Lead Line Cook — Rafferty's Irish Pub
About Rafferty's
Rafferty's Irish Pub is a family-owned and operated neighborhood pub in Countryside, Illinois. We've built our business around good food, cold drinks, friendly service, and creating a place where both our customers and employees feel at home.
We're looking for an experienced and dependable Lead Line Cook who can help keep our kitchen running smoothly, work well with our existing staff, and take pride in the food that leaves the kitchen.
We're not a corporate restaurant. We're a family-run business, and we're looking for someone who wants to become an important part of our team.
What You'll Do
As our Lead Line Cook, you'll work directly with management and our kitchen staff to help oversee day-to-day kitchen operations.
Responsibilities include:
- Prepare and cook menu items consistently and according to Rafferty's standards
- Help lead the kitchen during busy lunch, dinner, weekend, and event shifts
- Keep tickets moving while maintaining food quality and presentation
- Communicate with servers, bartenders, kitchen staff, and management
- Help train and support other cooks and kitchen employees
- Monitor food preparation, portions, freshness, and product quality
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen
- Follow proper food handling, sanitation, storage, and temperature procedures
- Help monitor inventory and communicate when products or ingredients are running low
- Assist with prep work and organization before busy shifts
- Help reduce unnecessary food waste and control portions
- Provide input on daily specials, new menu ideas, and ways we can improve the kitchen
- Be willing to jump in wherever needed — we're a family-run restaurant, and teamwork is important to us
What We're Looking For
- Previous line cook or kitchen experience required
- Lead cook, kitchen supervisor, or similar leadership experience preferred
- Comfortable working in a busy bar and restaurant environment
- Understanding of grilling, frying, sautéing, food prep, and basic kitchen techniques
- Good communication and leadership skills
- Dependable and able to show up on time for scheduled shifts
- Able to stay organized and calm during busy service
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation procedures
- Willingness to learn our menu and maintain consistency
- Someone who takes pride in their work and cares about the food they serve
- Most importantly, someone who works well with others and wants to be part of a team
Why Rafferty's?
We're looking for more than someone who can simply work the line. We want someone who can grow with Rafferty's and become a trusted part of our kitchen team.
Because we're family-owned, good employees aren't just another number. We value people who take initiative, bring ideas to the table, help their coworkers, and care about making the restaurant better.
If you're an experienced cook looking for a steady position where your work and ideas are appreciated, we'd like to meet you.
Pay: $20.00 - $28.00 per hour
Expected hours: 16.0 – 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Employee discount
- Paid training
Work Location: In person
