Work Somewhere That Feeds You Back
Smack Dab isn’t your typical restaurant job. We believe you deserve respect, support, and a team that’s got your back. If you’re looking for kitchen or cafe work in Chicago that aligns with your values, then welcome home.
WHY WORK AT SMACK DAB?
We’ve heard the stories: toxic kitchens, burnout, people treated like they’re disposable. That’s not what we’re about.
Smack Dab is a queer-owned, values-led business in Rogers Park that exists to nourish community, and that starts with the folks on our team. We create real jobs with livable pay and human-centered leadership. We believe you can work in food and still have a life.
We care about kindness. About good boundaries. About showing up for each other. If that’s the kind of place you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear from you.
Please use the form below to apply.
Feel free to send in your resume even if you don't see the position you're looking for listed.
Lead Line Cook
Smack Dab is looking for an experienced cook for full-time work on our brunch line and in catering prep and production. Please note: we are located on the far north side in Rogers Park, Chicago, and local candidates are highly preferred.
Requirements:
Strong knife skills and speed, along with familiarity in standard cooking techniques and bulk production. Baking and management experience is a plus. Candidates must be prepared to work in a high-volume, fast-paced small business environment. At this time, we are not considering entry-level applicants or those returning to the field.
Schedule:
Weekend availability is required for morning shifts (7 am–4 pm range), along with weekday production hours in the late afternoon or early evening.
Compensation:
Starting wage is $21–23+ per hour based on experience, with additional weekend and holiday pay. Merit-based raises are available within 90 days.
We’d love to have you join our team. Please include your resume with your application.
Weekday Utility/Prep
Looking for an experienced utility/prep person for 4-5 days a week (Monday through Friday) to join our team! Must have experience running dish, maintain a clean and organized BOH, and able to complete simple prep/reset tasks with speed and precision. Candidate should have at least two years working on dish.
These are morning to mid-afternoon shifts. Competitive pay based on experience level (start at $19), opportunities for merit based raises within 30-60-90 days. Please include resume!
We are located on the FAR north side in Rogers Park.
Expo/BOH
We’re looking for an experienced Expo to join our team at Smack Dab. Please note: we are located on the far north side of Chicago, and local candidates are highly preferred.
Requirements:
At least two years of expo or line experience in high-volume settings within the last four years. Strong attention to detail and the ability to thrive in a hybrid role that includes calling tickets, plating food, running food, prep, and other back-of-house duties. Cooking experience is strongly preferred. This position is not for the faint of heart—weekends are pedal to the metal with 300+ customers served.
Schedule:
Friday through Sunday availability is required, with shifts running from morning to mid-afternoon.
Compensation:
Competitive pay based on experience, with opportunities for merit-based raises at 30, 60, and 90 days. Starting wage is $21 per hour with an additional weekend wage. Please include a resume with your application.