Sakana Wayne is a new Japanese all-you-can-eat restaurant anticipated to open in late August 2026. We are hiring experienced Sushi Chefs and Sushi Assistants to join our opening team.
We welcome both experienced sushi professionals and dependable candidates who have basic kitchen experience and are interested in developing their sushi skills. Paid pre-opening training will be provided, and applicants must be available to attend training before the restaurant opens.
Available Positions and Pay
Sushi Assistant: $19.00–$22.00 per hour
This position supports the sushi chefs with preparation, station setup, ingredient organization, simple rolls, cleaning, labeling, and restocking. Basic sushi or kitchen experience is preferred, but training is available for motivated candidates.
Sushi Chef: $23.00–$32.00 per hour
This position requires professional sushi experience and the ability to prepare rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and other sushi-bar items independently. Final pay will be based on speed, knife skills, fish-handling experience, presentation, station management, and the ability to work during high-volume service.
Responsibilities
- Prepare sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi, appetizers, and other sushi-bar items according to Sakana recipes and presentation standards.
- Wash, cut, portion, label, date, and properly store fish, vegetables, sauces, and other ingredients.
- Set up and restock the sushi station before and during service.
- Follow Sakana’s portion standards and maintain consistent food quality and presentation.
- Read orders accurately and communicate with the sushi, kitchen, expo, and service teams.
- Immediately communicate allergy orders, ingredient shortages, refires, and service delays.
- Follow food-safety procedures for raw fish, temperature control, sanitation, and allergy cross-contact prevention.
- Keep cutting boards, knives, sushi mats, refrigerators, sinks, walls, floors, and work surfaces clean and sanitized.
- Keep refrigerators closed when not in use and return prepared food to refrigeration promptly.
- Properly label, date, rotate, and store all products using FIFO procedures.
- Complete opening, closing, restocking, and assigned deep-cleaning duties.
- Assist other sushi team members during high-volume service.
QualificationsSushi Assistant
- Previous restaurant, food-preparation, or sushi experience is preferred.
- Willing to learn sushi preparation, rolling, knife skills, food safety, and presentation standards.
- Able to follow recipes, visual guides, portion standards, and manager instructions.
- Dependable, organized, clean, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
Sushi Chef
- At least two years of professional sushi experience is preferred.
- Able to independently prepare sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and sushi-bar appetizers.
- Strong knife skills and knowledge of raw-fish handling, storage, sanitation, and temperature control.
- Able to maintain speed, quality, cleanliness, and portion consistency during high-volume service.
- Experience training or supporting other sushi team members is a plus.
All Applicants
- Must be punctual, dependable, team-oriented, and able to communicate clearly at work.
- Evening, weekend, and holiday availability is strongly preferred.
- Must be available for paid pre-opening training before the late-August opening.
- Able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- English, Spanish, and Chinese speakers are welcome.
Benefits
- Competitive pay based on position and demonstrated skills
- Paid pre-opening and position training
- Full-time and part-time opportunities
- Earned sick leave in accordance with New Jersey law and Sakana policy
- Opportunities to learn additional stations and grow with the Sakana Wayne team
Schedule
Day, evening, weekend, holiday, opening, and closing shifts may be available. Reliable attendance during paid pre-opening training and the restaurant’s opening period is required.
Sakana is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without discrimination and provide reasonable accommodations as required by law.
Indeed Screening Questions
- Are you applying for Sushi Chef, Sushi Assistant, or either position?
- How many years of professional sushi or restaurant-kitchen experience do you have?
- Can you independently prepare sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi?
- Please describe your sushi skills, including any experience with fish preparation, knife work, rolls, nigiri, or sashimi.
- Are you available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays?
- Are you available to attend paid pre-opening training before the restaurant opens in late August 2026?
Pay: $19.00 - $32.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Paid training
Work Location: In person
