Chef de Cuisine

Midwood Smokehouse; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Bonus program

Paid Time Off

Life insurance

Job summary

Mama Ricotta’s, part of FS Food Group, is seeking a Chef de Cuisine in Charlotte, NC. This leadership role commands the line, ensures food quality, and drives consistency across stations in a high-volume Italian scratch kitchen.

You will own prep systems, coach 5–10+ cooks, and partner with the Executive Chef to optimize operations, cost control, and presentation. Strong organizational skills and a track record of quality execution are essential.

Qualifications

• 3+ years as a Sous Chef or higher in a high-volume, full-service kitchen.
• Strong leadership and training ability.
• Ability to manage during peak service and uphold standards.

Responsibilities

• Run the line during high-volume service with accountability for food quality and execution.
• Maintain plate-by-plate consistency across all stations.
• Own prep systems, pars, and station readiness.
• Lead, coach, and manage a team of 5–10+ cooks.
• Drive food cost through disciplined ordering, inventory, waste control.
• Protect recipe integrity, standards, and presentation.
• Identify inefficiencies and implement improved systems.
• Partner with the Executive Chef.

Skills

Line leadership

Food quality

Staff development

High-volume service

Job description

Chef de Cuisine| FS Food Group

Mama Ricotta’s is the cornerstone of FS Food Group and one of Charlotte’s most established, high-volume Italian scratch kitchens. For over 30 years, we’ve been known for house-made pastas, wood-fired dishes, and a commitment to authentic, ingredient-driven cooking. We’ve built our reputation on quality, consistency, and hospitality at scale. As part of FS Food Group, we combine chef-driven food with disciplined systems that allow us to execute at a high level, every day, in a demanding, high-volume environment.

We are looking for a Chef de Cuisine who takes pride in the food, owns the line, and leads a team to deliver great plates consistently. This is a leadership role for someone who values both craft and execution.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Running the line during high-volume service with full accountability for food quality and execution
• Maintaining plate-by-plate consistency across all stations
• Owning prep systems, pars, and station readiness
• Leading, coaching, and holding a team of 5 to 10+ cooks accountable
• Driving food cost performance through disciplined ordering, inventory, and waste control
• Protecting the integrity of recipes, standards, and presentation
• Identifying inefficiencies and implementing systems that improve the kitchen
• Acting as a true partner to the Executive Chef

This Role Is for You If

• You have 3+ years as a Sous Chef or higher in a high-volume, full-service kitchen
• You care deeply about food quality, consistency, and execution
• You are confident running a busy line during peak service
• You bring structure and organization, not chaos
• You are known for developing people and holding standards
• You take ownership of problems and fix them without being asked

This Role Is NOT for You If

• You prefer being told what to do rather than owning outcomes
• You have not worked in a consistently high-volume environment
• You struggle with organization, urgency, or holding others accountable
• You are primarily focused on creativity over execution and consistency

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive pay based on experience
• 100% employer-paid medical & dental insurance
• Achievable monthly bonus program
• Paid Time Off after 6 months
• Employer-paid life insurance

Company Information

FS Food Group is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Disclaimer: The above job description is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of the position, nor should it be construed as a contract. As with all positions at FS Food Group, employment is “at will” or voluntary on both the part of the employee or employer. This means employment can be terminated by either party with or without notice and/or with or without cause.

From the fresh, convenient YAFO Kitchen locations, to all the smoky old-school barbecue from each Midwood Smokehouse, and from the homey Italian recipes of Mama Ricotta’s to the festive menu of Paco’s Tacos and Tequila and Calle Sol Latin Café, the company continues to provide the market with the best of every segment. Fresh real ingredients, an emphasis on teamwork and a commitment to quality have propelled Frank Scibelli and FS Food Group to the success they enjoy today.