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.
More Jobs
Executive/Head-chef
FIASCHETTERIA PISTOIA  · 9 hours ago
Food Runner/Busser
Doughboy Restaurant Group  · 5 days ago
Executive Kitchen Manager
High-Volume Restaurant Group  · 100K–125K a year  · 13 hours ago
Servers, Bartenders and other FOH Positions - Fine Dining
Palladino’s Steak & Seafood  · 30–35 an hour
Restaurant General Manager - RARE opportunity in FINE DINING! 115K
EHS Recruiting Company  · 90K–115K a year  · 6 days ago
Multi Unit Assistant Restaurant Manager- Love Field Airport
The Grove Inc Love Field Airport  · 55K a year  · 15 hours ago

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Restaurant Jobs in United States

Q What is the federal minimum 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, with tips required to bring total earnings to at least $7.25 per hour as of January 1, 2026. Employers must make up the difference if tips plus cash wage fall below $7.25 per hour. Overtime is 1.5 times the full minimum wage for hours over 40 per week.
Q What is the median annual wage for cooks in restaurants in the United States in 2026?
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for cooks in restaurants is $37,200 as projected for 2026 based on May 2023 data adjusted for inflation. Entry-level cooks earn $28,500 annually, while experienced ones reach $47,800. These figures apply to full-time positions nationwide.
Q What visa is required for foreign nationals to work seasonal restaurant jobs in the United States in 2026?
As per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, foreign nationals need an H-2B visa for temporary non-agricultural restaurant jobs, with a statutory cap of 66,000 visas per fiscal year starting October 1, 2025 for FY2026. Employers must file Form I-129 at least 75 days before the start date and obtain a temporary labor certification from DOL. Supplemental caps may add up to 64,716 visas if authorized.
Q What education or experience is required for entry-level restaurant server jobs in the United States?
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, no formal education is required for entry-level restaurant servers; most receive short-term on-the-job training lasting 1 month or less. A high school diploma is preferred but not mandatory for 40% of positions. Prior customer service experience increases hiring chances by 25%.
View all 8 FAQs