Sous Chef

Midwood Smokehouse; Cornelius (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & dental insurance

Employer-paid life insurance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Little Mama's Italian Kitchen in Cornelius, NC is seeking a Sous Chef to uphold our high-volume, scratch kitchen standards. You will lead on the line, collaborate with the Executive Chef, and mentor staff while maintaining efficiency, cleanliness, and authentic Italian flavors.

This hands-on role requires 2+ years in a similar kitchen leadership position, a focus on food safety, cost control, and building a strong, accountable team.

Qualifications

• 2+ years as a Sous Chef in a high-volume, full-service restaurant.
• Ability to lead a shift or run the line independently.
• Bring structure, organization and systems to the kitchen.
• Known for being consistent, reliable, and detail-oriented.
• Take initiative and solve problems without waiting to be told.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring efficiency, cleanliness, and organization.
• Maintain strict food safety and sanitation standards, ensuring compliance at all times.
• Foster a positive, productive kitchen environment that inspires excellence and teamwork.
• Control food and labor costs, aligning production with the restaurant’s needs.
• Train, develop, and supervise staff: Support their growth through hands-on training and mentorship.
• Work closely with the Executive Chef to ensure consistent execution of our menu and specials, maintaining the high standards and authentic flavors that define our brand's reputation for excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen management

Team training

Food safety

Organization

Job description

Sous Chef | Little Mama's Italian Kitchen

At Little Mama's, we honor the tradition of classic Italian dining, crafting every dish with integrity and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Our kitchen is rooted in recipes passed down through generations but inspired by modern culinary techniques, delivering the timeless flavors our guests love with a creative twist. Little Mama's Italian Kitchen is a high-volume, scratch kitchen rooted in traditional Italian recipes with modern execution. As part of FS Food Group, we operate with clear systems, strong standards, and a commitment to consistency at scale.

As the Sous Chef, you'll play a crucial role in preserving this vision. Every dish that leaves our kitchen reflects the heart and soul of Little Mama's, whether it's a cherished family recipe or an inventive new offering. This is an exciting opportunity to grow with a brand that is dedicated to the future, with leadership committed to nurturing and expanding the Little Mama's legacy.

What You'll Be Responsible For

Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring efficiency, cleanliness, and organization.

Maintain strict food safety and sanitation standards, ensuring compliance at all times.

Foster a positive, productive kitchen environment that inspires excellence and teamwork.

Control food and labor costs, aligning production with the restaurant’s needs.

Train, develop, and supervise staff: Support their growth through hands-on training and mentorship.

Work closely with the Executive Chef to ensure consistent execution of our menu and specials, maintaining the high standards and authentic flavors that define our brand's reputation for excellence.

This Role Is for You If:

You have 2+ years as a Sous Chef in a high-volume, full-service restaurant

You are confident leading a shift or running the line independently

You bring structure, organization, and systems to the kitchen

You are known for being consistent, reliable, and detail-oriented

You hold people accountable while still building a strong team culture

You take initiative and solve problems without waiting to be told

This Role Is Not for You If:

You need constant direction or prefer a non-leadership role.

You lack experience in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen.

You struggle with organization, urgency, or enforcing standards.

You have no prior experience in a kitchen leadership role.

Compensation & Benefits

Up to $72,000 base + achievable monthly bonus

100% employer-paid medical & dental insurance

Employer-paid life insurance

Paid Time Off

Why work in the Little Mama's Kitchen?

High volume, respected concept with strong systems in place.

A leadership team that develops and promotes from within.

A culture built on accountability, consistency, and teamwork.

Expectations

This is a hands-on leadership role in a fast-paced environment. You will be on the line, leading during service. Nights and weekends are required.

Company Information

FS Food Group is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Disclaimer: The above job description is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of the position, nor should it be construed as a contract. As with all positions at FS Food Group, employment is \"at will\" or voluntary on both the part of the employee or employer. This means employment can be terminated by either party with or without notice and/or with or without cause.

Little Mama's Italian Kitchen is inspired by the old classic Italian restaurants in New England from the 60s and 70s. Really well done classics, without pretense. A stiff cocktail and a bowl of fresh pasta or a knob of just-made mozzarella are the simple but elegant menu items to look out for here. But the broiled steak will bowl you over too.