Work Somewhere That Feeds You Back
Smack Dab isn’t your typical restaurant job. We believe you deserve respect, support, and a team that’s got your back. If you’re looking for kitchen or cafe work in Chicago that aligns with your values, then welcome home.
WHY WORK AT SMACK DAB?
We’ve heard the stories: toxic kitchens, burnout, people treated like they’re disposable. That’s not what we’re about.
Smack Dab is a queer-owned, values-led business in Rogers Park that exists to nourish community, and that starts with the folks on our team. We create real jobs with livable pay and human-centered leadership. We believe you can work in food and still have a life.
We care about kindness. About good boundaries. About showing up for each other. If that’s the kind of place you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear from you.
Please use the form below to apply.
Feel free to send in your resume even if you don't see the position you're looking for listed.
Front of House Manager (FT)
Hi! We are looking for a special someone to lead our team in the front of house! Is that... you?! Our ideal candidate is someone who truly loves working in the service industry, has at least 3 years management experience in fast paced, independently-owned restaurants (in the last 5 years) and is looking for a career rather than just a job in this ever changing landscape of food service.
This is a full time position offering competitive pay and benefits (disability insurance, health insurance and 401k matching, with performance-based bonuses). Weekends mandatory, primarily morning/afternoon shifts with evenings as needed--45-50 work h. Starting salary is $55,000; higher salary negotiated based on experience.
Our staff is largely LGBTQI+ and we are woman-owned; we are dedicated to creating an equitable and inclusive work environment. Our future FOH manager is able and willing to build trust and respect with folks from all kinds of gender expressions, orientations and backgrounds.
Lead Line Cook
Smack Dab is looking for an experienced cook for full time work, both on our brunch line and for catering prep/production. *We are located on the FAR north side in Rogers Park Chicago--local candidates highly preferred.* Availability on weekends is a must for AM hours (7 am-4 pm range) and/or weekday production hours in later afternoon/early evening. Knife skills and speed must be high and familiarity with standard cooking techniques and bulk production. Baking and management experience is a plus. Start wage $21-23+/hour based on experience with additional weekend/holiday pay. Merit based raises within 90 days. We are a high volume small business searching for a strong cook--at this time, no entry level or returning to the field candidates will be considered for this position.
We'd love to have you join our team! Please include resume with your application.
Expo/BOH
Looking for an experienced expo to join our team at Smack Dab. *Please note: we are on the far north side in Chicago. Local candidates highly preferred.* Must have at least two years EXPO/LINE experience in high volume settings within the last 4 years. This is a hybrid role that requires a constant attention to detail and includes calling tickets, food plating, food running, prep and other BOH duties. Cooking experience strongly preferred. This position is not for the faint of heart--weekends are pedal to the medal with 300+ customers served.
This position requires Friday to Sunday availability, morning to mid-afternoon shifts. Competitive pay based on experience level, opportunities for merit based raises within 30-60-90 days. Start $21/hr with additional weekend wage. Please include resume!
FOH Shift Lead
Looking for a shift lead for our busy season and beyond! Saturday/Sundays needed, with opportunities for 2-3 weekday shifts. . Duties include managing and supervising team members during brunch shifts, ensuring smooth operations, maintaining customer satisfaction, and adherence to company policies and procedures. Candidate should have at least 2 years of management/front of house experience in HIGH VOLUME restaurant settings--brunch gets wild here, so you have to enjoy a quick pace! *PLEASE NOTE: WE ARE LOCATED IN FAR NORTH SIDE NEIGHBORHOOD ROGERS PARK!*
At this time, we are not accepting entry level candidates.