Job Title: Chef

Location: Mercadito, River North, Chicago, IL

Job Type: Full-time

About Us: Mercadito is a vibrant, high-energy restaurant located in the heart of River North, Chicago. Known for our modern take on Mexican cuisine, we are passionate about delivering an exceptional dining experience with fresh, high-quality ingredients and innovative dishes. As we continue to expand and elevate our menu, we are seeking a talented and experienced Chef to join our dynamic team.

Position Overview: We are looking for a creative and motivated Chef. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Mexican cuisine, a passion for food, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards in the kitchen. As the Chef at Mercadito, you will be responsible for developing new dishes, maintaining quality control, managing kitchen staff, and ensuring the overall success of our kitchen operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the kitchen team in executing high-quality dishes, ensuring consistency and excellence in every plate.
• Develop and innovate new menu items that align with Mercadito’s brand and culinary vision.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including inventory management, ordering, and scheduling.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared according to Mercadito’s standards, with a focus on flavor, presentation, and timeliness.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment, adhering to health and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with management on menu planning, costing, and seasonal specials.
• Train, mentor, and manage kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Monitor food costs and work towards maximizing kitchen efficiency without compromising quality.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Chef, preferably in a Mexican or Latin-inspired kitchen.
• Strong knowledge of Mexican cuisine and cooking techniques.
• Creative flair with a passion for developing new and exciting dishes.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage inventory, food costs, and labor effectively.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• Culinary degree or equivalent experience is preferred.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Opportunity to lead a talented and passionate culinary team.
• Employee discounts on food and beverages.
• Opportunities for career growth and development.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment in a well-established and respected restaurant.

How to Apply: If you are passionate about Mexican cuisine and are ready to take your culinary career to the next level, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you would be a great fit for Mercadito.

Mercadito is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.