Dishwasher

About this position

About Us

Cha Chín is part of Éxodo Hospitality Group, a Chicago-based hospitality group bringing together diverse cultures, culinary traditions, and unique dining experiences. Rooted in a celebration of culture, community, and connection, we believe hospitality is about more than great food and service. It's about bringing people together and creating meaningful experiences.

Inspired by the belief that true prosperity is found in the moments we share, Cha Chín celebrates good fortune, community, and togetherness. Our culinary concept brings together Chinese and Peruvian influences, highlighting the ingredients, traditions, and cooking techniques of both cuisines.

Through food, drinks, and genuine hospitality, we strive to create an environment where every guest feels welcomed, valued, and part of something special.

We are seeking a reliable, hardworking, and highly organized Dishwasher / Steward to support the daily operations of Cha Chín's kitchen.

The Dishwasher / Steward plays an essential role in maintaining the cleanliness, sanitation, and efficiency of the kitchen. This position ensures that dishes, cookware, utensils, and equipment are properly cleaned, sanitized, and returned to their designated locations in a timely manner.

With a collection of delicate and specialty dinnerware, the Dishwasher / Steward must demonstrate exceptional care when washing, handling, transporting, and storing equipment to preserve its condition and prevent unnecessary damage.

Our kitchen operates within a compact workspace and is visible to guests through a large dining room window. Maintaining exceptional cleanliness, organization, and professional conduct is essential throughout every shift.

The ideal candidate takes pride in maintaining an orderly workspace, works efficiently under pressure, and understands that a clean and organized kitchen is fundamental to delivering an excellent dining experience.

No previous professional kitchen experience is required. We value reliability, a strong work ethic, patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn.

Dishwashing & Equipment Management

• Wash, rinse, sanitize, and properly store dishes, glassware, silverware, pots, pans, utensils, and kitchen equipment.

• Operate and maintain commercial dishwashing equipment according to established procedures.

• Handle all dinnerware, glassware, and specialty serving pieces with exceptional care, recognizing that many items are delicate, fragile, or require special handling.

• Follow proper washing, drying, stacking, storage, and transportation procedures to prevent chips, cracks, scratches, and breakage.

• Avoid overcrowding dish racks, overstacking plates, or placing delicate items in positions where they may be damaged.

• Identify items requiring handwashing or specialized cleaning methods and follow established procedures.

• Inspect dinnerware and glassware for damage before returning items to service. Immediately report chipped, cracked, or broken pieces to kitchen leadership.

• Ensure all items are thoroughly cleaned, sanitized, and free of food residue before returning them to service.

• Maintain a consistent flow of clean dishes, utensils, and cookware to support kitchen and front-of-house operations.

• Prioritize cleaning needs during busy service periods to prevent delays or shortages.

• Maintain an efficient flow of clean equipment without compromising careful handling or sanitation standards.

• Properly organize and return cleaned equipment to designated storage areas.

• Monitor dishwashing supplies and communicate shortages or equipment issues to kitchen leadership.

• Clean and maintain dishwashing equipment, filters, drains, and surrounding surfaces as directed.

• Maintain exceptional cleanliness and organization throughout the entire shift.

• Keep the dishwashing area clean, sanitary, organized, and free of unnecessary clutter.

• Work efficiently within a compact kitchen where space, storage, and equipment must be carefully managed.

• Practice continuous cleaning rather than allowing dirty dishes, equipment, or waste to accumulate.

• Keep clean and dirty items properly separated to prevent cross-contamination.

• Maintain clean floors, work surfaces, storage areas, and shared kitchen spaces.

• Sweep, mop, and clean designated kitchen and back-of-house areas according to established schedules.

• Properly collect, separate, and dispose of trash, recycling, and other waste.

• Maintain cleanliness of trash containers and waste disposal areas.

• Follow proper cleaning chemical handling, storage, and dilution procedures.

• Comply with all applicable food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.

• Immediately communicate sanitation concerns, spills, equipment malfunctions, or unsafe conditions to kitchen leadership.

• Maintain clean, orderly, and professionally presented workspaces, recognizing that portions of the kitchen are visible to guests through the dining room window.

• Assist with receiving, organizing, and storing deliveries as directed.

• Help maintain organized storage areas and ensure equipment and supplies are returned to their proper locations.

• Support kitchen staff with basic preparation tasks when assigned and appropriately trained.

• Assist with cleaning and organizing kitchen equipment during slower periods.

• Complete assigned opening, closing, and deep-cleaning responsibilities.

• Follow established cleaning schedules and kitchen maintenance procedures.

• Support other kitchen team members as needed to maintain efficient operations.

• Communicate clearly and professionally with chefs, cooks, and front-of-house team members.

• Follow direction from kitchen leadership and remain receptive to coaching and feedback.

• Maintain a positive, respectful, and team-oriented attitude.

• Demonstrate accountability for assigned tasks, cleaning responsibilities, and proper equipment handling.

• Remain attentive to kitchen needs and proactively assist when additional support is required.

• Maintain professional conduct and awareness of the guest-facing kitchen environment.

• Contribute to a kitchen culture built on cleanliness, discipline, teamwork, and mutual respect.

Required

• Strong work ethic, reliability, and punctuality.

• Exceptional cleanliness and organizational habits.

• Exceptional attention to detail and careful handling of fragile or specialty dinnerware.

• Patience and discipline to prioritize proper handling over unnecessary speed.

• Ability to follow specific cleaning, stacking, and storage procedures for delicate equipment.

• Strong sense of responsibility for protecting restaurant property and minimizing preventable breakage.

• Ability to work efficiently and maintain an organized workspace within a compact kitchen.

• Ability to follow instructions, cleaning procedures, and established safety protocols.

• Ability to maintain a consistent pace during busy service periods.

• Willingness to assist team members and respond to changing operational needs.

• Positive attitude and ability to work collaboratively with others.

• Willingness to learn proper food safety and sanitation practices.

• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.

• Valid Illinois Food Handler Training certification where applicable, or ability to obtain it within the legally required timeframe.

• Previous experience as a Dishwasher, Steward, or kitchen support employee.

• Familiarity with commercial dishwashing equipment and sanitation procedures.

• Experience handling delicate dinnerware, specialty serving pieces, or fragile glassware.

• Experience working in a high-volume restaurant or professional kitchen.

• Experience maintaining cleanliness and organization in compact workspaces.

• Basic knowledge of kitchen equipment, food handling, and storage procedures.

• Bilingual communication skills, particularly English and Spanish.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout a full shift.

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.

• Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, and repetitive hand and wrist movements.

• Regular exposure to water, heat, steam, cold temperatures, noise, and cleaning chemicals.

• Ability to work safely around wet floors, hot equipment, and sharp kitchen tools.

• Comfortable working in a compact professional kitchen with limited storage and workspace.

• Ability to maintain cleanliness, organization, and professional conduct in a kitchen visible to guests from the dining room.

• Ability to work scheduled shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Éxodo Hospitality Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.

Location and commute

Chicago, IL .

Plan your route with Google Maps. Travel times and transportation options vary; confirm the work location with the employer before commuting.

How to apply

Review the vacancy and complete the application on the employer or recruitment partner’s website. Requisition ID: WJ-3222348112.