Kitchen Prep Supervisor

Old Carolina Barbecue Co.; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental & vision

Paid vacation

Free meals

Uniforms provided

Leadership development

Flexible scheduling

Job summary

Old Carolina Barbecue Company is seeking a Kitchen Prep Supervisor in Ohio to lead prep, manage smoker operations, and maintain kitchen readiness. You’ll ensure items meet recipes, manage stock, and work with leadership to drive efficient kitchen execution.

The role emphasizes leadership development, quality control, inventory planning, and consistency across eight Northeast Ohio and PA locations, with options for full-time or part-time schedules and competitive hourly pay.

Qualifications

• Restaurant/kitchen experience preferred.
• Reliability and attention to detail required.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure BBQ and menu items are prepared according to recipes and quality standards.
• Oversee smoker loading, unloading and daily operations.
• Maintain inventory levels and support ordering and counts.
• Complete prep, production and sanitation checklists.
• Promote food safety, cleanliness and waste reduction.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Team communication

Independent worker

Strong work ethic

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Kitchen Prep Supervisor

Old Carolina Barbecue Company (BBQ)

Full-Time or Part-Time Hourly Position

Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour

Take Ownership of the Food That Built Our Brand.

Old Carolina Barbecue Company is looking for detail-oriented team members who take pride in food quality, organization, and operational excellence.

Our Kitchen Prep Supervisor position is a leadership development opportunity for individuals who want to take ownership of food preparation, smoker operations, inventory readiness, and kitchen execution while building skills for future advancement opportunities within our growing BBQ restaurant company.

As a Kitchen Prep Supervisor, you will play a critical role in maintaining the quality, consistency, and preparation standards that our guests expect from Old Carolina Barbecue Company. You’ll work closely with restaurant leadership to ensure products are prepared correctly, inventory levels are maintained, and kitchen operations run efficiently.

This role serves as an important step within our leadership development pathway and provides opportunities for continued growth within the company.

About Old Carolina Barbecue Company

Old Carolina Barbecue Company was built on a passion for authentic barbecue and a commitment to great hospitality. Before opening our first restaurant in Massillon, Ohio, we started as a competitive BBQ team dedicated to perfecting the craft of slow-smoked barbecue.

While our home is in North Canton, Ohio, our recipes, traditions, and cooking techniques are inspired by the rich barbecue heritage of the Carolinas. Today, Old Carolina Barbecue Company proudly operates eight locations throughout Northeast Ohio and Pennsylvania, serving authentic BBQ made with quality ingredients, time-honored methods, and a genuine commitment to our guests.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for leaders who are passionate about people, hospitality, and building a long-term career with a company that values development, teamwork, and operational excellence.

Why Join Old Carolina Barbecue Company?

Competitive hourly pay of $18.00 - $22.00 per hour

Medical, dental, and vision benefits for eligible team members

Paid vacation and holidays for eligible team members

Free meals during shifts

Company-provided uniforms

Leadership development opportunities

Flexible scheduling options

Supportive and people-focused culture

Career growth opportunities within a growing BBQ restaurant company

Leadership Development Opportunity

At Old Carolina Barbecue Company, we believe great leaders are developed through accountability, consistency, and attention to detail.

As a Kitchen Prep Supervisor, you’ll develop valuable skills in:

Food preparation and production planning

Smoker operation and BBQ production

Inventory management and product ordering

Food cost awareness

Product quality control

Kitchen organization and execution

Team communication and coordination

Food safety and sanitation

Operational planning and execution

High-performing Kitchen Prep Supervisors may be considered for future Shift Supervisor, Manager in Training, or other leadership opportunities based on performance, readiness, and business needs.

Key Responsibilities

Food Quality & Production

Ensure all BBQ and menu items are prepared according to company recipes and quality standards

Maintain product quality, consistency, freshness, and presentation

Oversee smoker loading, unloading, and daily smoker operations

Monitor food dating, rotation, and storage procedures

Ensure proper preparation and handling of all food products

Kitchen Operations

Execute daily and weekly prep plans

Maintain appropriate inventory and stock levels

Assist with ordering and inventory counts

Organize, label, and prepare bulk orders

Complete required prep, production, and sanitation checklists

Support food cost management and waste reduction efforts

Leadership & Communication

Serve as a role model for food quality and kitchen standards

Communicate effectively with managers, cooks, and front-of-house team members

Support training and development of team members

Promote accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence

Help ensure kitchen readiness for all shifts

Food Safety & Sanitation

Maintain food safety, sanitation, and health department compliance

Follow proper knife safety and food handling procedures

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment

Ensure all equipment, smokers, and prep areas meet cleanliness standards

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Previous restaurant, kitchen, food preparation, culinary, or food production experience preferred

Demonstrated reliability, attention to detail, and ability to work independently

Passion for food quality and attention to detail

Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively

Strong organizational and communication skills

Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced environment

Strong work ethic and commitment to operational excellence

Interest in future leadership opportunities

High school diploma or GED preferred

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday

Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed

Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds

Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment

Ability to safely operate kitchen equipment and food preparation tools

Work Schedule

This position may be offered as either full-time or part-time based on business needs and candidate availability.

Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required based on operational needs.

This position is classified as non-exempt and is eligible for overtime compensation in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Old Carolina Barbecue Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Over 20 years ago, high school buddies Brian Bailey and Tim Hug discovered a world of sights, aromas, and tastes on a road trip to “The Cradle of Q” — the Carolinas. They discovered a not-so-secret world where recipes and techniques have been passed down through the generations in smokehouses, pits, and shacks. They fell in love with the mystique and the method, so Brian and Tim decided to bring Carolina low and slow BBQ up north to their native Ohio.
Everyone’s welcome at Old Carolina, and when you walk through the door you’re greeted by a smiling crew member ready to take your order. And with our “love at first bite or we’ll make it right” guarantee, we’ll do what it takes to ensure your meal is extraordinary. And when you leave, you’ll hear a “See ya next time!” Because after the first visit, you’re part of our family and we know you’ll be back.