Cana isn't just a restaurant, and it isn't just a bar — it's a Brazilian boteco. Live-fire energy, fresh-pressed sugar cane, a 700-record vinyl collection, and a dining room that runs loud and full in the heart of Adams Morgan. We cook food rooted in Brazil, executed with discipline, served with genuine hospitality.
We're looking for a Sous Chef who wants to be part of that — not just run a line.
The Role
You'll be the right hand to our Executive Sous Chef and a daily leader in the kitchen. This is a hands-on position for someone who cooks with pride, leads by example, and wants real ownership: menu execution, food cost, training, and the standard of every plate that leaves the pass.
This is a growth seat. Cana is part of UnOrdinary Hospitality Group, a James Beard-recognized brand with a second concept already open and a third in development — strong performers here move up.
What You'll Own
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Service leadership — Run the line during high-volume services; keep the kitchen calm, fast, and consistent when the room is packed
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Menu execution — Prep, cook, and plate to spec; protect consistency while contributing ideas as the menu evolves
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Food cost & inventory — Help drive costing, ordering, and inventory discipline (we run MarginEdge — experience is a plus, not required)
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People — Train, mentor, and hold the team to a high standard without burning it down; build cooks, not just covers
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Standards — Health, sanitation, and safety compliance, every shift, no exceptions
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Partnership — Tight communication with the chef and FOH so the whole house moves as one
What You Bring
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1+ years leading in a high-volume kitchen (Sous Chef, Lead/Senior Line Cook, or equivalent)
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Real cooking chops — strong fundamentals, clean technique, urgency without sloppiness
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A working grasp of food cost and inventory, or the drive to master it fast
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Composure when it's loud, hot, and busy — because it will be
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Love for Brazilian and South American food, or genuine curiosity to go deep on it
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Spanish and/or Portuguese a plus, not required
What We Offer
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Competitive salary based on experience + bonus potential
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Health, dental, and vision insurance
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Paid time off
- Dining discounts across the group
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A clear growth path inside a growing hospitality company — we promote from within
How to Apply
Send your resume and a few lines about why this kitchen — not just any kitchen. We read everything.
More detail about Bar Cana part of Unordinary Hospitality