Lead Cook - North Shore Steak & Seafood

Lead Cook Position at L'Amricain

Our mission is to be Waukegan's top gaming and entertainment hub, renowned for our exceptional hospitality and guest experience. We prioritize our team's development and well-being, offering career advancement opportunities, and a culture of enjoyment and fulfillment in the workplace. With a focus on growth and excellence, we're on the lookout for adaptable, coachable individuals who share our passion for hospitality. Join us for a journey of growth and success in Lake County's fastest-growing industry.

We are seeking a skilled and disciplined Lead Cook for L'Amricain who brings a strong foundation in traditional American cuisine and a deep passion for hospitality. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, organized professional capable of executing precise techniques under pressure while maintaining a clean and composed work environment. This individual should possess a thorough understanding of ingredients, presentation, and timing, as well as a collaborative mindset and respect for kitchen hierarchy. We are looking for someone who leads by example demonstrating professionalism, teamwork, and a consistently positive attitude while guiding and supporting the kitchen team in all aspects of daily prep and service. Strong communication, organizational, and basic mathematical skills are essential, as is the ability to read and follow recipes, production lists, and necessary kitchen documentation. At American Place Casino, we value individuals who take pride in their work, strive for excellence, and contribute to delivering a consistently elevated dining experience for our guests.

In addition to participating in prep and service, the Lead Cook oversees and supports all kitchen stations, manages closing shift responsibilities, and ensures all required paperwork and checklists are completed. You will be responsible for compiling prep and production lists, monitoring inventory, and ensuring food items are prepared and stored according to rotation and safety standards. Training and retraining of kitchen staff is a key duty, as is clear communication across shifts and with fellow team members, cooks, and leadership. Maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient workspace is mandatory, and the Lead Cook is expected to report all issues, incidents, or discrepancies to supervisors promptly. This position also involves assisting with special projects and events, participating in safety meetings, and keeping accurate records of daily operations and team performance. The Lead Cook plays a critical role in upholding kitchen standards and ensuring the smooth, efficient operation of the culinary team at L'Amricain.

Experience you will need includes a high school diploma or GED, minimum five to seven years' experience working in high-volume line cooking or production cooking in a full-service dining establishment or food service establishment, with at least two years' experience in supervisory capacity preferred. The ability to read recipes, production lists and any other necessary collateral paperwork, such as diagrams and logs, to be able to perform necessary duties is required. Good basic mathematical, organizational and communication skills are essential. Bilingual is a plus.

Physical requirements include lifting up to 25-30 lbs, standing for long periods, navigating crowded spaces, flexibility in bending and reaching, and adaptability to casino conditions, including bright lights and noise.

Able to obtain/maintain necessary licenses and/or certifications as required by local gaming regulations. Able to obtain/maintain Food Handlers Serv Safe certifications as required by the Lake County Health Department regulations.

Benefits/Perks include medical, dental, & vision, voluntary life, AD&D, & disability insurance, volunteer time off, Ventra program, 401K + employer match, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, food and beverage family meal.

Salary range is $22.80-$36.

American Place Casino is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.