Events Sous Chef - River Roast
Salary: $75,000 - $80,000
Different perspectives make us better. We’re committed to creating an equal opportunity and fair treatment environment, where learning and growing together is just part of our every day. An environment where you can be your authentic self.
About Levy
The disruptor in defining the sports and entertainment hospitality experience, Levy is recognized as the market leader and most critically acclaimed hospitality company in its industry. Twice named one of the 10 most innovative companies in sports by Fast Company magazine and one of the top three Best Employers for Diversity in America by Forbes, Levy’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning restaurants; iconic sports and entertainment venues, zoos and cultural institutions, theaters, and convention centers; as well as the Super Bowl, Grammy Awards, US Open Tennis Tournament, Kentucky Derby, and NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, and MLS All-Star Games.
Job Summary
Summary: River Roast is seeking a highly organized, energetic, and service-driven Events Sous Chef to support our growing private dining and events business along the Chicago River. As part of Levy - an award-winning and nationally recognized leader in hospitality and culinary experiences - River Roast delivers elevated food, exceptional service, and dynamic events in one of Chicago’s premier riverfront destinations. This role is ideal for a culinary leader who thrives in high-volume event execution, understands banquet operations, and can lead teams through seamless event production while maintaining the highest standards of hospitality, organization, and culinary excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead culinary execution for private events, banquets, receptions, buffet service, plated dinners, cocktail events, and large-scale activations
- Oversee event prep, production timelines, staffing, and service coordination for multiple simultaneous events
- Collaborate with the Events and Sales teams to ensure menu accuracy, dietary accommodations, event flow, and guest expectations are executed flawlessly
- Assist in planning and developing seasonal banquet and event menus that align with River Roast’s culinary identity and operational capabilities
- Maintain consistency in food quality, presentation, and execution during high-volume service periods
- Supervise, coach, and develop hourly culinary team members while fostering a positive and accountable kitchen culture
- Assist with ordering, inventory management, food costing, and labor management to support operational and financial goals
- Ensure all food safety, sanitation, and DOH standards are upheld at all times
- Support restaurant service operations as needed while balancing event production priorities
- Help drive innovation, organization, and operational efficiency within the culinary department
Qualifications
- 3–5+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience in restaurants, hotels, banquet facilities, or high-volume event operations
- Strong banquet and events experience required
- Proven ability to execute multiple events simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
- Experience with plated dinners, buffet execution, cocktail receptions, and large-format production
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- Ability to lead teams calmly and effectively under pressure
- Knowledge of food costing, inventory systems, prep management, and kitchen operations
- Passion for hospitality, teamwork, and guest experience
- ServSafe Certification preferred
- Culinary degree preferred but not required
- Availability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and event-driven schedules
What We’re Looking For
- Organized and proactive
- Calm under pressure
- Passionate about hospitality and guest experience
- Detail-oriented with strong event execution instincts
- A strong communicator and team leader
Excited to grow within a dynamic Chicago hospitality group
Curious about Life at Levy? Check it out: Levy Culture
At Levy, team = family. And we’ll always take care of family, learn more about Levy benefits offered.
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance/ AD
- Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Flexible Time Off Plan
- Paid Parental Leave
- Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
- Personal Leave
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_Levy.pdf
Levy is a member of Compass Group USA. Compass Group/Levy is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass/Levy, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable acccommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsiblities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.
We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Levy maintains a drug-free workplace.
Job Segment:
Banquet, Food Service, Sous Chef, Kitchen, Culinary, Hospitality
