Job Description
After 85+ years on Chicago corners, we're bringing that same hustle, that same flavor, and that same neighborhood energy to California for the very first time — and we're hiring the founding crew right now. If you've got the speed, the steady hands, and the grit to thrive on the line of an old-school walk-up street food stand, this is your spot. No corporate cookie-cutter shop here. We move fast, work tight, and put hot, hand-built sandwiches in the bag the moment they're rung up. Your Role on the Line As a Sandwich Maker, you own the build station. The Cashier takes orders and fires them to you through the Kitchen Display System (KDS); the Cook works the grill; you live in between, building every Polish, hot dog, cheeseburger, Italian beef, and pork chop sandwich exactly the way the ticket says — hot, fast, and right the first time. It’s an open kitchen, so customers see everything you do. When a ticket hits your screen, you own it until it’s in the customer’s hands — passed across the counter or through the drive-thru window. What You'll Actually Do Read incoming orders off the Kitchen Display System (KDS) and execute each one in the sequence it lands, juggling multiple tickets at once without dropping a beat Build every Maxwell Street Polish, hot dog, cheeseburger, Italian beef, and pork chop sandwich hot off the line and customized exactly to the ticket — extra peppers, no onions, mustard on the side, double cheese, allergen swaps, all of it Greet customers in a friendly manner as they approach the open counter and hand each completed order directly to them across the counter or through the drive-thru window with a smile Maintain accuracy on every handoff — right items, right bag, right customer, complete order, every time Know the full menu cold: ingredients, build specs, common allergen swaps, and the Jim’s Original way of constructing each item, so you can flag any issue with a ticket before it goes out Hold the steam tables (hot dogs, beef au jus, bun warmers) at proper temperature and keep them stocked with hot dogs, beef, warm buns and so we never go dry mid-rush Communicate clearly with the Cook on the grill, the Cashier at the register, and the Shift Leader — call out allergen tickets, protein needs, orders and restocking help so nothing slips Keep your prep counter, condiment line, and surrounding area sparkling clean — clean as you go, every shift, every time Restock buns, hot dogs, beef, mustard, condiments, sport peppers, sliced cheese, wax paper, and prep-counter paper supplies; flag the Shift Leader before the line runs short Apply California food handling and food safety standards rigorously — proper single-use glove use, frequent hand washing, temperature control, cross-contact and allergen awareness Help unpack incoming deliveries, rotate product (first-in, first-out), and stock items in the right storage areas Train new Sandwich Makers on Jim’s Original procedures and set the standard for the rest of the line Pitch in wherever the crew needs a hand on the back line — fry station, prep, restock — we win as a team Adhere to all company policies and procedures, paying special attention to health and safety Who We're Looking For You don't need a culinary degree. You need hustle, a steady head during a rush, and a real eye for getting every ticket right. It’s an open kitchen and you’ll be handing orders directly to customers, so a friendly presence matters too. We'll teach you the rest. Prior experience in fast food, fast-casual, deli, sandwich shops, or any high-volume kitchen — helpful, not required Comfort reading and managing tickets off a kitchen display monitor (KDS), or willingness to pick it up quickly during paid training Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow build specs accurately under pressure Solid basic math (measuring portions, counting inventory) and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately Friendly, customer-facing presence — you’ll be greeting guests and handing off their food in an open kitchen Clear communication with the Cook, the Cashier, and the Shift Leader Calm under pressure and a team-first attitude Flexible availability across mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays — peak rushes are when we need you most Ability to obtain and maintain a California Food Handler’s Certificate within 30 days of hire (we’ll point you to the right course) What's In It For You Free staff meals on every shift — yes, free Polishes and fries on the clock Paid training and ongoing coaching from a crew that actually knows the food Employee discount and a path to leadership roles as we grow on the West Coast Founding-team bragging rights — you'll