Customer-Facing Line Cook

At Soul & Smoke, we treat barbecue with the reverence it deserves. We have consumed with the details: the meat-to-bone ratio on our ribs, the creaminess of our mac and cheese, and the combination of spices in Chef Carter’s signature sauce.

We are seeking an experienced, capable and reliable prep/line cook to be part of the team at our location in the food hall of Ogilvie Station/Accenture Tower. This outlet in the West Loop requires a skill set strong enough to carry out line prep, execute line orders, and interact with customers in this open, client-facing kitchen. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, detail-oriented, energetic cook with strong time management and communication skills.

Because our success depends upon the dedication of our employees, we are highly selective in choosing new members of our team. We take pride in the quality of our food and service - you will be an important member of a team effort. As a growing business with 3 locations, 2 food trucks, a kiosk at Soldier Field, and a strong catering business, there is a good deal of room for career growth within the company.

Job Responsibilities:

• Set up and stock stations daily with necessary food and supplies.
• Prepare food items by cutting, chopping, mixing, smoking, grilling, sautéing, and other cooking methods according to specified recipes and standards.
• Maintain cleanliness that complies with food sanitation requirements by properly handling food and ensuring correct storage.
• Perform inventory checks, line checks, complete food storage and meat count logs as required.
• Prep and send out dine-in, to-go, and catering-sized orders in a fast-paced setting.
• Maintain a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude toward customers and co-workers at all times.
• Wash and put away dishes.
• Take customer orders at the counter and over the phone, double-check orders before giving them to customers.
• Ensure customer satisfaction and provide professional customer support.
• Acknowledge and resolve any customer issues and complaints.
• Gain knowledge of all our products and services with the ability to answer questions accurately.
• Provide customer and other feedback to the Soul & Smoke team - verbally and via Slack messages.

Requirements:

• Must have the ability to work evenings and weekends and be flexible when necessary.
• 2 years of line/prep experience - some fine dining and/or expediting experience preferred.
• Food handler certificate (must be attained within 30 days of hire if not already in possession).
• Reliable and timely.
• Strong and positive communication and relations with customers and coworkers.
• Attention to detail – organized and efficient.
• Ability to stay calm and make good decisions under pressure.
• Professional and proactive.
• Sense of teamwork and urgency.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Flexibility and adaptability! As a growing small business, we are evolving and refining.
• Ability to walk/stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.

Pay/Benefits:

• JOB TYPE: Full-time (part-time is possible).
• PAY: Base hourly rate starting at $17, plus additional pooled revenue share of $4-6 per hour.
• BENEFITS: Staff meals are provided each shift, plus dining and catering discounts. Accrued paid leave. Health and dental, Aflac, and retirement plans are available for full-time employees after 90 days.

Soul & Smoke (Evanston, Avondale, West Loop) is a collection of restaurants, two food trucks, and catering team that serve barbecue fare and comfort food from the heart. The Black-owned and women-led team at the helm of Soul & Smoke values being part of the community through thoughtful initiatives, like providing customers the option to purchase a meal for a neighbor in need and partnering with nonprofits like World Central Kitchen to feed underserved populations.