Meatcutter

Kingsfamousbarbecue; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free or discounted meals during shifts

Competitive pay depending on experience

Opportunities to learn from experienced pitmasters

Job summary

A historic barbecue restaurant in Petersburg is looking for a skilled Meatcutter to join their team as they prepare to reopen in 2026. The ideal candidate will have strong knife skills and knowledge of meat anatomy, with a passion for quality and community. Responsibilities include breaking down and preparing meats, ensuring food safety, and collaborating with the kitchen team. Enjoy flexible scheduling and competitive pay, alongside the opportunity to learn from experienced pitmasters in a family-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a meat cutter, butcher, or in barbecue prep/smoking preferred.
• Strong knife skills and knowledge of meat anatomy and trimming techniques required.
• Ability to handle large cuts of meat and work in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Responsibilities

• Break down large cuts of smoked meats into customer-ready portions.
• Trim excess fat and bone from meats for optimal quality.
• Accurately portion and weigh meats for various orders.
• Collaborate with kitchen team to minimize waste.
• Follow strict food safety and sanitation guidelines.

Skills

Knife skills

Knowledge of meat anatomy

Attention to detail

Reliability

Team-oriented

Job description

Meatcutter 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, weekends, and peak hours)

Reports to: Pitmaster / Operations Manager / Owners

King's Famous Barbecue is a beloved, historic Petersburg landmark founded in 1946, famous for its authentic Virginia-style pit-smoked barbecue — including pork shoulders, beef, and chicken — slow-cooked over wood, sliced or minced to order, and served with our signature sauce and homemade sides. After a temporary closure, the restaurant is excited to reopen in 2026 and continue its legacy of quality, tradition, and community pride. The Meatcutter (also known as Butcher or Chop/Prep Specialist) is a skilled, hands‑on role essential to our operation, focusing on breaking down, trimming, portioning, and preparing smoked meats for service while maintaining the highest standards of quality and food safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Break down large cuts of smoked pork, beef, chicken, and other meats into customer‑ready portions (chopped, minced, sliced, or pulled as per Virginia‑style traditions)
• Trim excess fat, bone, and sinew from meats before and after smoking to ensure optimal texture, flavor, and presentation
• Accurately portion and weigh meats for plates, family packs, sandwiches, catering orders, and bulk sales
• Chop or mince barbecue using cleavers, knives, and traditional techniques to achieve the perfect coarse texture that King's is known for
• Inspect smoked meats for quality, consistency, and doneness; remove any imperfections
• Maintain sharp knives, cleavers, and cutting equipment; clean and sanitize tools and work areas throughout the shift
• Assist the pitmaster with meat prep (seasoning, rubbing, or loading smokers when needed) and monitor inventory of raw and finished meats
• Follow strict food safety and sanitation guidelines, including proper handling, temperature control, and storage of meats
• Work efficiently during busy periods to keep the line stocked and orders moving quickly
• Collaborate with the kitchen team to minimize waste and maximize usable portions from every cut
• Perform opening/closing duties for the meat prep area, including setup, cleanup, and end‑of‑shift reporting
• Fire management and cleaning of the famous open pit fireplace

Requirements & Qualifications

• Previous experience as a meat cutter, butcher, or in barbecue prep/smoking is strongly preferred (experience in pit‑smoked or whole‑animal barbecue is a big plus!)
• Strong knife skills and knowledge of meat anatomy, cuts, and trimming techniques
• Ability to handle large, heavy cuts of meat (lifting 50+ lbs regularly) and work in a hot, fast‑paced kitchen environment
• Detail‑oriented with a commitment to consistency and quality — every order must reflect King's legendary standards
• Reliable, punctual, and team‑oriented — we're a small, family‑run business where everyone supports each other
• Basic understanding of food safety practices (food handler's certification or willingness to obtain one required)
• Passion for authentic Virginia barbecue and pride in serving the community
• Comfortable with early starts (for prepping/smoking cycles) and standing for long periods

What You Can Expect

• Be part of a historic reopening — help bring back a Tri‑Cities icon that's been loved for generations!
• Free or deeply discounted meals during shifts (including fresh‑smoked BBQ straight from the pit!)
• Competitive pay for the area (depending on experience; higher for skilled butchers with pit knowledge)
• Opportunities to learn from experienced pitmasters and cross‑train in smoking, sauce‑making, or other kitchen roles
• Flexible scheduling in a close‑knit, family‑oriented environment with a focus on quality over quantity
• Pride in crafting the melt‑in‑your‑mouth barbecue that keeps locals and visitors coming back

If you have skilled hands, a love for real pit‑smoked meats, and want to join a legendary team as we reopen King's Famous Barbecue in 2026, this Meatcutter position is your chance to be part of Petersburg history!