Food Service Worker

Cook / Server – Monarch Catering Company

Monarch Catering Company, Inc. – Transform School Lunch
Location: Chicago, IL area (serving Chicago-area PK-12 schools)
Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time (School Year Schedule)
Compensation: $21–$24+/hr

At Monarch Catering, we believe in the power of scratch-cooked, local, sustainable, and regenerative food to nourish bodies, minds, and communities. Guided by a “food as medicine” philosophy and deep integrity in every ingredient and operation, we partner with Midwest farms to deliver joyful, nutrient-dense meals that support children’s health and potential.

We seek Cook / Servers who understand this mission and bring creative, resourceful energy to the work. You combine strong production skills with a practical mindset to help optimize operations and control costs — all while delivering excellence within school budget realities.

Let’s be real: this is school lunch. We aim for restaurant-quality results on school pricing, so everyone pitches in with all tasks — including dishes, trash, and whatever is needed. If you’re not up for hands-on work in a school environment, this role may not be the right fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook wholesome, high-quality meals from scratch using seasonal, regenerative ingredients.
• Serve meals with warmth and care to students, faculty, and staff.
• Support efficient prep, inventory management, portion control, and waste reduction.
• Maintain rigorous food safety, allergen protocols, and daily kitchen standards — including cleanup and other essential tasks.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of kitchen or food service experience with a passion for scratch cooking.
• Resourceful and efficient in production, with an eye for cost control and operational flow.
• Alignment with regenerative values and a hands-on, team-first approach.
• ServSafe certification (or commitment to obtain promptly).

What We Offer – Thoughtful Work-Life Balance

• Competitive hourly pay with opportunities for growth.
• Predictable Monday–Friday school-year schedule — do meaningful work by day and enjoy evenings, weekends, and summers for personal life.
• Benefits including health options, Secure Choice Roth IRA, overtime, paid training, performance incentives, and daily staff meals.

Monarch Catering Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building an inclusive team.

How to Apply Please submit your resume and a brief note on how your skills and values align with our mission.