Indulge Wine Bar & Cocktails is looking for an experienced, dependable, and creative Chef / Kitchen Manager to take an active role in leading our kitchen and helping us continue to grow our food program.
We are a wine-focused restaurant offering tapas and small plates designed to complement our wine and cocktail selections. We are looking for someone who enjoys cooking, creating seasonal specials, developing a team, and maintaining high standards for food quality, cleanliness, consistency, and service.
This is a hands-on, hourly leadership position. You will be expected to be actively involved in the kitchen, working alongside the team while also overseeing daily kitchen operations.
THIS IS A HANDS-ON POSITION
We are looking for a chef who leads from the kitchen.
The Chef / Kitchen Manager is expected to work their scheduled shifts, be present and engaged during service, and take responsibility for the overall operation of the kitchen while on duty.
This position is hourly and is expected to average approximately 40 hours per week, based on the needs of the business and the schedule established by management.
All schedules, shifts, time off, and changes to scheduled hours are subject to management approval.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
· Lead the kitchen team during daily operations and service.
· Work alongside the kitchen team and step in wherever needed.
· Ensure the kitchen is properly opened, prepared, stocked, and ready for service.
· Oversee closing procedures and ensure the kitchen is properly cleaned, organized, and secured at the end of each shift.
· Prepare food and oversee preparation to ensure recipes, portions, and presentation standards are consistently followed.
· Maintain food quality and presentation before dishes leave the kitchen.
· Keep ticket times moving efficiently, particularly during busy service periods.
· Train, coach, and support kitchen employees on recipes, preparation, food safety, sanitation, portioning, plating, and kitchen procedures.
· Assist with onboarding and training new kitchen employees.
· Manage employee breaks while maintaining appropriate kitchen coverage.
· Monitor prep levels, inventory, pars, and product availability.
· Assist with ordering and purchasing based on established pars and business needs.
· Maintain proper food rotation, labeling, storage, and FIFO procedures.
· Control food costs through proper portioning, inventory management, purchasing, and waste reduction.
· Develop creative seasonal specials utilizing available, fresh, and cost-effective ingredients.
· Work with management and the bar team to develop food offerings that complement our wine and cocktail program.
· Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen throughout the shift.
· Ensure kitchen employees complete their assigned cleaning and sanitation responsibilities.
· Follow all applicable food safety and sanitation requirements.
· Communicate effectively with management and front-of-house staff.
· Help identify operational problems and participate in developing solutions.
· Hold kitchen employees accountable for following established procedures and expectations.
· Maintain a professional, positive, and team-oriented environment.
· Be willing to work the shifts and hours assigned by management.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
We want someone who understands that being a chef isn’t just about cooking.
You’re responsible for the food, the team, the kitchen, and the guest experience.
The ideal candidate is:
· Dependable and punctual.
· A strong leader who is comfortable holding others accountable.
· A hands-on cook who enjoys being in the kitchen.
· Organized and able to prioritize during busy service.
· Creative and interested in developing seasonal food offerings.
· Comfortable managing food costs and inventory.
· A strong communicator who works well with both FOH and BOH.
· Calm and professional under pressure.
· Someone who takes pride in maintaining a clean and organized kitchen.
· Someone who understands that showing up, being present, and leading the team consistently are essential to the success of the kitchen.
QUALIFICATIONS
· 3+ years of professional restaurant kitchen experience.
· Previous experience as a Chef, Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, Lead Cook, or similar leadership position preferred.
· Strong knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques, and presentation.
· Experience developing seasonal specials or menu items.
· Knowledge of food costing, portion control, inventory, purchasing, and waste management.
· Ability to train and lead a kitchen team.
· Strong communication and organizational skills.
· Current Food Manager certification/permit required.
· Able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50–60 lbs.
· Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and our busiest service periods.
· Valid driver’s license.
· Must be able to pass a background check.
COMPENSATION
Full-Time | Hourly | $22 per hour, based on experience
· Hourly position with an expected schedule of approximately 40 hours per week.
· Overtime will be handled in accordance with applicable law.
· Schedule is established by management based on business needs.
· Employees are expected to work their scheduled shifts and obtain management approval for schedule changes or time off.
WHY JOIN US?
This is an opportunity for the right chef to have a real voice in our kitchen and help shape our food program.
We value creativity, accountability, teamwork, consistency, and pride in what we serve.
If you’re a chef who enjoys cooking, developing food, leading a team, and being part of a growing business — we’d love to hear from you.
TO APPLY
Please submit a current resume along with three professional references.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22 per hour, based on experience
Work Location: In person
Pay: From $22.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
