About:
Pretty simple idea: create the kind of place people wish they had in their neighborhood. We're not trying to be trendy or overly polished. We're not looking to reinvent bar food or put an elaborate spin on everything. We want to be the place where someone can stop in for a burger and a beer after work, meet friends for drinks, watch a game, have a lunch meeting, host a birthday dinner, or become a regular.
The kitchen will be open 11:00 AM–1:00 AM, seven days a week, so building a strong team and creating systems that allow the kitchen to operate consistently will be an important part of this role. Because we're not open yet, this is an opportunity to come in before opening and help shape the kitchen from the beginning — finalizing recipes, establishing prep and cleaning procedures, organizing the kitchen, setting pars, working with vendors and training the team.
We have the foundation of the menu in place: approachable, familiar American bar food made well and served consistently. We’re looking for someone who can take that foundation, refine each item, and turn it into a menu and kitchen operation that can execute at a high level every day.
Who We're Looking For:
You should be someone who genuinely enjoys running a kitchen, not just creating a menu.
The right person is organized, dependable and comfortable taking responsibility for the entire kitchen operation. You should be able to see something that isn't working — whether it's a recipe, prep procedure, ordering system or staffing issue — and put a better system in place.
You understand that great bar food doesn't need to be complicated. It needs to taste great, come out consistently, and be executable during a busy service. There is room for creativity here, particularly with monthly specials and continuing to improve the menu, but we're looking for someone who understands what we are trying to be. We're looking for someone who wants to put their stamp on a kitchen, take pride in how it operates, and help build a place that becomes a great neighborhood bar for years to come... someone who wants to build something, not simply maintain someone else's kitchen.
Finalizing and perfecting menu items, recipes, portions, plating and preparation methods
Setting up efficient systems for opening, prep, cooking, cleaning, storage and closing
Maintaining a clean, organized and well-run kitchen
Hiring, training and managing kitchen staff
Creating and maintaining the kitchen schedule
Establishing expectations and holding the team accountable to them
Managing food inventory, ordering and product levels
Sourcing ingredients and supplies while balancing quality and food cost
Building and maintaining relationships with distributors and local purveyors
Working closely with ownership as we establish and grow the operation
Previous experience as a Chef, Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager or similar kitchen leadership role
Strong line-cooking and high-volume service experience
Experience training and managing kitchen employees
Experience with scheduling, ordering and inventory
Understanding of food and labor costs
Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation and kitchen organization
Ability to develop clear recipes, prep procedures and kitchen systems
Comfortable communicating with vendors and managing purchasing
Strong hands-on leadership and communication skills. A "we've got this" attitude when busy.