We’re not hiring cooks. We’re hiring fast, focused kitchen pros who can keep up, stay sharp, and work clean.
At Smoque BBQ, our kitchen doesn't run like a traditional line. There’s no flame, no pans, and no artistic plating. What there is… is volume, precision, speed, and standards. Every station plays a critical part in making sure our food gets out fast, hot, consistent, and right. This is more of an assembly and quality control job than a “chef” gig — and it’s every bit as important.
We’re looking for full-time or part-time staff to join our kitchen team. Experience helps, but it’s not required. If you’re organized, reliable, and able to work in a fast-paced environment, we’ll train you.
What the Job Actually Is:
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Reading tickets and assembling customer orders — fast and accurately
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Checking every item for quality, portioning, and temperature
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Communicating constantly with the rest of the line to keep things moving
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Keeping your station clean and stocked
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Following food safety and sanitation protocols (no shortcuts, no excuses)
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Supporting your team — and asking for help when you need it
Requirements:
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You need to be on time, dependable, and available weekends — that’s when we’re slammed
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Shifts run anytime between 11am and 10pm, Tuesday through Sunday
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You’ll be on your feet, moving fast, for 4–10 hours per shift
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You must be able to lift 50 pounds and handle a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
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Fluent English is required for line communication
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Food Handler Certification is a plus — if you don’t have it, you’ll need to get it after hire
Who Thrives Here:
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People who move with purpose
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People who pay attention to the details
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People who don’t lose focus when it gets busy
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People who take pride in doing it right, every single time
We’ve been serving up award-winning BBQ in Chicago’s Old Irving Park for over 18 years. We’re proud of the food we serve — and the people who help us serve it.
If that sounds like you, apply now. Let’s talk.
