Sous Chef (Savory) - Washington, DC

Tatte Bakery & Cafe; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 68,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay $68,000–$81,000 per 1

Quarterly bonus program

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation time

Job summary

Tatte Bakery & Cafe in Washington, DC is seeking a skilled Sous Chef to oversee cafe kitchen operations and mentor a diverse kitchen team. You will supervise up to 25 staff and ensure consistent execution of recipes, portions, and presentation in a fast-paced setting.

This role requires strong leadership, a passion for culinary excellence, and expertise in food safety, inventory control, and seasonal menu execution.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of culinary or kitchen management in a high-volume operation.
• Strong knowledge of food quality, presentation, and cost controls.
• Understanding of food safety, sanitation, and safety standards.
• Excellent communication and professional demeanor.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Oversee production and service according to guidelines.
• Adhere to recipes, portions, and presentation standards.
• Complete daily management tasks timely.
• Develop menu understanding through daily tasting.
• Coach kitchen staff on food prep, safety, and sanitation.
• Maintain cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment and areas.
• Manage inventory levels to meet demand within guidelines.
• Support seasonal menu changes and other duties as assigned.

Skills

Culinary management

Team leadership

Communication skills

Attention to detail

High volume operations

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

A.O.S. Degree in Culinary Arts

Tools

Toast POS

CrunchTime

TeamworX

UKG/UltiPro

Microsoft Office

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Tatte began with a simple belief: great food has the power to bring people together. What started in a home kitchen has grown into a collection of bakeries and cafés inspired by Eastern Mediterranean and Levant traditions, where handcrafted food, exceptional coffee, warm hospitality, and beautiful spaces create moments of connection every day.

Our mission is simple: To Inspire, Care For, and Nurture Life. Every Day.

The Role

As a Sous Chef at Tatte, you will help oversee all kitchen operations at your cafe and support the success and growth of your kitchen team. Sous Chefs may supervise up to 25 team members, including Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, and Dishwashers. This role requires the ability to engage, inspire, and lead a strong team while maintaining Tatte’s commitment to exceptional food, hospitality, and operational excellence.

The Sous Chef is responsible for overall kitchen execution in a fast paced, high volume environment in the absence of the Head Chef.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee production and service according to established guidelines
• Adhere to recipe, portioning, and presentation standards
• Complete all daily management tasks in a timely manner
• Develop a strong understanding of the menu through daily tasting
• Coach kitchen staff in food preparation, safe handling, equipment operation, food safety, and sanitation standards
• Establish and maintain cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment, storage, and work areas
• Maintain inventory levels to ensure product availability while staying within established guidelines
• Assist with implementation of seasonal menu changes
• Other duties as assigned

Essential Functions / Working Conditions

• Ability and desire to work a flexible schedule based on sales trends and business needs, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to work ten hour plus shifts and stand, squat, or walk for extended periods of time
• Ability to grasp, reach overhead, push, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds

Required

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of culinary or kitchen management experience in a high volume foodservice operation
• Comprehensive knowledge of food and a proven passion for culinary excellence
• Understanding of quality standards, visual presentation, efficient production, food safety, sanitation, and food cost controls
• Knowledge and proficiency of systems, methods, and processes that contribute to operational excellence
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate professionally and effectively
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred

• A.O.S. Degree in Culinary Arts or culinary certificate with relevant experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Previous experience working with UKG/UltiPro, Toast POS, CrunchTime, and TeamworX
• ServSafe, Allergen, and ChokeSaver certifications

Our Benefits & Perks

• Competitive Pay: $68,000–$81,000 annually, depending on experience
• Quarterly bonus program
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation time

  Learn more about us at tattebakery.com

  Please note that Tatte is an E-Verify employer.