Dishwasher or Steward in Chicago, Illinois at The Blackstone Hotel

About the Property & Employer

The Blackstone, Autograph Collection is proudly owned and operated by Vinayaka Hospitality (VH). As the managing company, VH serves as the employer and is responsible for all employment-related decisions, including hiring, compensation, benefits, and workplace policies.

Vinayaka Hospitality was founded in 2008 on a foundation of innovation, intelligence, and compassion. With a passion for hospitality and a practical, results-driven approach to hotel management, VH collaborates with leading global brands—including Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and Wyndham—to successfully manage a growing portfolio of properties across diverse markets.

We are proud to welcome The Blackstone Hotel to our portfolio as part of our continued expansion. Located on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, The Blackstone is one of the city’s most iconic historic hotels. Originally opened in 1910, it has long been recognized as a landmark in Chicago hospitality, known for hosting presidents, dignitaries, and distinguished guests from around the world. Today, it offers a unique blend of timeless character and modern sophistication.

At VH, we are committed to growth—both for our properties and our people. We take a proactive and agile approach to sales, marketing, and revenue strategy, allowing us to adapt quickly to changing market conditions. Equally important, we invest in our associates by creating an environment where individuals can grow, succeed, and make a meaningful impact.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply—you may be a great fit for this or future opportunities within VH.

Benefits

• 8 Paid Holiday plus a 5 Sick day
• 40 hours of vacation on a first-year anniversary, and 80 hours of vacation until 10th anniversary
• Eligible to enroll in medical insurance under the terms specified in Local 1 Unite HERE Health & Welfare plan
• Eligible to enroll in dental insurance under the terms specified in Local 1 Unite HERE Health & Welfare plan
• Eligible to participate in the pension fund under the terms specified in Local 1 Unite HERE Retirement Fund plan
• Pre-paid legal benefits
• Short term and life insurance coverage as specified in the funds covered by collective bargaining agreement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Great discounts on Hotels, Restaurants, and much more

TITLE: Dishwasher

DEPARTMENT: Kitchen

REPORTS TO: Sous Chef/Executive Chef

JOB SUMMARY

Clean, transport and store all pots and pans used in the food and beverage operations and maintain the pots and pans room in a clean and orderly manner.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Clean and sanitize all china, glassware, silverware, flatware, pots and pans in the hotel.
• Ensure restaurant and banquet kitchens have the requisite amounts of the above to properly open their shifts and that there are sufficient Queen Mary’s and racks in which to place dirty dishes, silver, pots, and pans.
• Responsible for the proper sanitation and cleanliness of all kitchens and food preparation areas, including ovens, grills, stoves, hoods, fryers, preparation slicers, steam kettles, tables and floors.

SUPPORTIVE FUNCTIONS

In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the manager based upon the particular requirements of the hotel:

• Assist culinary staff during any special request or priorities as requested by the Executive Chef or the Sous Chef.

Note: Additional tasks may be added during employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Most work tasks are performed indoors. Temperature is moderate and controlled by hotel environmental systems; however, must be able to work in extreme temperatures like freezers and kitchens.

· Must be able to see minute objects at arm’s length, to read meters and controls.

· Must be able to bend, squat, crouching, crawling, reach and retrieve items from above head.

· Must have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., including, but not limited to, pots and pans and trays of food or food items, on a regular and continuing basis.

· Must be able to push and pull carts and equipment weighing up to 250 lbs. on a regular and continuing basis.

· Must be able to travel up to 300 feet and standing on a regular basis throughout the shift.

· Must be able to understand and follow verbal/written instructions and able to communicate.

· Must be able to perform multiple tasks at one time and able to pay attention to sound and sight details in crowded and noisy situations

· Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity.

· Requires manual dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment.

· Must have the ability to keep breakage to a minimum by handling china, glassware and fragile equipment with care.

AVAILABILITY

This company operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day. At times it may be necessary to move you from your accustomed work day, to include Saturdays and Sundays, or time of work if business or task assignments demand. In addition, it should be understood that business needs determines the amount of hours that you work.