Chicago Suburbs - Culinary Internship

Overview

We are NOW HIRING for our Summer Culinary BOH Internship Opportunities! Lettuce Entertain You is excited to offer a variety of options for restaurant management and culinary internships. We offer two levels of Restaurant Management Internships that take place over the summer months. In addition to our summer programs, we offer culinary externships throughout the school year and summer. This program will run from May 26 through August 4, 2026, approximately 10 weeks in length. Applications will be accepted until Friday, April 10, 2026; late applications will not be considered. Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Please email [email protected] with any questions. SUMMER 2026 APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026

Responsibilities

TO ALL CHICAGO-BASED INTERNS: Please be aware that working all four days of the Windy City Smokeout festival (July 9-12, 2026) are mandatory. Interns in other markets with interest in working either event, may do so with prior approval from partners and/or general managers. All interns will be responsible for any travel and/or accommodations needed during either event. The program consists of weekly educational meetings (Tuesday, May 26, through Tuesday, August 4, 2026) as well as a practical portion (working in the restaurant). The start and end dates for the practical portion will be jointly agreed upon by the general manager and the intern.

• Interns will be hired to work an hourly role in one of our restaurants in Illinois, Washington D.C., Minnesota, Nevada, Texas, Florida or Tennessee.
• Interns will attend weekly virtual meetings in which Lettuce industry experts cover topics such as restaurant financials, menu creation, marketing and more.
• Internship includes a group project with a final presentation at a live expo in Chicago.

Restaurant Management Interns participate in and complete internship program activities. Essential Functions

• Participate in and complete weekly seminars, management checklists, management feedback, summer festivals (e.g., Windy City Smokeout for Chicago area interns), restaurant concept project, Intern Expo, group events and other program activities
• Perform essential functions and key responsibilities listed in hourly job description (e.g., host, server, runner, busser, cook, etc.) for the assigned role determined by intern’s supervising manager at designated restaurant location
• Safely and effectively use and operate all necessary tools and equipment
• Work a variety of days and shifts including weekends and nights
• Effectively communicate in order to perform and follow job requirements in written and spoken direction
• Multitask calmly and effectively in a busy, stressful environment
• Work in a confined, crowded space of variable light, noise and temperature levels
• Ability to 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
• Ability to sit or stand for an entire shift and move safely through all areas of the restaurant, which may include stairs, uneven or slick surfaces

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Ensure the overall guest experience exceeds expectations and anticipate guests’ needs
• Greet guests with a warm, sincere smile
• Use tact and good judgment when dealing with 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 outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Get along well with others and be a team player
• Other duties will be assigned as needed

Qualifications

• Required: 1 year of practical experience OR current enrollment in a culinary program
• Any experience with Italian or French cuisine is a big plus!

Why Work With Lettuce? We are a culinary-driven company with a genuine commitment to our people: we welcome unique perspectives and nurture diverse talents at 100+ locations, supported by our Culture of Caring. If you’re ready to be a part of what we do next, then explore your possibilities at Lettuce! EOE. We participate in E-Verify / Participamos en E-Verify Salary Range USD $15.00 - USD $20.00 /Hr. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job