Chef

Chef / Cook – Monarch Catering Company Transform School Lunch

Monarch Catering Company, Inc. – 100% Woman-Owned School Food Service Management Company Location: Chicago, IL area (serving Chicago-area PK-12 schools)
Job Type: Full-Time (School Year Schedule)
Compensation: $22–$35+/hr (or salaried equivalent, based on experience)

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 and distributors to deliver joyful, nutrient-dense meals that support children’s health and potential.

We seek experienced Chef / Cooks who deeply understand this mission and bring creative vision and practical execution to the journey — leveraging expert production knowledge and skills to optimize operations, reduce costs intelligently, and elevate the program without compromising quality or values.

Let’s be real: this is school lunch. We consistently exceed restaurant-quality standards, but we do so within the constraints of school budgets and pricing. Everyone on the team is expected to pitch in with all tasks — including dishes, trash, and whatever else is needed to get the job done. If you’re not up for hands-on work in a school environment, this role may not be the right fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute production of elegant yet practical seasonal menus using local, regenerative, organic, and whole ingredients.
• Innovate recipes and efficient processes that embody “food as medicine” while controlling costs and minimizing waste.
• Train, mentor, and work alongside team members in all kitchen tasks.
• Oversee daily kitchen production, service, food safety, and operational excellence in school cafeterias.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of progressive kitchen experience with strong production and scratch-cooking skills (leadership preferred).
• Creative problem-solver with proven ability to manage costs and operational realities.
• Alignment with regenerative sourcing, integrity-driven operations, and school nutrition values.
• ServSafe certification (or ability to obtain promptly).
• Hands-on, team-oriented mindset — ready to do all tasks required for success.

What We Offer – Thoughtful Work-Life Balance

• Competitive compensation with opportunities for impact and growth.
• Predictable Monday–Friday school-year schedule — time to cook with purpose during the day and enjoy evenings, weekends, and summers with family and personal pursuits.
• Comprehensive benefits including health options, Secure Choice Roth IRA, paid training, overtime, performance bonuses, and daily staff meals from our kitchen.

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. We review all applications thoughtfully and look forward to connecting.