Sous Chef - Join the Team!
Posted on October 24, 2025
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba is Chicago's original tapas restaurant, renowned for its authentic Spanish cuisine and signature sangria. Established in 1985 and nestled in the vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba has become a beloved dining destination in Chicago for over three decades. The restaurant prides itself on creating a lively and warm atmosphere that captures the essence of Spain, offering guests a unique and memorable culinary experience. As part of the Lettuce Entertain You family of restaurants, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba benefits from a strong organizational foundation that supports both its team members and its commitment to exceptional food and service. Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is a culinary-driven company, known for nurturing diverse talents and fostering a culture of caring across more than 130 locations nationwide. This commitment extends to providing career-long training, growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits for its employees. The position open at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba is for a Sous Chef, a pivotal role within the restaurant's kitchen team. This role requires a dynamic and experienced professional with at least two years of sous chef experience in a full-service restaurant environment. The Sous Chef will be instrumental in maintaining the quality and consistency of the menu offerings, overseeing back-of-house operations, and leading the kitchen and BOH teams effectively. The Sous Chef will work closely with the General Manager and other managers or chefs to ensure the smooth operation of the kitchen, participate in menu and recipe management, and uphold the high standards that Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba is known for. This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $55,000 to $75,000 annually, reflecting the importance of the role and the skills required. In addition to the salary, employees enjoy numerous benefits designed to support their health, well-being, and professional growth. These benefits include quarterly bonuses, paid time off including holidays, personal days and vacation, 401(k) retirement plans, comprehensive medical insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield, dental and vision insurance, life and accident protection, domestic partner benefits, employee discounts at restaurants, and access to an employee assistance program focused on mental health and wellness. The Sous Chef position demands a high level of responsibility and leadership, requiring the candidate to manage various kitchen operations such as food preparation, inventory management, and quality control. The role also involves staff development duties including interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, supervising, and cultivating teamwork among BOH employees. Additionally, effective communication with both front-of-house and back-of-house teams is critical to ensure seamless food production and service. Candidates should expect to work a variety of shifts including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and potentially travel overnight as needed, making flexibility and dedication vital attributes. Overall, this opportunity at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba allows an experienced culinary professional to join a prestigious and well-established restaurant while benefiting from a supportive and growth-oriented company environment shaped by Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants. The role is ideal for passionate chefs who thrive in a fast-paced, team-driven setting and are eager to contribute to a Chicago culinary landmark's ongoing success.
- 2-3 years of sous chef experience in a full-service restaurant
- Ability to lead and manage the kitchen staff