Sous Chef

bartaco; Virginia; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meal discounts

Paid vacation

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401K matching

Career development opportunities

Job summary

bartaco is seeking a Sous Chef to bring the bartaco experience to life through the food we cook and our signature touchstones. You will lead the kitchen team, ensuring recipes, presentations, and quality align with brand standards.

You will coach and develop hourly staff, manage scheduling, uphold food safety, and contribute to a positive, energetic kitchen culture during dinner shifts and events.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of culinary management experience.
• Excellent cooking skills and attention to detail.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional leadership and direction to the culinary team.
• Ensure recipes, food preparations, and presentations meet bartaco's standards.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations to maintain smooth service flow.
• Mentor kitchen staff, enforce portion sizes, and quality control.
• Manage scheduling and staffing to balance operations and team wellbeing.
• Support events and catering as needed.

Skills

Culinary management

Leadership

Food safety

Team mentorship

Education

Culinary degree preferred

Job description

Job Description

We are looking for a sous chef who brings the bartaco experience to life through the food we cook and breathes our touchstones.

Our Sous Chefs are responsible for the daily leadership and operations of the kitchen, by providing professional leadership, coaching, development, and direction to the culinary team by ensuring that all recipes, food preparations, and presentations meet the restaurant's specifications and commitment to quality.

Responsibilities:

• Be guest-obsessed, adhere to bartaco's standards, ensuring all dishes meet our quality and presentation guidelines
• Oversee daily operations to ensure service flows seamlessly and efficiently
• Lead by example during shifts, setting the tone for hospitality, energy, and attentiveness
• Foster a positive work environment, promoting teamwork, morale, and professional growth among kitchen staff
• Develop and mentor kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to recipes, portion sizes, and quality standards
• Use emotional intelligence to connect with and support team members, ensuring they feel valued and empowered
• Manage scheduling and staffing to balance operational needs with team well-being
• Celebrate wins, recognize achievements, and provide constructive feedback to drive growth

Operational Leadership:

• Maintain bartaco’s standards by ensuring flawless execution in all aspects of service and operations
• Take ownership of hitting targets, executing rollouts, and achieving and exceeding performance goals
• Collaborate with the foh management and bar teams to adhere to bartaco’s high guest and beverage quality standards
• Maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment, following food safety and sanitation guidelines
• Assist in managing daily kitchen operations, including ordering, inventory control, food cost management, and line checks
• Conduct regular inspections of kitchen equipment and report maintenance needs
• Support special events and catering functions as needed

Requirements:

• 1-3 years of culinary management experience
• A culinary arts degree is preferred, but not required
• Excellent cooking skills
• Experience mentoring and training hourly team members
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Bring an energetic hustle and positive attitude to every shift
• Able to tolerate long periods working on foot/standing up
• Able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds
• Able to work in a kitchen environment that may result in exposure to heat or cold

What sets you apart:

• You embody grit - persevering through challenges and staying committed to excellence
• You excel in communication, keeping your team informed, motivated, and aligned
• You think critically, make thoughtful decisions, and solve problems with confidence and poise
• You are a driver of innovation and change, constantly looking for ways to improve processes and elevate the guest and team experience

As a Sous Chef, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the culinary experience and creating a culture where your team thrives. Together, we’ll uphold bartaco’s reputation as a fun, vibrant, and welcoming destination for both guests and team members alike.

Perks, Benefits + Rewards, just for you:

• A fun work environment!
• Career development and advancement opportunities
• Competitive pay
• Meal discounts when dining at bartaco
• Paid vacation time
• Gym and fitness center discounts
• Opportunity to learn multiple languages/language education
• Discounted virtual pet care
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Mental Health and holistic wellness support
• 401K enrollment and matching

Company Description

At bartaco, food is our passion. But people are our purpose.

We invest in our team because our people are at the heart of what we do. We’re committed to creating an atmosphere where team members can learn, develop, and succeed every day. Whether you aspire to excel in a leadership, hospitality, or culinary role, bartaco is an environment that fosters growth and helps you achieve your goals.

At bartaco, we’re guest-obsessed. Our mission is to create memorable moments for every guest, every time. It’s who we are.