Head Chef & Sous Chef- Pre- Opening Brunch Restaurant

Head Chef & Sous Chef- Pre- Opening Brunch Restaurant


Company
Roots "The Brunch Experience"
Location
Chicago, IL
Job Type
Full-time
Posted
9 hours ago
Via
via Indeed

Job Description
Head Chef & Sous Chef – Pre-Opening Brunch Concept

Job Description

ROOTS – The Brunch Experience is preparing to open a new experience-driven brunch concept and is building its kitchen leadership team.

We are hiring for both a Head Chef (Working Chef) and a Sous Chef to help lead our pre-opening phase and ongoing kitchen operations.

This is a hands-on opportunity that requires establishing systems, support consistency, and be part of creating a high-quality brunch experience.

Position Overview
β€’ Pre-opening role starting within the next few weeks
β€’ Brunch-focused concept with service hours from 8 AM – 4 PM
β€’ Full-time positions
β€’ Hands-on kitchen leadership roles
β€’ Daytime schedule
β€’ Opportunity to grow with a new concept

Head Chef (Working Chef) Responsibilities
β€’ Lead kitchen operations and daily service
β€’ Actively cook and manage the line during service
β€’ Train and develop kitchen staff
β€’ Establish prep systems, kitchen workflow, and consistency
β€’ Maintain food quality, presentation, and timing
β€’ Manage inventory, ordering, and food cost.
β€’ Work closely with ownership and management team

Compensation:

$70,000/year

Sous Chef Responsibilities
β€’ Support the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations
β€’ Help run the line and maintain service flow
β€’ Oversee prep, execution, and station organization
β€’ Step in as lead when needed
β€’ Assist with training kitchen staff
β€’ Help maintain kitchen standards, consistency, and accountability

Compensation:

$55,000/year

What We’re Looking For
β€’ Strong kitchen experience in a fast-paced environment
β€’ Hands-on cooking and line experience
β€’ Ability to work efficiently during service
β€’ Organized, reliable, and team-oriented
β€’ Strong communication skills

Brunch or breakfast experience is a plus

Pay: $60,000.00 per year

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Restaurant Jobs

Q What is the federal minimum wage for restaurant servers in the United States in 2026?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, the federal minimum wage for restaurant workers is $7.25 per hour as of January 1 2026. Tipped employees receive a cash wage of $2.13 per hour with tips required to reach the full $7.25 minimum. Overtime pay at 1.5 times the rate applies after 40 hours in a workweek.
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As per the U.S. Department of Labor, non-exempt restaurant employees must receive overtime after 40 hours worked in a workweek during 2026. Employers must pay 1.5 times the regular rate for all hours over 40. Breaks of 30 minutes or more are not counted as working time if the employee is completely relieved of duties.
Q What work authorization documents are required for non-citizens applying to restaurant jobs in the United States in 2026?
As per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, all new hires must complete Form I-9 by the end of their first day of work in 2026. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport or green card combined with a driver's license. Employers must reverify work authorization before expiration of documents such as Employment Authorization Documents.
Q What tax withholding applies to restaurant tips in the United States in 2026?
As per the Internal Revenue Service, employers must withhold income tax, Social Security at 6.2 percent, and Medicare at 1.45 percent on all tips reported in 2026. Employees must report tips of $20 or more in a month to their employer by the 10th of the following month. Unreported tips are still subject to self-employment tax on Schedule SE.
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