Prep Chef Jobs in Downers Grove, IL
A Prep Chef, also known as a preparation cook, is an integral part of the culinary industry responsible for preparing ingredients for the main cooks or chefs in a kitchen. Their tasks include washing, peeling, cutting, and chopping fruits, vegetables, and other food items, as well as cooking and preparing simple dishes. They also play a critical role in maintaining cleanliness and order in the kitchen, storing food appropriately, and ensuring the availability of fresh ingredients. Prep Chefs often work under the supervision of a head chef or cooks, thus they need to have a keen eye for detail, excellent time management skills, and the ability to work well in a fast-paced environment.
To qualify as a Prep Chef, a certificate or an associate's degree in culinary arts or a related field is usually required. However, critical skills such as culinary expertise, knife skills, understanding of food safety standards, and a strong familiarity with various cooking techniques are essential. In addition, they should also have good physical stamina to manage long hours of standing and handling kitchen equipment. Prior to progressing to the position of a Prep Chef, a person may start their culinary journey in roles such as a dishwasher, line cook or a kitchen assistant.

- The Fireplace Inn
- Chicago, IL (21 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 6 days ago
- The Fireplace Inn
- Chicago, IL (21 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 6 days ago
Looking to add a Grill Cook and Prep Cook to our team who is enthusiastic, responsible, and reliable....
- Chicago, IL (20 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 4 hours ago
- Chicago, IL (20 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 4 hours ago
Required Years of Experience 2 years Job Details This is a keyholder position. Frostbite is a serious condition caused by prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, leading to tissue damage. It...
Role Overview Our Heart of House Team Members are responsible for setting the pace for a great shift, every shift. They provide dependable, fast service that is absolutely Chili's. If you take...
- Joliet, IL (21 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 1 day ago
- Joliet, IL (21 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 1 day ago
Role Overview Our Heart of House Team Members are responsible for setting the pace for a great shift, every shift. They provide dependable, fast service that is absolutely Chili's. If you take...
- Midlothian, IL (19 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 1 day ago
- Midlothian, IL (19 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 1 day ago
Join our team of more than 34,000 team members, supporting our members and communities in our Club Support Center, 235+ clubs and eight distribution centers. BJ's Wholesale Club offers a...
- Evergreen Park, IL (18 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 2 days ago
- Evergreen Park, IL (18 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 2 days ago
Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* * UK Exceptions may apply Physical Requirements/Working Conditions Must be able to lift 50 pounds....
New Store - Butcher - Full Time - Saint Charles, IL - Opening Early Summer 2025
- Saint Charles, IL (15 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 2 days ago
- Saint Charles, IL (15 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 2 days ago
Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* UK Exceptions may apply Physical Requirements/Working Conditions Must be able to lift 50 pounds....
- Shorewood, IL (21 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 2 days ago
- Shorewood, IL (21 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 2 days ago
Role Overview Our Heart of House Team Members are responsible for setting the pace for a great shift, every shift. They provide dependable, fast service that is absolutely Chili's. If you take...
- Chicago, IL (20 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 3 days ago
- Chicago, IL (20 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 3 days ago
Completes orders from steam tables and grill and serves customers at multiple stations....
- Chicago, IL (20 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 3 days ago
- Chicago, IL (20 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 3 days ago
skills and a good understanding of food safety Dependable, punctual, and able to manage time well Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment Early riser who takes pride in setting...
- Chicago, IL (20 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 3 days ago
- Chicago, IL (20 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 3 days ago
Required Years of Experience 1 year Job Details Come and work with a company that cares about the team! We appreciate our employees by offering higher than average pay and daytime hours. We place...
- Chicago, IL (20 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 3 days ago
- Chicago, IL (20 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 3 days ago
Good knife skills. Must be positive, collaborative, and committed to healthy communication and quality work....
- Chicago, IL (20 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 3 days ago
- Chicago, IL (20 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 3 days ago
Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* UK Exceptions may apply Physical Requirements/Working Conditions Must be able to lift 50 pounds....
Prep cooks needed Spanish Speaking Welcome
- Chicago, IL (20 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 4 days ago
- Chicago, IL (20 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 4 days ago
Qualifications: - Previous experience in a kitchen or food preparation setting is preferred. - Ability to follow recipes and instructions accurately. - Strong attention to detail and organizational...
- Arlington Heights, IL (21 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 4 days ago
- Arlington Heights, IL (21 miles from Downers Grove, IL)
- 4 days ago
be at least 18 years of age Previous prep or line cook experience preferred An individual who thrives in a team-based environment Basic knowledge of professional cooking and experience with basic knife...
Demographic Data for Downers Grove, IL
Moving to Downers Grove, IL? Find some basic demographic data about Downers Grove, IL below.
Prep Chef Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Salary for Prep Chef Jobs in Downers Grove, IL
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Prep Chef positions.
Highest Education Level
Prep Chefs in Downers Grove, IL offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Prep Chef position
- Health and Safety
- Wellness
- Pasta
- Knife Skills
- Scratch Cooking
- Sautéing
- Portion Control
- Seafood
- Sauce Making
- Soup Making
- Dessert Making
- Grilling
- Fryer
- Prep Work
- Casual Dining
- Salads
- Vegetarian Cuisine
- Butchering
- Buffet
- Food Preparation
- Food Handling
- Fine Dining
- Sanitation
- Quality of Service
- Dishwashing
- Baking
- Food Safety
- Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point
- Cooking
- Merchandising
- Packaging
- Stocking
- Closing
- Purchasing
- Retail
- High School Diploma
- Friendliness
- Presentation
- Events
- Inventory Management
- Multitasking
- English
- Regulations
- Sales
- Policy Development
- Problem Solving
- Teamwork
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
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