Demo

Prep Cook

Ema
Chicago, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 5/5/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/5/2026

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)



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, 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 Cooks are responsible for the preparation and production of readying foods, garnishes and condiments to be used on the line or for service.


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

Salary : $17 - $25

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