Line Cook

Kingsfamousbarbecue; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free or discounted meals during shifts

Competitive pay

Flexible scheduling

Job summary

A renowned barbecue restaurant in Petersburg is seeking a Line Cook to join their family team as they prepare for a grand reopening in 2026. This role involves preparing and cooking traditional Southern dishes in a fast-paced kitchen, ensuring every dish meets high standards of quality and safety. With flexible shifts and opportunities for growth, this position is ideal for passionate individuals who want to contribute to a beloved community institution.

Qualifications

• Previous line cook or high-volume kitchen experience preferred.
• Reliable and punctual team player essential.
• Physical stamina to lift 50+ lbs and work in heat required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu items efficiently during service.
• Assist with pit/smoking operations as needed.
• Monitor food safety and sanitation standards.

Skills

Knife skills

Cooking techniques (grilling, frying, simmering)

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced kitchen

Attention to detail

Team-oriented

Physical stamina

Food safety knowledge

Education

Food handler's certification or willingness to obtain

Job description

Line Cook Position Job Description

King's Famous Barbecue Location: 2910 S Crater Rd, Petersburg, VA 23805

Job Type: Full-time / Part-time (Flexible shifts, including early mornings for prep/smoking, evenings, weekends, and peak service hours)

Reports to: Kitchen Manager/ Operations Manager/ Pitmaster

King's Famous Barbecue is an iconic, family-owned Petersburg landmark established in 1946, renowned for its authentic Virginia-style pit-smoked barbecue — including pork shoulders, beef, and chicken — slow-cooked over wood, hand-chopped or minced to order, and served with our signature sauce and homemade sides. After a 30-month closure, the restaurant is preparing to reopen in 2026, led by dedicated family members and community supporters. The Line Cook plays a crucial hands‑on role in the kitchen, preparing, cooking, and plating our classic Southern dishes to ensure every plate delivers the legendary quality and flavor that has kept generations coming back.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu items efficiently during service
• Assist with pit/smoking operations as needed, including monitoring smokers, pulling meats, and prepping for chopping/mincing
• Follow recipes precisely to maintain consistency in flavor, texture, and presentation — from seasoning rubs to sauce application
• Work the hot line, grill, or fryer to produce hot, fresh orders quickly and accurately during busy rushes
• Portion ingredients, prep sides, and stock stations for smooth service
• Ensure food safety and sanitation standards are met at all times, including proper temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and cleaning of equipment/work areas
• Collaborate closely with the pitmaster, meatcutters, and other kitchen staff to minimize waste and keep the line flowing
• Plate and garnish dishes appealingly before they go to runners, servers, or carryout
• Assist with inventory checks, receiving deliveries, and deep cleaning during slower periods or closing
• Perform opening/closing duties, including station setup, breakdown, dish washing, and end-of-shift sanitation

Requirements & Qualifications

• Previous line cook, grill, or barbecue kitchen experience preferred (especially in Southern, BBQ, or high-volume settings), but we welcome motivated candidates with strong training provided!
• Solid knife skills, knowledge of cooking techniques (grilling, frying, simmering), and ability to work with smoked meats
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hot kitchen environment during peak hours (lunch/dinner rushes)
• Strong attention to detail, speed, and consistency — every dish must meet King's high standards
• Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented — we're a small, family-run operation where collaboration is key
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods, lift 50+ lbs (trays, cases of meat), and work in a warm environment
• Basic food safety knowledge (food handler's certification or willingness to obtain one required)
• Passion for authentic Virginia barbecue and excitement about helping reopen a community institution

What You Can Expect

• Join the revival of a Tri-Cities legend — be part of the team bringing back an 80-year-old Petersburg favorite in 2026!
• Free or discounted meals during shifts
• Competitive pay for the area
• Flexible scheduling in a close-knit, family-oriented environment
• Opportunities to cross-train in smoking, meat prep, or other kitchen roles as we grow post-reopening
• Pride in crafting the slow-smoked, hand-chopped barbecue and homemade sides that locals and visitors have missed for years

If you have a passion for real pit barbecue, strong work ethic, and want to contribute to the exciting 2026 reopening of King's Famous Barbecue, the Line Cook position is a rewarding opportunity to join our dedicated family team!