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Weekday Chef Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Busser

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $30/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 ...

Busser

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $30/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 ...

Barback

South 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 ...

Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24/hr

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 ...

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 ...

Lead Host

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $24/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 ...

Lead Host

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $24/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 ...

Showing results 41-50

Weekday Chef information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$25

$46

How much do weekday chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for weekday chef in Chicago, IL is $25.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $31.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

How many days a week do weekday chefs work?

Weekday chefs typically work five days a week, Monday through Friday, with shifts varying depending on the establishment. Some may work early mornings, evenings, or split shifts, but the standard schedule usually involves five workdays. Overtime or weekend work may be required in busy periods or for special events.

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

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

Infographic showing various Weekday Chef job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,769 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

$18 - $30/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

We're hiring people to join our team as BUSSERS!

A Few of Our Busser 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

BUSSER JOB DESCRIPTION


Bussers are responsible for assisting the service team in exceeding the guest's expectations. Assists with Barista duties as directed. Teamwork, organization and good awareness are necessary for success in this position.


Essential Functions

  • Clean and reset tables and transport dirty dishes to bus tub, tray or dish room
  • Available to work a variety of hours, days and shifts, including weekends
  • Effectively service a minimum of an eight table section
  • Safely and effectively move chairs, tables, highchairs and booster seats
  • Clean and reset tables and transport dirty dishes to bus-tub, tray or dish room
  • Safely and effectively use and operate all necessary tools and equipment
  • Ability to effectively communicate in order to perform and follow job requirements in written and spoken direction
  • Ability to multitask 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

  • Ensure the overall guest experience exceeds expectations and anticipate guests' needs
  • Greet guests with a warm, sincere smile
  • Use tact and good judgement when dealing with guest challenges and respond to guest needs with patience and courtesy
  • Assist service team with all food and beverage service
  • Follow all steps of service
  • 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