Sous Chef

Maggiano's Little Italy, located in Oak Brook, Illinois, is a renowned Italian-American restaurant celebrated for its scratch-made classics and warm, family-style hospitality. Founded with inspiration from 1940s Little Italy dinner houses, Maggiano's offers a unique dining experience that blends timeless recipes with high-quality ingredients and genuine care. The restaurant has built a reputation as a destination for life’s most meaningful moments, such as anniversaries, graduations, and other special occasions, as well as everyday dinners that create lasting memories. With a philosophy they call "approachable elegance," Maggiano's provides an upscale dining experience without the pretense. This emphasis on quality food and heartfelt hospitality creates a welcoming atmosphere where guests feel special and valued.

The Sous Chef at Maggiano's is a vital leadership role within the kitchen. The sous chef acts as the heartbeat of the culinary operation, leading daily kitchen operations, mentoring cooks, and ensuring every dish meets the company’s strict standards for quality and consistency. Working closely with the Executive Chef, the sous chef helps uphold Maggiano's culinary standards while fostering the development and growth of the kitchen team. This position is more than just a job; it serves as a path for career advancement, with many Executive Chefs having begun their careers in this role. The sous chef will have the opportunity to refine their culinary skills, shape a high-performing team, and significantly impact the guest experience by delivering excellent food and service every day.

Responsibilities in this role include leading the kitchen during service, coaching and mentoring line cooks and prep cooks, and maintaining food quality, presentation, and safety standards. The sous chef will conduct line checks to ensure each dish adheres to Maggiano's specifications and will manage food production, prep lists, and inventory to reduce waste effectively. A key aspect of the job is maintaining sanitation and food safety compliance in line with health regulations. Additionally, the sous chef must be flexible to work in various kitchen stations during peak times to support the team and collaborate with leadership to control food costs and promote operational excellence. This role requires a passion for Italian-American cuisine, culinary craftsmanship, and building a supportive and motivated team environment. Maggiano's is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity, workplace fun, and a happy working environment.