Are you passionate about crafting exceptional dishes that elevate events to unforgettable experiences? Do you thrive in the fast-paced energy of Chicago’s catering scene, where precision and teamwork turn every event into something special? If so, then Blue Plate is where you belong!

Position Summary: At Blue Plate, a staple in Chicago's catering industry, we believe in creating extraordinary experiences that resonate with our guests long after the event. As an Event Prep Cook, you’ll play a key role in bringing these moments to life by preparing high-quality ingredients and dishes that set the stage for exceptional events.

Essential Functions of your Role:

• Arrive Ready: Show up on time and sign in at your scheduled arrival time, dressed in accordance with our Back of House Dress Code Policy, and prepared to execute high-volume prep with precision.
• Get Your Assignment: Check in with the Event Chef to receive your prep list, event menu details, and any special dietary considerations or modifications.
• Remain Focused: Pay close attention during pre-shift meetings as the Event Chef will communicate important details related to food presentation, flavor profile, and timing.
• Set Up for Success: Organize the kitchen and supplies efficiently to support seamless food production as delegated by the Event Chef.
• Prep Like a Pro: Wash, chop, slice, and prepare ingredients according to Blue Plate recipes and event specifications, ensuring consistency and quality in every dish.
• Follow Recipes and Standards: Execute food preparation tasks with accuracy, following portion control guidelines, sanitation procedures, and Blue Plate’s high culinary standards.
• Practice Safe Food Handling: Adhere to all food safety regulations and proper storage procedures to maintain the highest level of cleanliness and compliance.
• Keep It Clean: Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workspace, adhering to food safety regulations and proper storage procedures.
• Be a Team Player: Work collaboratively with chefs, cooks, and event staff to ensure seamless execution of meal service. Assist with plating and final dish presentation when needed.
• Adapt and Stay Sharp: Be ready to pivot as events evolve, adjusting preparation tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Break It Down: Assist in breaking down and cleaning the kitchen after every event, maintaining Blue Plate’s standards of sanitation and cleanliness.
• Stay Connected: Regularly check Blue Plate’s scheduling system to confirm shifts and stay up to date on any changes before your shift begins.
• Sign Out: Complete your shift by signing out at your scheduled departure time.
• Perform other relevant tasks assigned by management. 

Education and Experience: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Culinary Arts degree or advanced culinary certification is preferred.
• Prior experience in a restaurant, catering, or commercial kitchen environment is required.
• Completion of City of Chicago Department of Public Health Certified Food Service Manager certification preferred, or ability to complete the certification within 90 days, after date of hire. 

Essential Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Commitment to Blue Plate’s mission by demonstrating a strong affinity for it— to “care more” for others through food and service experiences that turn our partners’ vision into reality.
• Ability to take direction and execute tasks efficiently and accurately.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Dedication to quality by maintaining impeccable service and food preparation standards.
• Solid foundational food knowledge, including proper handling, preparation techniques, and food safety practices. 

Language Skills: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking) is required.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, taste and smell.
• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to feel; reach with hand and arms, and stoop, kneel or crouch for 6 to 8 hours at a time.
• Regularly required to lift and/or move up to 60 lbs.
• Specific vision requirements include the ability to see at close range, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• May work in extreme heat and cold (non-weather and weather).
• May work in wet conditions (non-weather and weather).
• Noise level is low to moderate.
• Will work near moving or mechanical parts.

Benefits Overview

At Blue Plate Catering, we live our core values: Happy, Joyful & Fun; We Care More; Humbly Confident; Genuine & Authentic; Goes Beyond. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects our commitment to supporting our team’s well-being and growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan, and paid time off (PTO) with sick leave. Additional perks such as commuter benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), free meals, and pet insurance options ensure our team feels valued. We also offer wellness rewards, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and resources to help you thrive in work and life.

DEIA at Blue Plate: 

At Blue Plate, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). Our core value, "We Care More," guides us in creating an environment where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

We believe in intentional recruitment practices, partnering with community organizations, diverse job boards, and attending job fairs at schools that reflect a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Our hiring and selection processes are designed to be equitable, focusing on skills, potential, and minimizing bias, ensuring opportunities are accessible to everyone.

From onboarding to ongoing development, we provide tailored resources, mentorship, and training programs to support our team members and cultivate an inclusive culture. We actively measure and analyze diversity metrics, using these insights to continuously improve and hold ourselves accountable in our DEIA efforts.

Blue Plate’s mantra, "Happy People Making People Happy," extends to our employees, clients, and partners. By honoring differences and listening thoughtfully, we build meaningful relationships and ensure everyone feels welcome and valued.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and walks of life to join our team in shaping memorable food and service experiences. Together, we are dedicated to going beyond to make a difference.

Blue Plate Catering complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment, including protections related to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.