Private Chef & Event Cook (Part-Time / Freelance)
LPM Kitchen – Chicago, IL
LPM Kitchen is a boutique private chef company specializing in from-scratch meal delivery, in-home cooking, and intimate private events. We’re expanding our team and looking for skilled, reliable cooks to help us grow.
This position would be working directly with Chef Jacob Lewis.
About Chef Jacob Lewis
I’ve been working in restaurants since I was fourteen, following in the footsteps of my late grandfather, Lewis Paul Matyok, whose name inspired LPM Kitchen. After high school, I attended the Culinary Institute of America before beginning my professional journey in Cleveland, Ohio. There, I worked under Jonathon Sawyer at his flagship Greenhouse Tavern and his Italian tasting menu live fire restaurant, Trentina. Before leaving Cleveland, I was part of the opening team for The Marble Room, where I climbed my way to Banquet Chef. Following that, I moved to Nashville to work at The Catbird Seat for Chef Ryan Poli. During my time in Nashville, I also worked at Nicky’s Coal Fired with my close friends Tony and Caroline Galzin, furthering my butchery and charcuterie skills.
My culinary journey then took me to Chicago, where I worked under Chef Sarah Grueneberg at Monteverde for almost five years. After Monteverde, I became the Sous Chef at Michelin-starred Sepia, where I stayed for over two years. Since leaving Sepia, I have been dedicated to creating memorable culinary experiences in our clients’ homes.
About the Role
You’ll start in our Chicago commissary kitchen, prepping weekly menus and supporting event production. As you get comfortable with our systems and standards, you may be offered opportunities for in-home private chef work or event cooking, depending on your experience and interest.
This is an ideal position for cooks seeking flexible, fulfilling work with a growing food business that values creativity, quality, and professionalism.
We’re building a team, and as we grow, there will be opportunities for advancement and management roles across all areas of the business—including our weekly family meal packages, performance-focused individually packaged meals, private events, and in-home cooking services.
Work Includes:
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Weekly meal prep and portioning at our commissary
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Cooking for private clients in their homes (by invitation based on experience)
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On-site cooking for intimate events and special occasions
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Support with occasional delivery, setup, and cleanup
Pay Structure:
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Commissary kitchen work starts at $35/hr
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In-home private chef work starts at $40/hr, increasing to $45/hr after 90 days
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Event work and tips vary by gig
Employment Status:
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Commissary staff may transition to W-2 employment as hours and consistency grow
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In-home and event chefs remain 1099 contractors, due to the flexible and client-facing nature of the work
Requirements:
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2+ years of kitchen experience (restaurant, catering, or private chef preferred)
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Strong knife skills and ability to follow prep systems
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Polished, professional demeanor for client-facing roles
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Availability for some weekends and evenings
Start Date: ASAP
Location: Old Town / Chicago area
To apply, send your resume and a quick note about your background and availability. We’re excited to meet you!
