Sous Chef

Papi Queso; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental benefits

Paid time off

Competitive salary + bonuses

Growth opportunities

Cheese-loving team

Job summary

Papi Queso in Optimist Hall is seeking a Sous Chef to help lead the kitchen and bring creative visions to life. You will oversee daily operations, supervise cooks, and ensure top-quality prep and plating for high-volume service.

The role requires 2+ years in a kitchen with leadership experience, a passion for comfort food, and strong multitasking abilities. Competitive salary, benefits, and growth opportunities accompany this position.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of kitchen experience with leadership or sous chef preference.
• Strong knowledge of cooking techniques and kitchen safety.
• Passion for comfort food, especially grilled cheese and cheese pairings.
• Excellent multitasking and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations and back-of-house leadership.
• Ensure consistency and creativity in all menu items from classics to experiments.
• Supervise line cooks and prep staff during service and food prep; monitor inventory and food costs.
• Uphold cleanliness and sanitation standards per health regulations.
• Assist in seasonal menu development and daily specials.
• Train and mentor kitchen staff; maintain high energy during busy shifts.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Time management

Communication

High-volume kitchen

Job description

Job Title: Sous Chef

Location: Optimist Hall

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $48,000 – $55,000 annually, based on experience

Reports to: Executive Chef

About Us

At Papi Queso, we’re elevating comfort food to an art form. Specializing in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, our fast-casual restaurant blends classic favorites with bold, inventive twists. We source high-quality cheeses, artisan breads, and fresh local ingredients to craft memorable meals that satisfy and surprise.

We’re currently seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to help lead our kitchen team and bring our creative vision to life.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations and back-of-house leadership
• Ensure consistency and creativity in all menu items—from classic melts to experimental builds
• Supervise line cooks and prep staff during service and food prepMaintain inventory, assist with ordering, and manage food costs
• Uphold cleanliness and sanitation standards in accordance with health regulations
• Assist in seasonal menu development and daily specials
• Train, motivate, and mentor kitchen staff
• Maintain high energy and morale during busy shifts

Qualifications

• 2+ years of kitchen experience; prior leadership or sous chef experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and food prep
• Passion for comfort food, especially grilled cheese, cheese blends, and pairings
• Excellent time management, multitasking, and communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a high-volume, fast-casual kitchen

Bonus Points

• Experience with house-made sauces, pickles, or other scratch-made condiments
• ServSafe or equivalent food handler certification
• Culinary school background a plus, but not required

What We Offer

• Competitive salary + performance-based bonuses
• Health and dental benefits (for full-time employees)
• Paid time off
• Opportunity to grow
• A fun, collaborative, and cheese-loving team environment