Rosie's Tavern is a new neighborhood tavern in Del Ray built around Chesapeake Bay classics — think Maryland crab soup, hot Old Bay peel-and-eat shrimp, and braised short rib — paired with a comfortable bar built for long dinners and one more round. We're part of a small family of Del Ray businesses that also includes Del Ray Hardware and Del Ray Farmhouse Market & Garden, and we're looking for a chef/kitchen manager to help bring our opening menu and kitchen to life. Anticipated opening mid-October.
What You'll Do
- Run day-to-day kitchen operations, staffing, scheduling, and food cost management for a Chesapeake-forward tavern menu.
- Execute and refine all menus.
- Manage a compact, efficient kitchen line under a 6-foot hood.
- Maintain consistent food quality, plating standards, and portion/food cost control.
- Oversee ordering, receiving, and inventory, with an emphasis on local and regional sourcing.
- Train, schedule, and lead kitchen staff; build and maintain kitchen SOPs and prep lists.
- Ensure full compliance with health codes, food safety standards, and Virginia ABC/health department requirements.
- Collaborate with ownership on seasonal menu updates, specials, and occasional features.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment, including proper use of equipment within hood and ventilation constraints
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience as a chef, sous chef, or kitchen manager in a full-service restaurant or tavern setting.
- Strong understanding of scratch cooking, soups, seafood prep, and fried/griddle station work.
- Experience managing a small-footprint kitchen efficiently (compact line experience a plus).
- Solid grasp of food cost management, inventory control, and vendor ordering.
- Food safety certification (ServSafe or equivalent) required or willingness to obtain.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to train and motivate a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Flexible schedule availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Passion for regional/Chesapeake cuisine and neighborhood tavern culture is a big plus.
Why Rosie's Tavern
- Ground-floor opportunity to help shape the menu, kitchen systems, and culture of a brand-new neighborhood restaurant.
- Work directly with ownership on menu development, sourcing, and long-term growth.
- Be part of the growing Del Ray small business community alongside Del Ray Hardware and Del Ray Farmhouse Market.
To Apply: Submit your resume and a brief note about your experience with tavern-style or scratch-kitchen cooking.
Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Kitchen management: 3 years (Required)
Language:
License/Certification:
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Required)
- Night Shift (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Alexandria, VA 22301 (Required)
Work Location: In person
