Junior Sous Chef

Junior Sous Chef

Chicago, United States

Company
Formento's
Location
Chicago, IL
Job Type
Full-time
Salary
50K–65K a year
Posted
3 days ago
Via
via Culinary Agents

Job Description
Formento’s is looking for a high-energy, hands-on Junior Sous Chef ready to take the next step in their career.

We are a fast-paced Italian steakhouse with a busy dining room, private events program, and adjacent sandwich shop (Nonna’s). This is a chef-driven kitchen with high standards, strong systems, and a leadership team focused on building a serious Back of House culture.

This is not a clipboard management position.

We’re looking for someone who:
• loves being on the line,
• moves fast,
• works clean,
• communicates well with cooks,
• and wants to grow into a stronger chef and leader.
What This Role Looks Like

This is a highly active, hands-on kitchen role.

You will:
• jump onto stations during service,
• support cooks during busy pushes,
• help maintain organization and standards,
• and fill operational gaps wherever needed.

Some days you may be:
• working grill,
• helping with prep,
• running private dining,
• supporting Nonna’s production,
• or assisting expo during service.

We need someone adaptable, physically quick, mentally sharp, and willing to do whatever the kitchen needs to succeed.

Who You Are
• A strong line cook or newer sous chef ready for more responsibility
• Comfortable in a high-volume environment
• Hungry to learn and improve
• Calm under pressure
• Not afraid of hard work
• Respectful, coachable, and team-oriented
• Someone who earns respect through consistency and effort—not ego

This role works closely with a predominantly Spanish-speaking kitchen team. Bilingual candidates or chefs comfortable working in multicultural kitchens are strongly preferred.

What We’re Looking For
• 2+ years of strong line cook or kitchen leadership experience
• Ability to confidently work stations during service
• Strong sense of urgency and organization
• Good communication and leadership instincts
• Open availability including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Desire to grow into larger leadership responsibilities over time

What You’ll Gain

This is a real growth opportunity inside a chef-driven operation.

You’ll work directly with:
• the Executive Chef,
• CDC,
• and leadership team

while learning:
• kitchen systems,
• prep structure,
• leadership,
• service management,
• organization,
• and operational execution at a high level.

We are looking for someone we can invest in long term.
Qualified candidates will be invited to stage during dinner service.
If you want to become a stronger chef and grow inside a serious kitchen, we’d love to meet you.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Restaurant Jobs in United States

Q What is the federal minimum cash wage for tipped restaurant servers in the United States in 2026?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, the federal minimum cash wage for tipped employees such as restaurant servers is $2.13 per hour as of 2026. Tips received plus the cash wage must total at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, or the employer must pay the difference. This rule applies nationwide unless overridden by higher state minimums.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for restaurant cooks is $38,100 as of May 2026. The hourly median is $18.32 based on full-time employment. Wages range from $27,500 at the 10th percentile to $50,200 at the 90th percentile.
Q What work visa is available for international workers seeking temporary restaurant jobs in the US in 2026?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offers the H-2B visa for temporary non-agricultural workers, including seasonal restaurant positions like banquet servers. Applications require a temporary labor certification from the Department of Labor and are subject to a fiscal year cap of 66,000 visas plus supplemental allocations. Petitions must be filed by June 17, 2026 for FY2027 cap-subject.
Q What education or experience is required for entry-level waiter jobs in US restaurants?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports no formal educational credential is required for waiters and waitresses. Most receive short-term on-the-job training lasting less than 1 month. Previous experience in customer service is helpful but not required for entry-level positions.
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