Help Build the Next Chapter of New Day Café
New Day Café is an established brunch restaurant expanding into evening service, and we’re looking for a talented, hands-on Kitchen Manager / Lead Cook who wants more than another kitchen job.
We’re looking for someone who wants responsibility, leadership, creative freedom, and the opportunity to build something.
Our evening concept and menu are currently being finalized. We have the kitchen, equipment, concept direction, and many of the core menu ideas already in place. Now we’re looking for the right culinary leader to help us finish the menu, build the systems, lead the team, and take ownership of evening kitchen operations.
This is a working leadership position. Especially as we build the evening business, you’ll be cooking on the line alongside your team—not managing from an office.
What You’ll Own
* Lead evening BOH operations and take responsibility for kitchen execution
* Work the line alongside the team during service
* Help finalize and refine the evening menu
* Bring ideas for new dishes, specials, presentation, and execution
* Develop and standardize recipes and portions
* Establish prep lists, pars, station setup, and kitchen systems
* Train, coach, and lead the evening kitchen team
* Maintain food quality, consistency, presentation, and ticket times
* Manage inventory and assist with ordering
* Control food cost, portions, and waste
* Maintain cleanliness, organization, sanitation, and food-safety standards
* Troubleshoot problems and make decisions independently during service
* Help build a strong, accountable kitchen culture
* Work directly with ownership on the continued growth of the evening concept
Creative Freedom + Responsibility
We want someone with ideas.
If you think a dish can be better, we want to hear it. If you have a great special, let’s test it. If something on the proposed menu doesn’t make operational or financial sense, speak up.
The person in this position will have meaningful creative freedom to help shape and evolve the evening menu and kitchen operations.
But creative freedom comes with ownership. The food must taste great, execute consistently, move quickly during service, and make financial sense.
We’re looking for someone who understands both sides.
Who We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate has previously worked as a Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, Kitchen Supervisor, or strong Lead Cook and is ready to take the next step.
We’re particularly interested in someone who:
* Has 5+ years of restaurant kitchen experience preferred
* Has previous kitchen leadership experience
* Is a strong line cook in their own right
* Can manage and cook at the same time
* Can lead a small team efficiently during a rush
* Understands prep planning, inventory, portion control, food cost, and waste
* Can train and develop cooks
* Takes pride in a clean and organized kitchen
* Remains calm and makes good decisions under pressure
* Is dependable and takes ownership instead of waiting to be told what to do
* Has strong communication and leadership skills
* Is available evenings and weekends
* Holds a Food Manager certification or is willing to obtain one
Experience in high-volume casual dining, scratch kitchens, steakhouses, sports bars, hotels, brunch restaurants, or strong independent restaurants is especially valuable.
This Is More Than a Lead Cook Job
We’re not looking for someone who simply wants to clock in, work a station, and go home.
We’re looking for someone who wants to say:
“This is my kitchen. I’m responsible for making it successful.”
You’ll work directly with ownership and have the opportunity to influence the menu, systems, staffing, execution, and future direction of the evening operation.
You will have considerable freedom—but we’ll also expect considerable responsibility.
Opportunity to Grow Into Partnership
For the right person, we want the opportunity to go beyond Kitchen Manager.
An exceptional leader who demonstrates long-term commitment, successfully develops the team, helps grow the evening business, controls the kitchen financially, and contributes meaningfully to the success of the concept may have an opportunity to grow into a long-term leadership and potential partnership role.
Partnership is not automatic or guaranteed. It would be earned through demonstrated performance, leadership, commitment, and contribution to the growth of the business.
If you’ve spent years helping build other people’s restaurants and believe you’re ready to help build something you could eventually have a stake in, we’d like to talk to you.
Compensation & Schedule
$24–$28/hour, based on experience.
Approximately 30–40 hours per week, with the opportunity for the role and responsibilities to expand as the evening business grows.
Evening and weekend availability is required, including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings.
To Apply
Please submit your resume through Indeed.
We are especially interested in meeting someone who wants the opportunity to build, lead, create, and grow—not simply find another kitchen job.
Pay: $24.00 - $28.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
