Full Time Line Cook

Chicago, United States
Full Time Line Cook
Company
Smack Dab Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL (+1 other)
Job type
Full-time
Via
via Smack Dab
Job description
Smack Dab is looking for a fantastic and focused Line Cook to join our team for our busy season and beyond! We are a queer-woman bruncheonette known for our Life-Changing Breakfast Sandwiches, our handmade donuts, our genuine service and our community involvement. Our dream hire knows how to bang out a very busy brunch on the line (200+ tickets on the weekends), can mesh quickly into an established system, yet is always excited to improve and innovate with their team. Our Line Cooks need to stay cool under pressure, prioritize tasks and needs on the fly with ever-changing circumstances and execute tickets with speed and accuracy. Egg cookery and grill experience is a must. We feed a lot of gluten free, vegetarian and vegan customers, so knowledge of allergens is crucial. Requirements:Our ideal candidate has mental acuity, strong knife skills and a fluency in standard cooking techniques and bulk production. Expo experience and/or a baking background is a plus, but not required. Candidates should be critical thinkers and self-directed. At this time, we are not considering entry-level applicants or those returning to the field. Part of our charm is to make this job look easy--it's not. We work hard to provide a relaxed environment for customers, which means we are professionals who are focused, efficient and results-driven.Schedule:Weekend availability is required for morning shifts (7 am–4 pm range), along with 2-3 weekday shifts. There is also an opportunity for weekday production hours in the late afternoon or early evening.Compensation:Starting wage is $22–24/hour based on experience. Merit-based raises are available within 90 days, in addition to PTO, sick pay, 401k matching, health insurance and disability. Please include your resume with your application along with 1-2 references! Location: we are located on the far north side in Rogers Park, Chicago, almost in Evanston. Local candidates are highly preferred.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Restaurant Jobs in United States

Q
What is the federal minimum cash wage for tipped servers in US restaurants in 2026?
As per the Wage and Hour Division, the federal minimum cash wage for tipped employees like restaurant servers is $2.13 per hour as of 2026. Employers must ensure that tips plus the cash wage equal at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, paying the difference if tips fall short. Overtime for hours over 40 per workweek is calculated at 1.5 times the full minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
Source: Wage and Hour Division, U.S. Department of Labor
Q
What is the median annual wage for restaurant cooks in the United States in 2026?
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for cooks in restaurants is $31,310 as of May 2023 data applicable through 2026. The wage range spans $25,090 at the 10th percentile to $44,240 at the 90th percentile annually. Hourly median is $15.05 for full-time equivalent.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Q
What visa is required for foreign nationals to work seasonal restaurant jobs in the US in 2026?
As per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the H-2B visa allows foreign workers for temporary non-agricultural jobs like peak-season restaurant work, with a statutory annual cap of 66,000 visas for FY2026. The cap allocates 33,000 visas for October 1 to March 31 and 33,000 for April 1 to September 30. Employers must obtain labor certification from DOL and file Form I-129 petition.
Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Q
What education or experience is required for entry-level waiter jobs in US restaurants?
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, waiters and waitresses need no formal educational credential for entry-level positions. Training is short-term on-the-job, typically less than 30 days. No prior work experience is required, though basic math for orders and customer service aptitude helps.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics