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 wage for tipped restaurant servers in the United States in 2026?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, the minimum wage for restaurant jobs in United States is $7.25 per hour as of 2026. Tipped employees receive a direct wage of $2.13 per hour when tips bring total earnings to at least $7.25. Employers must pay overtime at 1.5 times the rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
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As per the U.S. Department of Labor, restaurant jobs in United States follow a standard 40-hour workweek as of 2026. Any hours beyond 40 require overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate. Workers are entitled to at least one 30-minute meal break for shifts longer than 8 hours in most states.
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As per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, applicants for restaurant jobs in United States must complete Form I-9 with documents such as a valid passport and I-94 arrival record as of 2026. H-2B visa holders need a valid labor certification from the Department of Labor before starting work. Employers verify eligibility within three business days of hire.
Q What tax withholding applies to restaurant server wages in the United States in 2026?
As per the Internal Revenue Service, restaurant jobs in United States require federal income tax withholding on all wages including tips as of 2026. Employers report tips on Form 4070A and withhold FICA taxes at 7.65 percent from employee pay. Annual W-2 forms must be issued by January 31, 2027 for the prior year.
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