Sous Chef| Mama Ricotta's

Mama Ricottas; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance (employer-paid)

Dental insurance (employer-paid)

Life insurance (employer-paid)

Paid time off

Training and career advancement

Job summary

Sous Chef at Mama Ricotta's Italian Kitchen in Charlotte, NC, is a hands-on leadership role overseeing a high-volume kitchen. You will run the line during service, ensure every plate meets our recipes and plating specs, and maintain the standards that have made us a Charlotte staple.

You will lead, train, and coach kitchen staff, manage food and labor costs, and ensure strict food safety. This role offers growth as we expand to new locations and a chance to shape our culinary team.

Qualifications

• Real command of Italian cooking: sauces, pasta, sautés, braises, and house-made items.
• Leadership that stays calm and clear on a busy night.
• Working knowledge of food cost, labor, and inventory.
• Food safety certification (ServSafe or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Lead the line during service, keep tickets moving and plates consistent with recipes and plating specs.
• Prepare and oversee house-made items and traditional Italian dishes to standards.
• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise kitchen team; coach them toward their next role.
• Manage food and labor costs through ordering, receiving, inventory, prep planning, and waste control.
• Maintain food safety and sanitation standards and keep the kitchen inspection-ready.
• Lead the kitchen in the Executive Chef's absence.
• Partner with front-of-house leadership to keep the restaurant in sync.

Skills

Italian cooking

Team leadership

Food cost & inventory

Food safety (ServSafe)

Availability nights/weekends/holidays

Job description

Sous Chef | Mama Ricotta's Italian Kitchen | Charlotte, NC

Up to $75,000 base (DOE) plus monthly bonus

ABOUT US

Mama Ricotta's has been Charlotte's go-to Italian restaurant for over 30 years. We make our own mozzarella, sausage, breads, and desserts, source our ingredients carefully, and serve traditional dishes in a room where every guest feels like family. We're growing, including new locations, and we need a Sous Chef who wants to help protect what makes us great while the brand expands.

THE ROLE

You're the Executive Chef's right hand and the leader of the kitchen during service. You'll run the line, hold our recipe and quality standards, and build a stronger team. This is a hands‑on role in a high-volume kitchen with real room to grow as we open new locations.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Lead the line during service, keeping tickets moving and every plate consistent with our recipes and plating specs
• Prepare and oversee our house‑made items and traditional Italian dishes to our standards
• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise kitchen team members, and coach them toward their next role
• Manage food and labor costs through ordering, receiving, inventory, prep planning, and waste control
• Maintain food safety and sanitation standards and keep the kitchen inspection‑ready
• Lead the kitchen in the Executive Chef's absence
• Partner with front‑of‑house leadership to keep the whole restaurant in sync

WHAT YOU BRING

• 2+ years of sous chef in a high-volume kitchen
• Real command of Italian cooking: sauces, pasta, sautés, braises, and house‑made items
• Leadership that stays calm and clear on a packed Saturday night
• Working knowledge of food cost, labor, and inventory
• Food safety certification (ServSafe or equivalent)
• Availability for nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs

WHAT WE OFFER

• Base salary up to $75,000, depending on experience
• Achievable monthly bonus program
• 100% employer‑paid medical and dental insurance for all management
• Employer‑paid base life insurance after 6 months
• Paid time off starting at 6 months
• Comprehensive training and a clear path for advancement across the FS Food Group family as we grow,

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.

Mama Ricotta’s serves traditional, authentic Italian dishes in an inviting setting where everyone feels welcome. We seek out the finest and freshest ingredients from across the globe, and hold the highest standards for our homemade mozzarella, sausage, breads, and desserts. One dish at a time, it’s our pleasure to continue a rich tradition of quality, creativity and warm hospitality.