The Culinary/Kitchen Manager plays a critical leadership role in ensuring the cafe operates efficiently, profitably, and in alignment with brand standards. This leader
supports daily operations with a primary focus on kitchen execution, food quality, team development, and guest satisfaction. Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Culinary Manager will oversee back-of-house (BOH) staff, manage food costs and inventory, and maintain the standards of the cafe’s innovative and chef-curated menu offerings. This role requires a blend of culinary expertise, leadership, and operational management to deliver an exceptional dining experience and is ideal for a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced, elevated brunch environment and is passionate about both culinary excellence and hospitality.
Why Join Us?
BENEFITS:
No Night shifts- ever
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Pet Insurance
Short-term Disability
Performance bonus program
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Meal Discounts
Employee perks (discounts on for gym memberships, movies, car insurance, phone/internet, etc)
Leadership development and advancement opportunities
Positive, people-first culture
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Culinary & Kitchen Leadership
- Oversee daily back-of-house operations to ensure food quality, consistency, and presentation meet brand standards.
- Lead, train, and develop kitchen team members.
- Ensure ticket times meet service expectations without sacrificing quality.
- Monitor food prep, line setup and execution during peak service.
- Maintain strict adherence to recipes, portioning, and plating guidelines.
- Manage food ordering, inventory, and waste control.
Operations Support
- Support the General Manager in executing all daily cafe operations.
- Ensure smooth communication between front-of-house and back-of-house teams.
- Assist with scheduling and labor management to meet financial goals.
- Maintain cleanliness, organization, and operational readiness of all kitchen areas.
- Enforce opening and closing procedures.
Guest Experience
- Support a culture of unreasonable hospitality by ensuring food leaves the kitchen perfectly executed.
- Address food-related guest concerns promptly and professionally.
- Step into service leadership when necessary to support overall guest experience.
- Model teamwork and urgency during high-volume service periods.
Financial & Inventory Management
- Assist in managing food cost and labor cost targets.
- Conduct weekly inventory and ensure accurate product ordering.
- Minimize waste through proper rotation (FIFO) and prep management.
- Monitor portion control and recipe compliance.
- Support P&L goals through disciplined cost control.
Compliance & Safety
- Ensure full compliance with all health department, sanitation, and safety regulations.
- Maintain ServSafe certification and ensure team compliance with food safety standards.
- Conduct regular equipment inspections and report maintenance needs.
- Enforce all company policies and operational standards.
Team Development
- Train new kitchen team members in systems, standards, and brand expectations.
- Provide real-time coaching and performance feedback.
- Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and teamwork.
- Support succession planning and leadership development within the team.
Skills & Abilities
- Strong culinary knowledge and high-volume kitchen experience
- Proven leadership ability in a restaurant environment
- Deep understanding of food cost, inventory control, and labor management
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Ability to perform under pressure during peak service
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Proficiency with POS systems, inventory systems, and scheduling tools
Education & Experience
- Minimum 3–5 years of restaurant experience
- At least 1–2 years in a kitchen leadership or assistant management role preferred
- Experience in upscale, brunch-focused, or scratch-kitchen concepts preferred
- Experience opening a restaurant or new concept desired
- ServSafe certification required
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods
- Ability to move quickly throughout kitchen and dining areas
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-temperature kitchen environment
Who You Are
You are a hands-on leader who sets the pace in the kitchen. You believe excellence is built through discipline, preparation, and teamwork. You care deeply about food quality, team culture, and delivering memorable guest experiences.
You understand that great hospitality begins with great execution — and you take pride in making every plate count.
If you are ready to grow your leadership career in a thriving brunch concept — with no late nights — we would love to meet you.
Work schedule
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
- Day shift
- 8 hour shift
Supplemental pay
- Bonus pay
Benefits
- Paid time off
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance