Job Description

Position: Line Cook

Department: Culinary / Food & Beverage

Location: Chicago, IL

Employment Type: Full-Time / Hourly

Compensation: $24.00 per hour

Truth Be Told, the British-inspired tavern located within The Study at University of Chicago, is seeking an experienced and hospitality-driven Line Cook to join our culinary team. This hands-on position is responsible for preparing and executing menu items with consistency, quality, and attention to detail while contributing to an organized and collaborative kitchen environment.

Truth Be Told is open seven days a week from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The ideal candidate has experience working multiple meal periods, including breakfast, and is comfortable working in a fast-paced, full-service kitchen. We are looking for someone with a strong foundation in cooking techniques, a desire to continue learning, and an appreciation for classic British-inspired tavern cuisine.

Our caring and attentive associates reinforce our belief that guest service is our highest priority. While our culinary team works behind the scenes, every plate contributes directly to the guest experience. We seek culinary professionals who take pride in their craft, value consistency and teamwork, and understand the importance of thoughtful preparation and execution.

Culinary Operations Snapshot

• Truth Be Told – British-inspired tavern located within The Study at University of Chicago
• Approximately 100-seat restaurant and tavern
• Open seven days a week from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner service
• Classic British-inspired dishes and traditional tavern influences
• Seasonal menus balancing familiar comfort with thoughtful culinary technique
• 4,700 square feet of meeting and event space, including a 2,500-square-foot Winter Garden
• Collaborative culinary team focused on quality, consistency, and genuine hospitality

Responsibilities

• Prepare and execute menu items according to established recipes, preparation methods, portion specifications, and presentation standards.
• Work assigned stations efficiently during breakfast, lunch, and dinner service based on scheduling and business needs.
• Complete required mise en place and ensure assigned stations are properly stocked, organized, and prepared before service.
• Maintain consistent food quality, flavor, portioning, temperature, and presentation throughout each service period.
• Follow direction from the Executive Chef and culinary leadership while working collaboratively with other cooks and kitchen team members.
• Maintain accurate knowledge of menu items, ingredients, preparation methods, and allergy considerations.
• Communicate menu, ingredient, and allergy information accurately to Front of House team members when needed.
• Follow proper food handling, storage, labeling, dating, rotation, and temperature-control procedures.
• Minimize food waste through proper preparation, portioning, storage, and product rotation.
• Complete opening, closing, setup, breakdown, and detailed cleaning responsibilities for assigned stations and surrounding kitchen areas.
• Maintain kitchen equipment, utensils, workstations, storage areas, and surrounding spaces in a clean, organized, sanitary, and safe condition.
• Follow established food safety, sanitation, and quality assurance standards at all times.
• Communicate product, equipment, or operational concerns promptly to culinary leadership.
• Work collaboratively with Front of House and other Food & Beverage team members to support efficient service and a seamless guest experience.
• Assist with culinary production for meetings, banquets, and private events as needed based on business demands.
• Support fellow culinary team members and assist other stations when necessary to maintain an efficient kitchen operation.
• Perform additional duties as assigned based on restaurant and hotel operational needs.

Fundamentals

• Minimum of 2 years of professional culinary experience in an upscale casual, full-service restaurant, hotel, tavern, or comparable kitchen environment preferred.
• Previous professional breakfast cooking experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of fundamental cooking techniques, ingredients, kitchen equipment, food preparation, and production procedures.
• Ability to execute menu items consistently according to established recipes and standards.
• Interest in traditional cooking techniques and classic British-inspired cuisine with a desire to continue developing culinary knowledge and skills.
• Working knowledge of food safety, sanitation, proper food storage, labeling, rotation, and allergy procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food quality, consistency, portioning, and presentation.
• Ability to work efficiently and remain organized during high-volume service periods.
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced professional kitchen.
• Collaborative and dependable approach with the ability to communicate effectively with culinary and Front of House team members.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred; culinary education is a plus.
• Food Handler or applicable food safety certification preferred or ability to obtain as required.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule based on restaurant needs, including early mornings, days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Proficiency in English required; a second language is a plus.
• Ability to stand and remain active for extended periods in a professional kitchen environment.
• Ability to bend, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive food preparation tasks.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or otherwise move items weighing up to 50 pounds.

About Us

The Study at University of Chicago is a 167-room hotel located on the Midway Plaisance in Chicago's historic Hyde Park neighborhood. Designed as a place of discovery and connection, the hotel reflects the character and energy of the University of Chicago while providing thoughtful, contemporary accommodations for university visitors, families, faculty, business travelers, and the surrounding community.

The hotel is home to Truth Be Told, a British-inspired tavern offering a welcoming gathering place for hotel guests, the University of Chicago community, Hyde Park neighbors, and visitors to the area. The property also features 4,700 square feet of meeting and event space, including a 2,500-square-foot Winter Garden designed for social events and private functions.

Eligible full-time team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, and paid holidays. Team members may also participate in our 401(k) retirement savings plan and Employee Assistance Program.

Study Hotels is a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment drug test and background check required.

Study Hotels is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, disability, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

Keywords: Line Cook, Restaurant Cook, Breakfast Cook, Hotel Cook, Culinary, British Cuisine, British Tavern, Gastropub, Truth Be Told, Food & Beverage, Chicago Line Cook Jobs, Hyde Park Jobs