A Tavolo Italian Eatery is seeking a talented and experienced Head Chef / Kitchen Manager to lead kitchen operations at our new Italian restaurant in Pittsboro. A Tavolo is brought to you by the same ownership team behind The Sycamore, known for thoughtful hospitality, quality ingredients, and memorable dining experiences.
The ideal candidate will have strong culinary experience, proven leadership skills, and the ability to manage a fast-paced kitchen with consistency and care. This role will oversee food preparation, kitchen staff, inventory, food safety, and overall kitchen execution, helping create an approachable Italian dining experience built around wood-fired pizza, house-made pasta, curated dishes, and warm hospitality.
Duties
- Lead and manage daily kitchen operations, ensuring consistent food quality, timing, presentation, and cleanliness.
- Supervise, train, schedule, and support kitchen staff, including cooks, prep team members, dishwashers, and other back-of-house employees.
- Execute and maintain menu standards for Italian-inspired dishes, including wood-fired pizza, house-made pasta, appetizers, entrées, desserts, and seasonal specials.
- Work with ownership and leadership to refine recipes, improve kitchen systems, and support menu development.
- Oversee food preparation and production to ensure consistency, efficiency, and high-quality execution during service.
- Manage inventory, ordering, receiving, storage, and waste control to maintain proper stock levels and support food cost goals.
- Ensure all food safety, sanitation, and health department standards are followed at all times.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and well-functioning kitchen, including prep areas, cooking stations, dish area, storage areas, and equipment.
- Monitor kitchen equipment and report maintenance or repair needs promptly.
- Collaborate with front-of-house leadership to ensure smooth communication, accurate ticket timing, and a positive guest experience.
- Lead by example during service, maintaining professionalism, urgency, and a team-focused attitude.
- Help build a positive kitchen culture rooted in accountability, quality, respect, and pride in the food being served.
- Support catering, private events, promotions, and special menus as needed.
Requirements
- Proven experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, Executive Chef, or similar culinary leadership role.
- Strong background in full-service restaurant kitchen operations.
- Experience with Italian cuisine, wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta, or upscale casual dining is preferred.
- Demonstrated leadership skills with experience training, managing, and motivating kitchen staff.
- Strong understanding of food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and proper food handling practices.
- Experience with food ordering, inventory management, prep planning, cost control, and waste reduction.
- Ability to maintain consistency, quality, and speed in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Culinary degree or equivalent hands-on experience is preferred but not required.
Join the opening team at a Tavolo Italian Eatery and help shape the kitchen, menu execution, and guest experience from the start. This is an opportunity to be part of a new Italian restaurant from an experienced local ownership team committed to excellent food, genuine hospitality, and strong community connections.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Food provided
- Paid time off
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
