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Weekend Cook Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Memorial Health

Cafe Associate

Decatur, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $21.44/hr

Every other weekend * Cook experience preferred Prepares and serves food in the cafeteria and performs other duties. Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Food service ...

Memorial Health

Cafe Associate

Decatur, IL

$15.50 - $21.44/hr

Every other weekend * Cook experience preferred Prepares and serves food in the cafeteria and performs other duties. Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Food service ...

Memorial Health

Cafe Associate

Decatur, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $21.44/hr

Every other weekend * Cook experience preferred Prepares and serves food in the cafeteria and performs other duties. High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Food service experience is preferred.

Raising Cane's

Cook - Weekend Availability

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $15.50 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Weekend Availability

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $15.50 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Weekend Availability

Shorewood, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $15.50 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Weekend Availability

Shorewood, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $15.50 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Weekend Availability

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $15.50 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

Raising Cane's

Cook - Weekend Availability

Shorewood, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Starting hiring pay at: $15.50 As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards. Working in the Kitchen at Raising ...

ROCKFORD RESCUE MISSION

Cook (Weekend) (PT)

Rockford, IL · On-site

$16.75/hr

To prepare and cook meals for residents and guests of the Rescue Mission. WORKING CONDITIONS: Requires knowledge of kitchen equipment. Requires working in and around hot and cold environments and ...

Rockford Rescue Mission

Cook (Weekend) (PT)

Rockford, IL · On-site

$16.75/hr

To prepare and cook meals for residents and guests of the Rescue Mission. WORKING CONDITIONS: Requires knowledge of kitchen equipment. Requires working in and around hot and cold environments and ...

Rockford Rescue Mission

Cook (Weekend) (PT)

Rockford, IL · On-site

$16.75/hr

To prepare and cook meals for residents and guests of the Rescue Mission. WORKING CONDITIONS: Requires knowledge of kitchen equipment. Requires working in and around hot and cold environments and ...

Denny's

Denny's Cooks - Weekend Days

Gurnee, IL · On-site

$17/hr

As a short order cook, line cook, grill cook, or breakfast cook, you'll be the one making sure ... Must be 18 or older and be able to work weekends and holidays What We Offer: * Competitive hourly ...

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All JobsCook JobsWeekend Cook JobsWeekend Cook Jobs in Illinois

Weekend Cook information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do weekend cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for weekend cook in Illinois is $15.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of a weekend cook?

A weekend cook is responsible for preparing and cooking meals, often during weekends or on a part-time basis. Duties typically include following recipes, ensuring kitchen cleanliness, managing food inventory, and sometimes assisting with menu planning. Weekend cooks may work in restaurants, care facilities, schools, or private homes, and are expected to maintain food safety standards while delivering quality dishes. Good time management and multitasking skills are essential for handling busy meal periods.

What is the difference between Weekend Cook vs Part-Time Line Cook?

AspectWeekend CookPart-Time Line Cook
CredentialsFood Handler's Permit, Cooking experienceFood Handler's Permit, Kitchen experience
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafes, catering events on weekendsFast-paced restaurant kitchens, shifts vary
Employer & Industry UsageHospitality, food service, cateringRestaurants, hotels, food establishments
Search & Comparison IntentSimilar roles, weekend work, part-timePart-time kitchen work, flexible hours

The main difference is that a Weekend Cook primarily works during weekends, often in casual or catering settings, while a Part-Time Line Cook works fewer hours during weekdays or weekends in restaurant kitchens. Both roles require similar food safety certifications and cooking skills, but their schedules and work environments differ slightly.

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

To thrive as a Weekend Cook, you need a solid understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and basic culinary techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant food handling certifications. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food storage systems, and point-of-sale (POS) software is typically required. Strong time management, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure that meals are prepared safely, efficiently, and to a high standard, even during busy periods.

What are the typical challenges faced by a Weekend Cook and how can they be managed?

Weekend Cooks often experience a fast-paced environment due to higher customer volumes and limited staffing during weekends. Managing multiple orders simultaneously while maintaining consistency and quality can be challenging. Effective time management, strong organizational skills, and clear communication with team members are crucial for success. Proactively prepping ingredients before peak times and collaborating closely with servers and kitchen staff can help ensure smooth operations. Being adaptable and staying calm under pressure are also key to thriving in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Weekend Cook jobs in Illinois? For Weekend Cook jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Weekend Cook jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Weekend Cook jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Weekend Cook jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Weekend Cook job openings:
Weekend Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weekend Cook job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,307 per year, or $15.5 per hour.
Cafe Associate

Cafe Associate

Memorial Health

Decatur, IL • On-site

$15.50 - $21.44/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Memorial Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 174 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

449th of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Min
USD $15.50/Hr.
Max
USD $21.44/Hr.
Overview
  • Full time
  • Varied shift
  • Every other weekend
  • Cook experience preferred

Prepares and serves food in the cafeteria and performs other duties.
Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Food service experience is preferred.
Environmental Factors
  • Moderate exposure to uncomfortable temperature levels, above average noise levels, and/or potentially injurious elements or conditions.

Physical Demands
  • The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • Must be able to stand for the entire shift. Moderate physical exertion is required, including frequent walking, standing, bending and reaching and frequent lifting of average loads (6 to 25 pounds).

Mental Demands
  • Must be able to work under stress and to adapt to changing conditions.
  • Ability to adhere to strict confidentiality requirements.

Responsibilities
Essential Functions and Job Duties
  • Identifies with, shares in, and displays a commitment to the mission, philosophy, and objectives of the organization. Demonstrates knowledge of the mission, gives consideration to the principles of the mission (core values: Compassion, Ability, Respect, Excellence, and Service).
  • Participates in and supports performance improvement and risk management activities.
  • Serves customers graciously and receives them as #1 priority as soon as they reach the serving line.
    • Handles negative comments in a professional manner.
    • Calls known customers by name.
    • Provides suggestive sales.
  • Cleans equipment, dispensers, bars, tables, counters and other assigned areas according to Public Health Department and infection control policy.
    • Picks up any trays left in the dining room as soon as the customers leave
  • Uses equipment correctly; prepares some foods.
    • Uses grill and toaster, etc., properly.
    • Maintains proper temperatures for both hot and cold foods.
    • Consistently cooks foods as they are ordered in a short period of time.
    • Communicates with the supervisor of any unusual changes in the equipment.
  • Follows cost containment guidelines.
    • Rotates all foods.
    • Ensures that serving sizes are correct.
    • Cuts desserts in proper sizes.
  • Ensures adequate supplies are on hand.
  • Ensures that containers are stocked with dishes, trays, cups, glasses, napkins, juices, etc.
  • Ensures that storage areas are stocked with breads, cereals, eggs, condiments, etc.
  • Informs cook of food items in low supply.
  • Gathers and delivers coffee supplies to the lounges in the hospital.
  • Plan, orders and attractively prepares the dessert menu allowing for minimum leftovers.
  • Sets up the salad and dessert refrigerators attractively.
  • Consistently sees that supplies are not depleted even if it is the responsibility of others.
  • Uses any slow periods to help other employees with their stocking.
  • Follows all sanitation guidelines.
  • Works well with deadlines.
  • Operates cash register quickly and accurately.
  • Consistently rings up foods in a timely manner while maintaining the correct balance.
  • Charges are always correct.
  • Consistently gives appropriate discount.
  • Adheres to all personal sanitation guidelines.
  • Washes hands and changes gloves frequently.
  • Attends and contributes at all safety training sessions.
  • Uses good body mechanics.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

What Memorial Health employees say

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