About the role#
This culinary internship provides hands-on experience in a professional restaurant environment. You will work in an hourly position while completing a structured program that includes educational seminars, a group concept project, and an end-of-program expo. The program runs from May 25 through August 4, 2027.
What you'll do#
- Perform the daily tasks of your assigned hourly role, such as cooking or food preparation.
- Operate kitchen tools and equipment safely.
- Attend weekly seminars covering restaurant financials, menu creation, and marketing.
- Complete management checklists and provide feedback throughout the summer.
- Work summer festivals, including the mandatory Windy City Smokeout for Chicago-based interns.
- Collaborate on a group restaurant concept project to present at the final Intern Expo.
- Maintain a clean and safe workspace while following all sanitation guidelines.
- Greet guests and help ensure a positive dining experience.
- Handle guest challenges with tact and good judgment.
- Work flexible shifts, including nights and weekends.
- Multitask effectively in a busy kitchen environment.
What you'll need#
- At least 1 year of practical experience or current enrollment in a culinary program.
- Ability to work well with others as part of a team.
- Strong communication skills to follow written and spoken instructions.
- Physical ability to stand for an entire shift, move through the restaurant, and lift up to 50 pounds.
- Experience with Italian or French cuisine is a plus.
Location & details#
- Location: Chicago, Illinois.
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Modality: On-site.
- Employment: Full-time, paid.
- Note: Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation.
About Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants
Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is a family-owned restaurant group based in Chicago. Founded in 1971, the company manages and licenses over 110 locations across several states and Washington D.C. The group operates more than 60 different concepts that range from fast casual to fine dining. It employs between 5,001 and 10,000 people.
How to get in at Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants
Landing an internship at Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants requires staying ahead of the competition. Because the company manages many distinct concepts, roles can appear and fill quickly. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first. Early applicants get seen before the pile grows, which is a significant advantage in a fast-paced hospitality environment. You should also consider reaching out to the team directly to show interest. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company's roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the role or a referral. Connecting with the right person materially improves response rates and helps you stand out from the general applicant pool.
