Pepino's & La Tana Sous Chef

Pepino; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Daily staff meal

Extended health benefits

Staff recognition program

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Pepino’s Spaghetti House in Vancouver's Little Italy, along with La Tana, seeks a dynamic Sous Chef to lead two connected kitchens. This hands-on leadership role partners with Head Chef and Executive Chef to uphold high culinary standards and mentor a talented back-of-house team.

You will help craft Italian-American classics and seasonal Italian fare, supervise day-to-day operations, manage inventory and food costs, ensure food safety, and foster a collaborative, high-energy kitchen culture with

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Sous Chef in a high-volume kitchen.
• Strong leadership skills to motivate and guide staff.
• Excellent knowledge of inventory management, food costing, and quality control.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
• Passion for Italian-American cuisine and traditional cooking techniques.
• Strong communication with kitchen and front-of-house teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations with high standards.
• Supervise, train, and motivate kitchen staff.
• Contribute to creation and execution of new menu items and seasonal dishes.
• Maintain inventory, place orders, and manage food costs.
• Enforce food safety and sanitation procedures.
• Ensure proper equipment and supplies are maintained.
• Foster a positive, team-oriented environment.
• Assist with ordering, prepping, and organizing ingredients.
• Provide leadership during service to ensure timely dishes.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen ops

Inventory mgmt

Food costing

Italian cuisine

Job description

Our sister restaurant's, Pepino's & La Tana is seeking a full-time Sous Chef to join our growing team.

ABOUT PEPINO’S SPAGHETTI HOUSE

Located in the heart of Vancouver’s Little Italy, Pepino’s Spaghetti House — affectionately known as "The House that Spaghetti Built" — is a nostalgic, high-energy spot serving up Italian-American classics with character and charm. Housed in the former Nick’s Spaghetti House, a Commercial Drive institution for over 60 years, Pepino’s proudly carries on the legacy with its iconic wood-paneled walls, warm and welcoming booths, a vintage thatched-roof bar, and photographs lining the walls offering a snapshot into the past.

We serve up red sauce favourites like spaghetti and meatballs, deep dish pizzas, mozzarella sticks, and legendary tiramisu — all made with high-quality, thoughtfully-sourced ingredients. While the flavours lean classic, we’re always playing with creativity and seasonal ideas to keep the menu fresh and fun.

ABOUT LA TANA

La Tana is a cozy, all-day Italian alimentari where handmade pasta, seasonal dishes, and carefully sourced wines take centre stage. From espresso and fresh bomboloni in the morning to elegant, soulful dinners in the evening, we celebrate the depth and joy of Italian culinary tradition — always with a West Coast sensibility.

Our menu is anchored by fresh pasta made daily and complemented by seasonal produce, sustainably sourced meat and seafood, and a selection of wines, vermouths, and amari that speak to the regions we draw inspiration from. With a small, open kitchen and a highly collaborative team, cooks at La Tana are involved in all aspects of the food — from production and plating to daily specials and service.

As a member of Banda Volpi — the acclaimed restaurant group behind Savio Volpe, Elio Volpe, La Tana and Pepino’s, a team recognized for creating some of Canada’s most well-regarded dining experiences. Banda Volpi (meaning "gang of foxes") has earned a national reputation, celebrated for emphasizing thoughtful cuisine, warm hospitality, and exceptional service. The group has received numerous accolades, including Michelin recommendations, a variety of Vancouver Magazine awards, Gold at the Vancouver International Wine Festival, and placements on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants.

We’re looking for a back-of-house team member who brings hustle, precision, and heart to everything they do. If you love working in a fast-paced kitchen, take pride in your craft, and want to be part of a tight-knit crew, we’d love to hear from you.

We are looking for a dynamic, experienced Sous Chef to help lead the kitchens at Pepino’s Spaghetti House and La Tana—two unique yet connected restaurants that share a wall and a passion for Italian food and hospitality. This is a hands-on leadership role working closely with the Head Chef and Executive Chef to uphold high culinary standards, guide and mentor a talented back-of-house team, and contribute creatively to two distinct menus: one focused on Italian-American comfort classics, the other on seasonal, handmade Italian fare.

You'll play a key part in the success of both kitchens—ensuring consistency, quality, and collaboration in a fast-paced, supportive environment.

OUR CULTURE PILLARS

We are driven by our Culture Pillars — the values that guide everything we do:

• WE SHOW UP FOR EACH OTHER. We value our associates and strive to build trust, communication, and empowerment.
• WE CREATE AND GROW. We expand our knowledge and push our boundaries to build a culture defined by creativity, innovation, and collaborative growth.
• WE ARE GUEST OBSESSED. We welcome everyone as if they are guests in our own home, placing guests at the forefront of everything we do. Hospitality is in our DNA.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Assist in overseeing day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation
• Supervise, train, and motivate kitchen staff to maintain a high level of performance and morale
• Support the creation and execution of new menu items, specials, and seasonal dishes
• Maintain inventory, place orders, and manage food costs to ensure kitchen profitability
• Enforce food safety standards and sanitation procedures in all areas of the kitchen
• Ensure proper kitchen equipment and supplies are maintained, and troubleshoot issues when necessary
• Foster a positive, team-oriented work environment
• Assist with ordering, prepping, and organizing ingredients and supplies
• Provide leadership during service, ensuring dishes are prepared and delivered on time

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Sous Chef in a high-volume kitchen, preferably with Italian-American or classic Italian cuisine
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, train, and guide kitchen staff
• Excellent knowledge of kitchen operations, including inventory management, food costing, and quality control
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment while maintaining a calm and organized approach
• A passion for Italian-American cuisine and understanding of traditional Italian cooking techniques
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with both kitchen and front-of-house teams

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• $55,000 - $65,000 per year + gratuities
• Daily staff meal
• Extended health benefits program for eligible team members
• Staff recognition and milestone program
• Ongoing professional development and opportunities for advancement

AVAILABILITY:

• Must be available weekends (Saturday and Sunday)

We are excited to meet individuals who share our love for Italian hospitality and are ready to grow with us!