Junior Sous Chef

Junior Sous Chef


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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Restaurant Jobs

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 minimum cash wage for tipped restaurant employees is $2.13 per hour as of January 2026, provided tips bring total earnings to at least $7.25 per hour. Employers must supplement any shortfall to reach the full minimum wage. Overtime at 1.5 times the regular rate applies after 40 hours per week.
Q What are the minimum age and experience requirements for entry-level restaurant jobs like dishwashers in the United States?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, workers must be at least 16 years old for most restaurant positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act as of 2026, with 14-15 year olds limited to non-hazardous roles during limited hours. No prior experience or education is required for entry-level roles such as dishwashers or bussers.
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As per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, applicants must complete Form I-9 with documents proving identity and employment authorization such as a U.S. passport or driver's license plus Social Security card by the first day of work in 2026. Employers verify these within three business days.
Q How many hours per week can restaurant workers be scheduled and what leave applies in 2026?
The U.S. Department of Labor states that non-exempt restaurant employees receive overtime pay after 40 hours in a workweek at 1.5 times their rate as of 2026, with no federal cap on total weekly hours. There is no federal requirement for paid sick leave or vacation in restaurant jobs.
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