Junior Sous Chef

Junior Sous Chef

Chicago, United States

Company
Formento's
Location
Chicago, IL
Job Type
Full-time
Salary
50K–65K a year
Posted
3 days ago
Via
via Culinary Agents

Job Description
Formento’s is looking for a high-energy, hands-on Junior Sous Chef ready to take the next step in their career.

We are a fast-paced Italian steakhouse with a busy dining room, private events program, and adjacent sandwich shop (Nonna’s). This is a chef-driven kitchen with high standards, strong systems, and a leadership team focused on building a serious Back of House culture.

This is not a clipboard management position.

We’re looking for someone who:
• loves being on the line,
• moves fast,
• works clean,
• communicates well with cooks,
• and wants to grow into a stronger chef and leader.
What This Role Looks Like

This is a highly active, hands-on kitchen role.

You will:
• jump onto stations during service,
• support cooks during busy pushes,
• help maintain organization and standards,
• and fill operational gaps wherever needed.

Some days you may be:
• working grill,
• helping with prep,
• running private dining,
• supporting Nonna’s production,
• or assisting expo during service.

We need someone adaptable, physically quick, mentally sharp, and willing to do whatever the kitchen needs to succeed.

Who You Are
• A strong line cook or newer sous chef ready for more responsibility
• Comfortable in a high-volume environment
• Hungry to learn and improve
• Calm under pressure
• Not afraid of hard work
• Respectful, coachable, and team-oriented
• Someone who earns respect through consistency and effort—not ego

This role works closely with a predominantly Spanish-speaking kitchen team. Bilingual candidates or chefs comfortable working in multicultural kitchens are strongly preferred.

What We’re Looking For
• 2+ years of strong line cook or kitchen leadership experience
• Ability to confidently work stations during service
• Strong sense of urgency and organization
• Good communication and leadership instincts
• Open availability including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Desire to grow into larger leadership responsibilities over time

What You’ll Gain

This is a real growth opportunity inside a chef-driven operation.

You’ll work directly with:
• the Executive Chef,
• CDC,
• and leadership team

while learning:
• kitchen systems,
• prep structure,
• leadership,
• service management,
• organization,
• and operational execution at a high level.

We are looking for someone we can invest in long term.
Qualified candidates will be invited to stage during dinner service.
If you want to become a stronger chef and grow inside a serious kitchen, we’d love to meet you.
More Jobs
Sous Chef - TAO Restaurant Los Angeles
Tao Group Hospitality  · 6 hours ago
Open Call Sushi Restaurant: BOH and FOH
Neighborhood Sushi Dallas  · 8 hours ago
Restaurant Line Cook
Softies Burger - USC Village  · 1 day ago
Executive/Head-chef
FIASCHETTERIA PISTOIA  · 9 hours ago
Executive Chef | $110K to $120K | Philadelphia
Mis en Place  · 110K–112K a year  · 1 day ago
Food Runner/Busser
Doughboy Restaurant Group  · 5 days ago

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Restaurant Jobs in United States

Q What is the federal minimum cash wage for tipped restaurant servers in the United States in 2026?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, the federal minimum cash wage for tipped restaurant servers is $2.13 per hour as of 2026. Employers must ensure that tips combined with the cash wage equal at least $7.25 per hour for each workweek, paying any shortfall directly.
Q What is the salary range for waiters and waitresses in restaurant jobs in the United States in 2026?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, annual wages for waiters and waitresses range from $18,290 at the 10th percentile to $53,650 at the 90th percentile, with a median of $31,380 based on May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data applicable to 2026. The corresponding hourly medians are $8.79 to $25.79, with $15.09 median.
Q What work visa do international applicants need for seasonal restaurant jobs in the US in 2026?
The H-2B nonimmigrant visa permits foreign workers to fill temporary restaurant jobs, subject to a statutory annual cap of 66,000 visas per fiscal year. Employers must first obtain DOL temporary labor certification, then file Form I-129 with USCIS, with petitions processed starting April 1 for FY2026 third quarter.
Q What education or experience is required for entry-level restaurant jobs like servers or cooks?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports no formal educational credential is needed for cooks or food and beverage servers, with 29% of restaurant cooks having less than high school education. Training consists of short-term on-the-job instruction under 1 month; no prior experience required for entry-level positions.
View all 7 FAQs