Assistant Pastry Chef

Ballyhoo Hospitality Group is seeking an energetic, talented, hospitality focused Assistant Pastry Chef to join our pastry team at Buck Russell’s Bakery in Wilmette. 

About Ballyhoo Hospitality Group: Founded in 2009 by Ryan and Anna O'Donnell, Ballyhoo Hospitality is a Chicago-based restaurant group operating 15 neighborhood-driven concepts across Chicago and the suburbs. Led today by Ryan O'Donnell and Partner Jon Farrer, Ballyhoo is built on warm, personal hospitality, honest cuisine, and deep community investment. The group expands intentionally, preserving the individuality of each concept while staying rooted in the belief that great hospitality is shaped by passionate teams, loyal guests, and the neighborhoods they serve.

Concept Overview: Buck Russell’s is a Ballyhoo Hospitality concept located in downtown Wilmette that brings together a bakery, sandwich shop, and creamery in a warm neighborhood setting. The concept blends the charm of a classic bakery and ice cream parlor with an approachable menu that includes freshly baked pastries, deli style sandwiches, house made desserts, and small batch ice cream. The space was designed to feel welcoming and nostalgic, encouraging guests to stop in throughout the day for coffee and pastries, lunch with friends, or a sweet treat in the evening. Buck Russell’s has become a beloved community gathering place where families, neighbors, and regulars come together for simple food made well.

Position Summary: The Assistant Pastry Chef supports the Executive Pastry Chef in the daily production and execution of high-quality pastries, cakes, ice cream, and specialty baked goods. This role helps maintain consistency, food safety, and presentation standards while assisting with wholesale orders, special occasion orders, and recipe execution. The Assistant Pastry Chef is a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and is committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

Pastry & Dessert Production

• Prepare, bake, and decorate a wide variety of pastries, cakes, cookies, ice cream and specialty items.
• Ensure all products meet company standards for quality, taste, appearance, and consistency.
• Ensure daily production is met and executed properly.
• Execute recipes accurately while maintaining proper portioning and presentation.
• Assist with seasonal menu changes, specialty desserts, and promotional offerings.
• Maintain production schedules to ensure freshness and product availability.

Cake Decorating

• Decorate celebration cakes, specialty cakes, cupcakes, cookies and custom orders.
• Produce elegant finishes using buttercream, fondant, piping, glazing, chocolate work, and other decorating techniques.
• Ensure custom orders are completed accurately and on time.

Kitchen Operations

• Assist in organizing daily production and assigning tasks to pastry team members.
• Monitor product quality throughout production.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient pastry kitchen.
• Ensure proper storage, labeling, rotation, and handling of all ingredients.

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Maintain compliance with all health department regulations and food safety standards.
• Ensure proper cleaning and sanitation of equipment, workstations, and storage areas.
• Follow HACCP and company food safety procedures.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of professional pastry or baking experience.
• Culinary or Pastry Arts degree preferred.
• Experience in high-volume bakery, restaurant, hotel, or catering environments.
• Strong knowledge of baking techniques, dessert preparation, and cake decorating.
• Ability to read and scale recipes accurately.
• Advanced cake decorating, sculpting, and piping techniques preferred. 
• Experience with ice cream production is preferred.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently under pressure.
• Flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, reach, kneel, and work in refrigerated or warm kitchen environments.
• Manual dexterity for decorating and detailed pastry work.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay
• Paid leave
• Medical, dental and vision benefits
• Opportunities for growth and development
• Supportive team environment
• Employee discounts

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their resume and a brief cover letter outlining their relevant experience 

Ballyhoo Hospitality Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.