OPENING EXPECTED IN MID-SEPTEMBER TO EARLY OCTOBER 2026 – NOW HIRING KITCHEN TEAM MEMBERS!
Kitchen Team Member – Prep, Cooking & Dishwashing
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka – Chicago West Loop
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is opening its first downtown Chicago location in the lively West Loop district.
We are continuing to build our Opening Kitchen Team for our new downtown Chicago restaurant, with the opening currently expected in mid-September to early October 2026.
This is a rare opportunity to join the founding team and help build the restaurant from the ground up. If you want to be part of something new, exciting, and full of potential, we would love to meet you!
Paid training shifts will be held prior to the opening.
PAY & BENEFITS
Pay: $18.00 – $24.00 per hour
Job Type: Part-time
Benefits include:
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Employee discount
- Staff meal
- Paid sick time
- Paid training
- Flexible schedule
POSITION OVERVIEW
We are looking for energetic, reliable, and team-oriented individuals to join our new Kitchen Team.
As an opening member, you will play an important role in shaping our kitchen operations, team culture, and overall guest experience from day one.
This position includes prep work, cooking, dishwashing, cleaning, and other back-of-house tasks as needed.
This is a great fit for someone who enjoys working with food, staying active, keeping things organized, and being part of a team.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
- Able to greet guests and team members with a clear, energetic voice
- Able to maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment
- Works efficiently during busy service hours
- Strong attention to food quality and consistency
- Positive attitude with willingness to learn and improve
- Team-oriented and able to communicate clearly in the kitchen
- Reliable, punctual, and able to keep commitments
- Able to adapt in a fast-paced kitchen environment
- Able to follow recipes, procedures, and company standards
- Experience with Japanese cuisine or ramen preparation is a plus, but not required
- Basic English communication skills are helpful for daily kitchen operations
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
- Prepare ingredients according to Santouka’s recipes and procedures
- Cook and assemble menu items according to company standards
- Wash dishes, kitchen tools, and equipment
- Clean and organize kitchen areas, storage areas, and workstations
- Follow food safety and sanitation procedures
- Maintain food quality, portion control, and consistency
- Assist with opening, closing, and cleaning duties
- Support teammates during busy service hours
- Communicate clearly with supervisors and team members
- Stand for extended periods of time
- Work in a hot kitchen environment
- Perform repetitive motions such as cutting, mixing, washing, and lifting
- Lift up to 40–50 lbs as needed
POSITION DETAILS
- Paid training will be provided before regular shifts begin
- 30-day probation period, paid at the regular hourly wage
- Learn Santouka’s standard recipes and kitchen operations
- Maintain kitchen cleanliness and follow food safety procedures
- Support team members and communicate clearly with supervisors
- Opportunity to learn authentic Japanese ramen preparation techniques
TIP POOLING
Kitchen staff do not participate in the tip pool.
REQUIREMENTS
- Must obtain a Food Handler Certificate before starting work
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
- Previous kitchen, prep, cooking, or dishwashing experience is preferred, but not required
SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS & SHIFT OPTIONS
Shifts may vary depending on business needs.
We welcome applicants with a wide range of availability and will discuss possible schedules during the interview process.
Shift times are flexible and will be arranged based on applicant availability and operational needs.
Examples of common shift patterns:
Lunch: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Dinner: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Other shift arrangements may be available depending on restaurant needs and applicant availability.
WORK LOCATION
In person – West Loop
160 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60661
MESSAGE FROM OUR TEAM
We are excited to welcome new kitchen members to help launch our downtown Chicago location.
At Santouka, we believe in being fast but precise, busy but kind, and always working with pride.
Join us in bringing authentic Japanese ramen — and genuine hospitality — to downtown Chicago.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pay: $18.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
Ability to Commute:
- Chicago, IL 60661 (Required)
Work Location: In person
