Restaurant Sous Chef

Description

ABOUT THE RESTAURANT

A restaurant in the heart of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, is entering an exciting new chapter under new ownership and management. With a renewed focus on exceptional hospitality, elevated service standards, and a chef-driven culinary experience, we're building a team dedicated to creating memorable dining experiences.

Our culinary approach celebrates Appalachian ingredients, local farms, and seasonal flavors, combining regional traditions with modern techniques and thoughtful presentation.

THE ROLE

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Restaurant Sous Chef to help lead culinary operations, support menu development, and build a high-performing kitchen team.

This hands-on leadership position is responsible for daily kitchen operations, food quality, team development, purchasing, inventory, and financial performance. The ideal candidate combines culinary creativity with strong operational leadership, thrives in a fast-paced kitchen, and brings a genuine passion for exceptional food, teamwork, and hospitality.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Culinary Operations & Service Excellence

• Lead daily kitchen operations, ensuring consistent food quality, presentation, and service execution.
• Oversee food preparation, station assignments, production levels, and kitchen readiness.
• Assist with developing and refining seasonal menus, recipes, daily specials, and culinary offerings.
• Maintain high standards for food quality, consistency, organization, and presentation.
• Collaborate with culinary leadership and front-of-house teams to ensure seamless service.

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise, coach, and develop culinary team members.
• Lead by example, fostering a positive culture of teamwork, accountability, and professionalism.
• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, training, scheduling, and performance management.
• Establish clear expectations and provide constructive feedback to support team development.
• Promote collaboration and communication across culinary and restaurant teams.

Financial Management & Kitchen Standards

• Help manage food costs, labor costs, purchasing, inventory, and production levels within established budgets.
• Monitor product quality, portion control, waste, and inventory to support operational efficiency.
• Coordinate ordering, receiving, and product utilization with culinary leadership.
• Maintain compliance with food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.
• Ensure proper food handling, storage, labeling, temperature controls, and kitchen cleanliness.

Requirements

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Passionate about culinary excellence, seasonal ingredients, and creating memorable dining experiences.
• Confident, hands-on leader who inspires, coaches, and supports others.
• Creative and detail-oriented with strong culinary fundamentals and a commitment to consistency.
• Organized, decisive, and able to remain composed in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Collaborative team player committed to quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of two years of culinary leadership experience in an upscale, chef-driven, resort, or scratch-kitchen environment.
• Strong knowledge of kitchen operations, menu development, food costs, labor management, purchasing, and inventory.
• Excellent culinary skills, including knife techniques, food preparation, and presentation.
• Culinary degree preferred but not required.
• ServSafe Manager Certification or ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and frequently lift up to 50 pounds.

WHY JOIN US

• Be part of an exciting new chapter under new ownership and management.
• Opportunity to help shape menus, kitchen standards, and team culture.
• Collaborative culinary environment focused on creativity, craftsmanship, and professional growth.
• Access to exceptional local ingredients, farms, and regional producers.
• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for eligible full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, supplemental benefits, and paid time off.
• Opportunities for leadership development and career advancement.