Kitchen Manager

The Tavern Grill; Blaine, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tavern Grill seeks a Kitchen Manager to oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring efficient food preparation, safety compliance, and a positive work environment for staff. You will lead by example, manage cooks and prep staff, and ensure operations meet company standards and guest expectations.

This role balances hands-on cooking with strategic leadership, translating goals into actionable plans, maintaining production schedules, inventory, and strict hygiene practices.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years in restaurant or hospitality leadership.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Knowledge of food safety and compliance regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations to meet quality and safety standards.
• Recruit, train, and coach kitchen staff to high performance.
• Manage production schedules and inventory, including food safety.
• Enforce compliance with Title 31 and federal regulations.
• Collaborate with GM to align with service standards.

Skills

Leadership

Staff Management

Operations Leadership

Service Standards

Inventory Control

Food Safety

Guest Service

Performance Coaching

Job description

Description

Tavern Kitchen Manager Job Description

Tavern Kitchen Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to‑day operations of a tavern’s kitchen, ensuring efficient food preparation, compliance with safety and service standards, and a positive work environment for staff.

Role Overview

The Tavern Kitchen Manager plays a critical role in delivering a seamless and high-quality dining experience. They lead by example, manage and motivate kitchen staff, and ensure that all operations meet company standards, guest expectations, and regulatory requirements

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Staff Management: Recruit, onboard, schedule, coach, evaluate, and manage department staff to support high performance and engagement.
• Operational Leadership: Translate organizational goals into actionable plans, aligning the team with service excellence and operational targets.
• Service Standards: Establish and maintain service standards to consistently meet or exceed guest expectations
• Production & Inventory: Maintain daily production schedules, manage inventory, oversee food deliveries, ensure proper stock rotation, portion control, and kitchen cleanliness
• Hands-On Support: Provide direct assistance with food preparation, portioning, and cleaning while maintaining proper preparation methods.
• Performance Management: Administer performance reviews, coaching, and disciplinary actions in coordination with the Tavern General Manager.
• Compliance: Ensure adherence to gaming laws, company policies, Title 31, and federal regulations.
• Guest Service: Deliver outstanding guest service in a timely manner, meeting company service culture standards.
• Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as assigned

Requirements

Tavern Kitchen Manager Job Description

Tavern Kitchen Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to‑day operations of a tavern’s kitchen, ensuring efficient food preparation, compliance with safety and service standards, and a positive work environment for staff.

Role Overview

The Tavern Kitchen Manager plays a critical role in delivering a seamless and high-quality dining experience. They lead by example, manage and motivate kitchen staff, and ensure that all operations meet company standards, guest expectations, and regulatory requirements.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Staff Management: Recruit, onboard, schedule, coach, evaluate, and manage department staff to support high performance and engagement
• Operational Leadership: Translate organizational goals into actionable plans, aligning the team with service excellence and operational targets
• Service Standards: Establish and maintain service standards to consistently meet or exceed guest expectations
• Production & Inventory: Maintain daily production schedules, manage inventory, oversee food deliveries, ensure proper stock rotation, portion control, and kitchen cleanliness
• Hands-On Support: Provide direct assistance with food preparation, portioning, and cleaning while maintaining proper preparation methods.
• Performance Management: Administer performance reviews, coaching, and disciplinary actions in coordination with the Tavern General Manager.
• Compliance: Ensure adherence to gaming laws, company policies, Title 31, and federal regulations.
• Guest Service: Deliver outstanding guest service in a timely manner, meeting company service culture standards.
• Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• Experience: At least 2 years of restaurant or hospitality experience, including leadership or progressive responsibility in kitchen management or culinary operations.
• Skills: Strong leadership, organizational, and time management skills; ability to resolve escalated issues; knowledge of food safety and compliance regulations.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and team motivation
• Operational efficiency and workflow optimization
• Food safety and sanitation compliance
• Inventory and cost control
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution
• Guest service excellence

This role is ideal for someone who can balance hands‑on kitchen work with strategic leadership, ensuring both operational efficiency and a high-quality guest experience.