Sous Chef

F1 Arcade USA; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

F1 Arcade USA in Washington, DC seeks a Sous Chef to help execute high-quality dishes and uphold brand standards in a fast-paced kitchen.

Reporting to the Head Chef, you will lead the kitchen team, manage prep and plating, ensure consistency and guest satisfaction, and drive efficiency and teamwork across the operation.

This role requires strong culinary skills, leadership, and a commitment to safety and top-tier guest experiences.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in high-volume kitchens with leadership duties.
• Proficient in food preparation, plating and presentation.
• Strong team leadership and mentoring skills.
• Cost control, portioning and inventory awareness.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations and hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality dishes with consistency and presentation.
• Lead and train kitchen staff under the Head Chef.
• Oversee prep planning, stock control and waste reduction.
• Ensure food safety and sanitation across kitchen operations.
• Support scheduling, records and daily administrative tasks.

Skills

Leadership

High-volume kitchens

Food preparation

Cost control

Food safety

Communication

Education

ServSafe certification

Job description

At F1® Arcade, we’ve completely revolutionised the traditional arcade by creating the first-ever Formula 1 entertainment and hospitality concept with socialising at its core for fans and non-fans alike. F1® Arcade venues provide an immersive, state-of-the-art F1® racing simulation experience, gamified for a mass audience, with ‘best in class’ hospitality and exceptional venue design, all under one roof - for the ultimate night out in the fast lane

Job Title: Sous Chef

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting to: Head Chef

Position Overview

Culinary Excellence

Reporting to the Head Chef, you will play a vital role in executing high-quality dishes while maintaining consistency and presentation standards. You will assist in food preparation, cooking, and plating to ensure each dish meets the brand’s expectations for taste and quality. Your attention to detail and passion for great food will contribute to an outstanding dining experience for every guest.

Cultivate an Exceptional Culinary Culture

You will support the Senior Sous Chef in leading the kitchen team, ensuring a positive and productive work environment. By setting a strong example in professionalism, teamwork, and kitchen safety, you will help maintain high hygiene standards and a collaborative atmosphere that encourages growth and creativity.

Kitchen and Business Acumen

Assisting in stock control, prep management, and kitchen organization, you will help maintain smooth day-to-day operations. You will also play a key role in minimizing waste, optimizing ingredient usage, and ensuring food is prepared efficiently while upholding quality standards.

As a Sous Chef, your dedication to teamwork, consistency, and high culinary standards will be instrumental in supporting the success of the kitchen and delivering a top-tier guest experience.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Culinary Execution & Quality

• Support the Senior Sous Chef in delivering high-quality dishes that meet brand standards, ensuring consistency in taste, presentation, and efficiency during service.

Kitchen Operations & Workflow

• Assist in managing daily kitchen operations, coordinating prep and service to maintain smooth workflows while upholding quality and efficiency.

Team Support & Development

• Work closely with the kitchen team, providing guidance, training, and support to maintain a positive and productive work environment that encourages collaboration and skill growth.
• Monitor stock levels, assist in receiving and storing ingredients, and help minimize waste through proper portioning and efficient use of resources.

Food Safety & Hygiene

• Ensure strict adherence to food safety regulations, hygiene protocols, and cleanliness standards to maintain a safe and compliant kitchen environment.

Operational & Administrative Support

• Assist the Senior Sous Chef with scheduling, prep planning, and record-keeping to contribute to the kitchen’s overall organization and efficiency.
• As a Sous Chef, your role is essential in maintaining kitchen standards, supporting the team, and ensuring every dish meets the highest level of quality and consistency.

Skills Required

• Experience: 2+ years of experience in high-volume kitchens, with some leadership or supervisory responsibilities.
• Culinary Skills: Strong knowledge of cooking techniques, food preparation, and presentation, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Team Support & Leadership: Assist in leading and training kitchen staff, fostering teamwork and maintaining a positive work environment.
• Cost Control & Inventory Management: Support food cost management, portion control, and inventory tracking to optimize efficiency.
• Food Safety & Compliance: Ensure adherence to food safety regulations and sanitation standards, with relevant certificates preferred (e.g., ServSafe).
• Operational Efficiency: Help maintain smooth kitchen operations by coordinating with the Senior Sous Chef and Head Chef, ensuring service runs seamlessly.
• Communication & Collaboration: Work closely with the kitchen team and front-of-house staff to ensure timely and high-quality food service
• Ability to consistently demonstrate F1 Arcade Core Values;

Pursuit of Excellence

Positive Energy

Integrity

Team Spirit

Basic Physical Requirements

When working at an F1 Arcade venue, Team Members must be able to perform the duties of that venue. The team member will frequently sit for short periods of time, talk via Cloud Based video conferencing and the phone often, and hear and manipulate objects constantly.

Additional requirements will include lifting up to 10 (ten) pounds constantly and up to 50 (fifty) pounds as required. Lifting from floor to shoulder constantly and overhead infrequently. Twisting and reaching frequently. Grasping objects to move or manipulate constantly. Working in hot then cold environments for extended periods of time. May inadvertently bump into team members in a relatively small work area. Will stand and walk for extended periods of time. FREQUENT hand washing and sanitation is required. Ability to use knives, slicing equipment, and other food preparation equipment. Team Member must be able to communicate with Guests and other Team Members and manipulate handheld and desktop devices.

F1 Arcade 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.