Sous Chef

Lincolnwood, IL, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Salary

Range $55,000.00 - $75,000.00

Benefits

competitive salary

Quarterly bonus

Paid Time Off

401(k)

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life insurance

Accident protection

critical illness insurance

Domestic Partner Benefits

Restaurant Discounts

Employee assistance program

Job Description

L. Woods is a renowned restaurant located in Lincolnwood, just outside Chicago, famous for its American classics and barbecue specialties presented in a nostalgic Northwoods Supper Club atmosphere. Established as part of the Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, L. Woods brings a unique dining experience that combines timeless culinary traditions with a warm, inviting ambiance. The restaurant embraces a rich heritage of quality food and service, making it a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. As a member of Lettuce Entertain You, it benefits from the parent company's commitment to culinary excellence and innovative hospitality. This environment emphasizes creativity, teamwork, and a dedication to providing exceptional dining experiences across its more than 130 locations.

The role of Sous Chef at L. Woods is a pivotal leadership position within the kitchen team, offering a rewarding career opportunity in a full-service, culinary-driven restaurant setting. This position reports directly to the Executive Chef and plays a critical role in overseeing the back-of-house operations, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, safety, and guest satisfaction. The Sous Chef works closely with management to support operational excellence and the development of kitchen staff.

This full-time role comes with a competitive salary range of $55,000 to $75,000 per year and includes a comprehensive benefits package designed to support team members’ well-being and career growth. The successful candidate will have at least two years of sous chef experience in a full-service restaurant and demonstrate the ability to lead and manage kitchen staff effectively. The Sous Chef is responsible not only for supervising food preparation and cooking during shifts but also for inventory management, staff training, and fostering a collaborative work environment. This position requires strong communication skills, a commitment to culinary standards, and the capability to handle a fast-paced, dynamic restaurant setting.

At L. Woods, you will be part of a supportive culture known as the Culture of Caring, which nurtures diverse talents and unique perspectives. Opportunities for career-long training and advancement are provided, reflecting Lettuce Entertain You’s commitment to employee development. The Sous Chef role offers a chance to expand your culinary leadership skills while contributing to a beloved dining institution recognized for its quality and hospitality. Working at this location means being part of a vibrant team that values innovation, quality, and teamwork, while enjoying a workplace that prioritizes mental health, wellness, and work-life balance through an array of employee benefits.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
2 years of sous chef experience in a full-service restaurant
strong leadership and management skills
excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
ability to work flexible shifts including early mornings, late nights and weekends
physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds
ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
problem-solving skills
teamwork orientation

Job Qualifications

2-3 years of sous chef experience in a full-service restaurant
ability to lead and manage the kitchen staff

Job Duties

Run BOH shifts and ensure effective and efficient BOH shifts and operations including food prep and cooking
ensure adequate inventory levels of food and supplies
supervise the kitchen, dish and all other BOH teams
Lead BOH pre-shift meetings and participate in line, temp and cooler checks and food tastings for the shift
Partner with GM and/or designated managers/chefs to regularly review and maintain recipe books
Perform regular line checks throughout the day to ensure quality of all menu items
Purchase and order food product and supplies for the restaurant including daily product order
Assist with tracking and controlling food cost
Ensure effective communication of food production and timing issues, needs, and special requests between front of house (FOH) and BOH
Partner with GM and management team to interview, hire, onboard, train, supervise and develop all BOH employees and teams as needed
Model and promote teamwork across all teams
Use tact and good judgment when dealing with challenges pertaining to guests, vendors and employees, and respond with patience and courtesy
Work a variety of days and shifts (including early mornings, late nights and weekends) at multiple sites with or without overnight travel, as needed
Move and lift up to 10 pounds, frequently move and/or lift up to 25 pounds, occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds