Executive Sous Chef

Sous Chef — With a path to Chef de Cuisine

Cafe D'Alsace is one of New York's most beloved French restaurants — a warm, high-energy Upper East Side institution known for its Alsatian cuisine, extensive beer program, and commitment to honest, well-executed French cooking.

We are searching for a sous chef who wants more than a title. We are looking for someone with the hunger, leadership instincts, and culinary foundation to grow into the chef de cuisine role and eventually own this kitchen.

Responsibilities:

• Run nightly service alongside the chef — executing the Alsatian menu with precision and consistency
• Lead, develop, and hold accountable a team of line cooks and prep staff across high-volume service (200–400+ covers)
• Oversee prep, ordering, inventory, food cost, and scheduling with full BOH ownership
• Coordinate and execute private dining events  — managing prep logistics, staffing plans, and seamless service delivery
• Collaborate on menu development and seasonal specials as you grow toward the chef de cuisine role
• Maintain DOH compliance, food safety standards, and kitchen organization

What we're looking for:

• 3+ years as a sous chef or senior kitchen leader in a high-volume, quality-driven environment
• Proven ability to lead, train, and develop a kitchen team
• Comfortable executing 200–400+ covers with consistency and composure
• Strong foundation in classical cooking technique — French cuisine background strongly preferred
• Genuine desire to grow into a chef de cuisine role — not just fill a position
• Humility to learn and confidence to lead simultaneously
• A Plus: Experience planning and executing private events, buyouts, or large-format dining — knowledge of Banquet Event Order (BEO) workflow and event-specific prep coordination a bonus

What we offer:

• A clear, genuine path to chef de cuisine — a plan, not a promise
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Health benefits and paid time off
• Direct mentorship from the chef with real culinary development built into the role
• A stable, well-loved NYC institution with a loyal team and loyal guests