Barback

Job Position: Barback / Food Prep Associate
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Wage: $18-21/hr
Location: Downtonw Chicago, IL

Job Summary

As a Barback / Food Prep Associate with Food For Thought, you will support daily bar operations while assisting with the preparation of hot and cold appetizers. This position plays an important role in ensuring efficient beverage service, maintaining a clean and well-stocked bar, and delivering high-quality food and hospitality experiences to our guests.

The ideal candidate is dependable, organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced hospitality environment. This position requires flexibility to assist both front-of-house and back-of-house teams as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Bar Support and Operations

• Assist bartenders with daily bar setup, stocking, maintenance, and closing procedures.
• Restock beverages, ice, glassware, garnishes, mixers, and other bar supplies.
• Maintain clean, organized, and properly stocked bar stations throughout service.
• Wash, polish, and organize glassware, bar tools, and equipment.
• Prepare basic beverage garnishes and mixers following established standards.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate replenishment needs to supervisors.
• Assist with beverage service and other bar-related tasks as directed, consistent with applicable regulations.

Food Preparation and Service

• Prepare and assemble hot and cold appetizers according to standardized recipes and presentation guidelines.
• Perform basic food preparation tasks, including washing, cutting, portioning, and assembling ingredients.
• Assist with heating, cooking, and plating appetizers using approved kitchen equipment and procedures.
• Ensure food is prepared and presented consistently, meeting company quality standards.
• Maintain proper food storage, labeling, temperature controls, and sanitation practices.
• Monitor food supplies and communicate shortages or preparation needs to the culinary team.
• Assist with replenishing food displays and appetizer stations during service.

Safety, Sanitation, and Teamwork

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment in accordance with company standards and health regulations.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety procedures.
• Work collaboratively with bartenders, culinary staff, and other team members to ensure efficient service.
• Support setup and breakdown of special events and catered functions as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned**.**

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience in food service, hospitality, bar support, or basic food preparation preferred.
• Basic knowledge of food handling, sanitation, and kitchen safety procedures.
• Ability to follow standardized recipes, preparation instructions, and portion guidelines.
• Basic mathematical skills to understand measurements, recipes, and portion sizes.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Valid Food Handler Certificate or ability to obtain one within the required timeframe.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, bend, reach, and lift and carry supplies and equipment as required by the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one year of experience as a barback, food prep associate, kitchen assistant, or in a similar hospitality position.
• Experience preparing hot and cold appetizers.
• Familiarity with basic kitchen equipment and bar operations.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food quality and presentation.
• Positive attitude, dependability, and willingness to assist wherever needed.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining high service standards.

Our Expectations

At Food For Thought, we believe exceptional hospitality is a team effort. Every team member contributes to creating a welcoming environment and delivering quality food and service.

Successful candidates will demonstrate reliability, teamwork, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, food safety, and customer satisfaction.

Why We’re the Leaders

• Excellent training
• Employee Referral bonuses
• Flexible scheduling
• Career advancement opportunities
• Competitive Pay
• Anniversary Milestone Incentives

Company Benefits & Perks

• Paid Time Off

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance – Includes Spouse and Domestic Partner Coverage (Blue Cross Blue Shield Provider)

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• Health Savings Account (HSA)

• Paid Life Insurance

• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D) & Critical Illness Insurance

• Short Term Disability

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Mental Health, Relationship Conflicts, Child and Eldercare, Substance Abuse, Grief and Loss

• Assistance for you and household members

• In Person Sessions

• Unlimited phone access

• Parental Leave – Equal benefits to Mothers and Fathers

• 401K Retirement Plan

• FFT University - Over 70 courses designed to enhance your skills in life and on the job to help your career growth.

• Employee Meal Plan

• Employee Discounts (Pet Insurance, Entertainment, Travel, Company Discounts, and much more).

Company Values & Culture

• Collaboration & Open Communication
• Diverse, Inclusive, Safe, and Motivating
• Our Triple Bottom Line – People, Product and Planet
• A Net Positive Organization

Grow with us! - at Food For Thought, instruction, advice, and assistance are always readily available, which is why our average tenure is 5 years. The U.S. average is 4.3 years, while the Hospitality industry average is only 2 years!

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is regularly required to reach at or below the shoulder; lift and carry items up to 40 pounds for a moderate distance. The employee is required to use their hands to handle tools, grasp, and control objects. Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble items.

The employee is regularly required to talk, hear, move, reach, grab, and stand for long periods of time. As well as stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing ladders.

EEO Statement

Food For Thought provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all applicants and employees, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

E-Verify Participation

Food For Thought participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that your employer has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact DHS.