Description:
Join the Tatsu-Ya Team as an R&D Sous Chef!
At Tatsu-Ya, we’re constantly pushing flavor forward. From new ramen builds and seasonal specials to innovative culinary concepts, our R&D team helps shape the future of the brand. If you’re passionate about food, creativity, and culinary innovation, we’d love to hear from you.
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Competitive Salary
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Paid On-the-Job Training
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Advancement Opportunities
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Free Meals During Shifts
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Discounts at all Tatsu-Ya locations
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Family Meal
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Creative, collaborative culinary environment
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Paid Sick Time
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Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
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Opportunities for travel, trainings, and culinary development
What is the job? As the Research & Development (R&D) Sous Chef, you will support the development, testing, and execution of new menu items, recipes, and culinary initiatives across the Tatsu-Ya brand. Working closely with the Corporate Chef and cross-functional teams, you’ll help ensure every product meets our standards for flavor, consistency, quality, and operational execution.
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Support the Corporate R&D team in developing, testing, and refining new culinary concepts and recipes
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Execute recipe testing, sensory evaluations, tastings, and product trials
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Maintain detailed documentation of recipes, ingredient specs, testing procedures, and results
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Assist with seasonal menu updates, LTOs, and ongoing product improvements
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Ensure recipes are scalable, consistent, and operationally efficient across multiple locations
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Assist with ingredient sourcing, vendor coordination, and culinary research
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Maintain cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards within the test kitchen
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Collaborate with Operations and Training teams during rollouts and implementation of new products
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Monitor culinary trends, emerging techniques, and ingredient innovations to contribute fresh ideas
Requirements:
- 3–5 years of culinary experience in a high-volume kitchen environment
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Previous experience in R&D, menu development, or culinary innovation preferred
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Strong understanding of cooking techniques, flavor profiles, and ingredient functionality
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Excellent organization, communication, and time management skills
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Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience preferred
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Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, allergens, and dietary restrictions
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Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in fast-paced kitchen environments
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Ability to travel as needed for trainings, openings, or culinary support
Ready to help shape the future of Tatsu-Ya? Apply now to join our R&D team and bring bold ideas, big flavors, and culinary creativity to the table.
