?

To thrive as a Weekday Chef, you need strong culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and experience in menu planning, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Excellent time management, adaptability, and clear communication help chefs manage high-volume meal prep and coordinate with kitchen staff. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, consistent meal quality, and compliance with health regulations during busy weekday service.

What are some common challenges faced by a weekday chef, and how can they be managed effectively?

Weekday Chefs often face the challenge of preparing high-quality meals within tight timeframes due to the busy nature of weekday service. Additionally, menu planning must cater to regular clientele who may expect variety and healthy options. Effective time management, strong organizational skills, and open communication with kitchen staff are key to overcoming these challenges. Chefs can also streamline operations by prepping ingredients in advance and regularly collaborating with suppliers to ensure fresh, timely deliveries.

What is a weekday chef?

Weekday Chefs are culinary professionals who primarily work during the weekdays, often preparing meals for families, individuals, or organizations. Their duties can include meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, and sometimes cleaning up afterward. Weekday Chefs may work in private homes, corporate settings, or catering companies, and are typically hired to provide convenient, healthy, and delicious meals to suit their clients' schedules and preferences. This role is ideal for those looking for a regular workweek and work-life balance compared to traditional restaurant hours.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Weekday Chef jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Weekday Chef job openings:
Weekday Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weekday Chef job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Prep Cook

Ema

Chicago, IL • On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New

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)



Ema is a Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago's River North neighborhood showcasing Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter California style of cooking. Ema offers weekday lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. The menu highlights local produce, unique spices and ingredients and is built around mezze, Mediterranean small plates meant for sharing. Signature dishes include Hummus, Charred Eggplant Spread, House-made Labneh and Stracciatella, Green Falafel, Grilled Octopus and Chicken Kefta Kebabs. The bar program features a wine list with selections from the Mediterranean coastline, surrounding islands and California producers, as well as hand-crafted cocktail and Reserve cocktail menu.




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 Cooksare responsible for the preparation and production of readying foods, garnishes and condiments to be used on the line or forservice.


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

Apply