1

Weekend Kitchen Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Manager | Houlihan's - Champaign, IL This role is about more than running a kitchen. It ... Flexible availability including nights, weekends, and peak business periods What You Get

Kitchen Manager

Hillside, IL · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs * Ability to lift ... Exposure to hot kitchen equipment, walk-in coolers, and varying temperatures * Frequent handling of ...

Kitchen Manager

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

As Kitchen Manager, you will help lead the way in our fast-paced, high-volume, scratch kitchen ... Must be able to work flexible shifts and schedules, inclusive of weekends and some holidays Cooper ...

Kitchen Manager

Morton Grove, IL · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

As Kitchen Manager, you will help lead the way in our fast-paced, high-volume, scratch kitchen ... Must be able to work flexible shifts and schedules, inclusive of weekends and some holidays Cooper ...

Kitchen Manager

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

As Kitchen Manager, you will help lead the way in our fast-paced, high-volume, scratch kitchen ... Must be able to work flexible shifts and schedules, inclusive of weekends and some holidays Cooper ...

Kitchen Manager

East Peoria, IL · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Has open availability during the week and on the weekends, should the restaurant require your ... Proven experience as a kitchen manager or lead chef in a restaurant. * Strong leadership ...

As the Kitchen Helper, you'll prepare delicious, nutritious food that helps fuel children as they ... Monday through Friday, no weekends or evening hours! The schedule for this position is full time, ...

New

Has open availability during the week and on the weekends, should the restaurant require your ... Proven experience as a kitchen manager or lead chef in a restaurant. * Strong leadership ...

Kitchen Manager

Springfield, IL · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

As Kitchen Manager, you will help lead the way in our fast-paced, high-volume, scratch kitchen ... Must be able to work flexible shifts and schedules, inclusive of weekends and some holidays Cooper ...

Kitchen Manager

Peoria, IL · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Has open availability during the week and on the weekends, should the restaurant require your ... Proven experience as a kitchen manager or lead chef in a restaurant. * Strong leadership ...

Has open availability during the week and on the weekends, should the restaurant require your ... Proven experience as a kitchen manager or lead chef in a restaurant. * Strong leadership ...

Showing results 21-40

Weekend Kitchen information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do weekend kitchen jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for weekend kitchen in Illinois is $14.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $16.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a weekend kitchen?

Weekend kitchen jobs typically involve working in a kitchen environment during the weekends, assisting with food preparation, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining kitchen hygiene. These roles can be found in restaurants, cafes, catering companies, or other food service establishments that require extra help during busy weekend hours. Common positions include kitchen assistants, line cooks, dishwashers, or prep cooks. Weekend kitchen staff play a crucial role in ensuring smooth kitchen operations and high-quality food service during peak times.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a weekend kitchen worker?

To thrive as a Weekend Kitchen Worker, you need basic food preparation skills, familiarity with kitchen safety standards, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with commercial kitchen equipment and, in some cases, a food handler's certification are typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are crucial soft skills. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality food service during busy weekend shifts.

What are some common challenges faced in a weekend kitchen role and how can they be managed?

Working in a Weekend Kitchen role often involves handling higher volumes of customers compared to weekdays, which can lead to a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment. Effective time management and strong communication with team members are essential to ensure orders are prepared accurately and efficiently. Additionally, you may need to adapt quickly to changing menus or special weekend promotions. Being proactive, organized, and maintaining a positive attitude can help you manage these challenges and contribute to a successful team dynamic.

What is the difference between Weekend Kitchen vs Weekend Chef?

AspectWeekend KitchenWeekend Chef
CredentialsBasic culinary skills, food handling certificationsSame as Weekend Kitchen, often with additional culinary training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, catering events, food prep areasRestaurants, catering, private events
Employer & Industry UsageFood service establishments, catering companiesRestaurants, catering services, private clients
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for part-time food prep rolesCompared for cooking and food presentation roles

Weekend Kitchen typically refers to roles focused on food preparation and kitchen support during weekends, often in catering or food service settings. Weekend Chef usually involves cooking and menu preparation, often in restaurants or private events. While both roles require culinary skills, Weekend Chefs tend to have more advanced cooking responsibilities. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

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

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Weekend Kitchen jobs in Illinois?

For Weekend Kitchen jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Weekend Kitchen jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Weekend Kitchen jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Weekend Kitchen jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Weekend Kitchen job openings:

Infographic showing various Weekend Kitchen job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,055 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

$40K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Kitchen Manager | Houlihan's - Champaign, IL

This role is about more than running a kitchen. It's about leading a high-performing back-of-house team, executing consistently at volume, and delivering a food experience that meets Houlihan's standards every shift.

We're looking for a Kitchen Manager who can lead people, manage operations, and maintain quality without stepping away from the line.

What You'll Do
  • Lead, coach, and develop back-of-house team members, including line cooks, prep cooks, and dish staff
  • Oversee daily kitchen operations including opening/closing procedures and shift execution
  • Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, and adherence to recipes and standards
  • Manage inventory, ordering, and product usage to control food cost and minimize waste
  • Maintain compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations
  • Monitor staffing levels, scheduling, and labor performance to meet business needs
  • Support the line during peak service and ensure efficient ticket times
  • Partner with front-of-house leadership to ensure a seamless guest experience
  • Address equipment, maintenance, and operational issues proactively
  • Uphold cleanliness, organization, and safety standards across all kitchen areas
What You Bring
  • Minimum of 2-3 years of kitchen leadership experience in a high-volume restaurant
  • Strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to hold team members accountable
  • Solid understanding of food safety standards (ServSafe preferred)
  • Experience managing inventory, ordering, and cost controls
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
  • High attention to detail, organization, and consistency
  • Flexible availability including nights, weekends, and peak business periods
What You Get
  • Competitive salary and bonus potential
  • Health benefits, 401(k), and paid time off for eligible employees
  • Opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization
Additional Information
  • Pay will be discussed during the hiring process and based on experience and qualifications
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods and perform physical job duties
  • Reasonable accommodations will be provided as required by law
  • Houlihan's is an equal opportunity employer

Houlihan's Restaurant + Bar features a vibrant atmosphere and irresistible American cuisine. Located directly south of the State Farm Center and on the main floor of the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center, this contemporary restaurant in Champaign includes an energetic dining room, bustling bar, and cozy outdoor patio to dine al fresco during warmer weather.
Offering delicious appetizers, exceptional entrees, and decadent desserts, our diverse selections are exclusively prepared from scratch using the highest quality ingredients to satisfy your cravings.

Education:{"credentialcategory":"high school","@type":"EducationalOccupationalCredential"}Employment Type: FULL_TIME