Pastry Cook

Position Summary

Swift & Sons, a modern American steakhouse located in Chicago’s Fulton Market District, is seeking a skilled and motivated Pastry Cook to join our acclaimed culinary team. The Pastry Cook plays a vital role in preparing, baking, and plating high-quality desserts, breads, and pastries that align with the restaurant’s elevated dining standards. This role requires precision, consistency, creativity, and a deep appreciation for craft and hospitality.

• Prepare and bake desserts, breads, and other pastry items according to recipes and plating standards.

• Assist in daily production, mise en place, and service for desserts and pastry components.

• Maintain the quality, consistency, and presentation standards of all pastry items.

• Accurately measure, mix, and portion ingredients while adhering to food safety and sanitation protocols.

• Support the Pastry Chef in menu execution, seasonal updates, and new item development.

• Ensure proper storage, labeling, and rotation of ingredients and finished goods.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workstation in accordance with health and safety guidelines.

• Communicate effectively with team members and other kitchen departments during service.

• Assist in inventory management, including tracking usage and reporting shortages.

• Participate in training and development of pastry interns or junior staff as assigned.

The following physical requirements are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Standing: Must be able to stand and work on feet for extended periods (up to 8–10 hours per shift).

• Lifting: Regularly required to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 lbs. Occasionally may lift up to 50 lbs with assistance.

• Reaching & Handling: Frequent use of hands and arms to handle tools, utensils, and ingredients.

• Mobility: Must be able to move quickly and safely in a fast-paced kitchen environment, including bending, stooping, reaching, and occasionally climbing short steps or ladders.

• Vision: Must possess close vision, color vision, and depth perception necessary to assess food quality and presentation.

• Environment: Work is performed in a commercial kitchen with exposure to heat, cold, steam, and noise.

• 1–2 years of experience in a professional pastry or bakery setting (fine dining experience preferred).

• Knowledge of classic and contemporary pastry techniques.

• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management.

• Ability to work collaboratively within a high-volume kitchen.

• Food Handler’s certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).

Swift & Sons is a modern interpretation of the classic Chicago steakhouse, celebrating the city’s rich culinary history with refined hospitality and a focus on quality, seasonality, and craftsmanship. The restaurant is part of the Boka Restaurant Group, known for its commitment to culinary excellence and employee growth.