Culinary BOH Internship Level 1
About the job
- One year of practical experience or current enrollment in a culinary program.
- Safely and effectively use and operate all necessary tools and equipment.
- Work a variety of days and shifts, including weekends and nights.
- Effectively communicate to follow written and spoken directions and job requirements.
- Multitask calmly and effectively in a busy, stressful environment.
- Work in a confined, crowded space with variable lighting, noise, and temperature.
- Move and lift up to 10 pounds, frequently move and/or lift up to 25 pounds, and occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds.
- Sit or stand for an entire shift and move safely through all areas of the restaurant, which may include stairs and uneven or slick surfaces.
- Participate in and complete weekly seminars, management checklists, management feedback, summer festivals, restaurant concept projects, the Intern Expo, group events, and other program activities.
- Perform the essential functions and key responsibilities of the assigned hourly restaurant role, such as host, server, runner, busser, or cook, as determined by the supervising manager at the designated restaurant.
- Attend weekly virtual educational meetings covering restaurant financials, menu creation, marketing, and related topics.
- Complete a group project and present it at a live expo in Chicago.
- Ensure the overall guest experience exceeds expectations and anticipate guests’ needs.
- Greet guests warmly and sincerely.
- Use tact and good judgment when addressing guest challenges and respond to guest needs with patience and courtesy.
- Proficiently use and operate all necessary tools and equipment.
- Comply with all safety and sanitation guidelines and procedures.
- Follow all rules, policies, procedures, and conditions of employment, including those in the Employee Handbook.
- Work all days of the Windy City Smokeout festival from July 8–11, 2027, if based in Chicago; interns in other markets may participate with prior approval and are responsible for related travel and accommodations.
- Experience with Italian or French cuisine.
About the company
Lettuce Entertain You is a Chicago-based, independent, family-owned restaurant group that owns, manages and licenses more than 110 restaurants across several states. It operates a diverse portfolio of concepts, from fast casual to fine dining, including brands like R.J. Grunts, Aba, Hub 51, Wildfire, RPM Italian, M Burger, Shaw’s Crab House, Mon Ami Gabi, and Beatrix. The company focuses on attracting and developing people with creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit, providing extensive training and rewarding talent and drive. Its product line is not a single dish but a collection of restaurant concepts and dining experiences under one organizational umbrella. The goal is to be the best in the business by cultivating talent, creativity, and high standards in hospitality, food, and service, across its growing portfolio.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
Founded
1971
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Ēma opened in Austin January 2026, proving out-market expansion still works.
- Pizzeria Gabbo's Fall 2026 Fulton Market opening adds another fresh Chicago traffic driver.
- UKG deployment in 2024 strengthened frontline communication across 7,000 employees and 130 restaurants.
What critics are saying
- Gerard Centioli's August 2025 lawsuit alleges fraud and a sham buyout; trial pressure persists.
- September 2025 Chicago paid-leave class action targets dozens of Illinois restaurants and back wages.
- Labor-heavy operations and frequent openings increase execution risk if consumer demand softens in 2026.
What makes Lettuce Entertain You unique
- R.J. Melman leads 60 concepts, pairing family ownership with disciplined multi-brand execution.
- Lettuce Entertain You keeps launching destination concepts like Ēma Austin and Pizzeria Gabbo.
- Its scale and event platform, including Windy City Smokeout and Presidents Cup, build brand reach.
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Benefits
Paid Holidays
Paid Vacation
401(k) Retirement Plan
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Employee Discounts
Wellness Program
Mental Health Support
Company News
LOWELL, Mass. WESTON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UKG, a leading provider of HR, payroll, workforce management, and culture solutions for all people, today announced that Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, a nationally recognized restaurant group, is building a culture of belonging and engagement for its frontline workforce with the AI-powered UKG Pro suite — featuring UKG Talk — in support of its great workplace mission. Lettuce Entertain You is an independent restaurant group that owns, manages, and licenses more than 130 restaurants and employs over 7,000 people across a dozen U.S. states. Recognizing that clear communication and a sense of belonging are fundamental to a successful workplace culture, the longtime UKG customer recently deployed UKG Talk across its locations as the best way to connect with its hourly workers and share information with them in real time, while also allowing them to engage with management and each other. “We had a vision to dramatically improve our culture with open and honest communication, from our managers to restaurant staff and among frontline staff
Chef Robbins recently joined Lettuce Entertain You as Culinary Director, assisting in concept creation, menu development and chef training.
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