Sushi Chef

Join the Team at Juniper

Highwood, IL

Juniper is a new Modern American restaurant with a dedicated sushi program in the heart of Highwood, led by Executive Chef Todd Stein, whose career includes leadership within Ballyhoo Hospitality, with concepts including Sophia Steak, Pomeroy, Coda di Volpe, Gemini, and more.

Our menu combines a modern American approach with a focused sushi program featuring high-quality fish, classic preparations, nigiri, sashimi, traditional rolls, and creative specialty rolls.

We're building a team of culinary and hospitality professionals who believe great restaurants are built through craftsmanship, consistency, teamwork, and attention to detail.

We're looking for an experienced, dependable, and hardworking Sushi Chef who takes pride in their craft and wants to be part of a serious, high-quality sushi program within a busy full-service restaurant.

Whether you've spent years behind a sushi bar or are an experienced sushi cook ready to take the next step, we're looking for someone who respects the product, works cleanly and efficiently, and understands that consistency matters on every plate.

Why Join Juniper?

• Be part of a new restaurant and help shape a growing sushi program.
• Work with an experienced culinary and leadership team.
• Opportunity for growth as the restaurant and sushi program grow.
• Highly competitive hourly pay.
• Team Member Family Meal every shift.
• Team Member Dining Discount.
• Team-first culture built around professionalism, accountability, and hospitality.

What You'll Do

As a Sushi Chef at Juniper, you'll work as part of our dedicated sushi team to execute our nigiri, sashimi, maki, and specialty roll program at a consistently high level.

Sushi Chef Responsibilities

• Prepare and execute nigiri, sashimi, maki, and specialty rolls according to Juniper's recipes and standards.
• Break down, portion, slice, and properly store fish and other sushi ingredients.
• Maintain excellent knife skills and precise, consistent cuts.
• Prepare sushi rice and maintain proper rice quality throughout service.
• Execute dishes with consistency in portioning, presentation, temperature, and quality.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and properly stocked sushi station.
• Complete daily prep and station setup before service.
• Monitor product quality, freshness, rotation, and proper storage.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and seafood-handling standards.
• Communicate clearly with chefs, expo, servers, and other members of the kitchen team.
• Work efficiently and calmly during high-volume service.
• Assist with receiving, organization, prep, and breakdown as needed.
• Take ownership of the sushi bar's cleanliness, organization, and overall presentation.

Who Thrives at Juniper

• Takes genuine pride in sushi preparation and presentation.
• Respects high-quality ingredients and understands proper fish handling.
• Has strong knife skills and attention to detail.
• Works cleanly, efficiently, and with a sense of urgency.
• Maintains consistency even during busy service.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume restaurant.
• Communicates professionally and works well as part of a team.
• Is dependable, punctual, organized, and accountable.
• Wants to continue learning and developing their craft.

Previous professional sushi experience is strongly preferred. We're looking for candidates who are comfortable working with raw fish and have experience with sushi preparation, knife work, and station organization.

Requirements

• Previous sushi restaurant or professional sushi preparation experience preferred.
• Strong knife skills and knowledge of proper fish handling.
• Understanding of food safety, sanitation, and cross-contamination procedures.
• Ability to stand and work for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Nights, weekends, and holiday availability.
• Ability to obtain an Illinois Food Handler Certification.

At Juniper, the sushi program isn't an afterthought — it's a dedicated part of what we do. We're looking for cooks who care about the details, respect the product, and want to help us deliver a sushi experience we're proud to put in front of every guest.

Apply today and join the sushi team at Juniper.