Line Cook

Line Cook

Highwood, IL | Full-Time / Part-Time

Job Details Join the Team at Juniper

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.

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

We're looking for talented, dependable, and hardworking Line Cooks who take pride in their craft and want to be part of a professional, high-standard kitchen.

Whether you're an experienced line cook or a motivated cook ready to take the next step in your career, we're looking for people who care about the food they put on the plate, work with urgency, and understand the importance of being a great teammate.

What We're Looking For

• Previous line cook experience in a quality restaurant preferred
• Strong knife skills and fundamental cooking techniques
• Ability to confidently work and maintain a busy station
• Strong sense of urgency during prep and service
• Excellent organization and attention to detail
• Ability to follow recipes, plating standards, and proper portioning
• Commitment to consistency and food quality
• Understanding of proper food handling, sanitation, and kitchen safety
• Ability to communicate and work effectively as part of a team
• Dependable, punctual, and prepared for every shift
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Ability to remain focused and composed during high-volume service

Responsibilities

• Prepare and execute menu items according to Juniper's recipes and standards
• Properly set up and maintain your station for service
• Complete daily prep accurately and efficiently
• Maintain proper product rotation, labeling, dating, and storage
• Communicate pars, low products, and prep needs to kitchen leadership
• Maintain consistency in cooking, portioning, seasoning, and presentation
• Keep your station clean, organized, and service-ready
• Follow all food safety and sanitation standards
• Work with urgency while maintaining quality and attention to detail
• Communicate clearly with fellow cooks, chefs, and the culinary team
• Assist teammates when needed and contribute to the success of the entire kitchen
• Properly break down, clean, and reset your station at the end of service

Why Join Juniper?

• Be part of an exciting new restaurant with an experienced culinary and management team
• Work alongside Executive Chef Todd Stein and a team committed to high-level execution
• Modern American cuisine alongside a dedicated sushi program
• Learn new techniques and continue developing your culinary skills
• Strong emphasis on training, organization, consistency, and teamwork
• Competitive hourly pay based on experience
• Full-time and part-time opportunities available
• Opportunity for growth as Juniper continues to develop

The Right Person

We're looking for cooks who take pride in their station and their food.

You notice when your mise en place isn't where it needs to be. You care whether the plate leaving the kitchen looks right. You stay organized when the board fills up, communicate when you need something, and help the cook next to you when they're in the weeds.

You don't need to know everything on day one — but you need to care, work hard, stay organized, and want to get better.

If you're looking to cook great food, work alongside a talented team, and continue growing in a professional kitchen, we'd love to hear from you.