About Us:
WINNER is a lively American café in Park Slope, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner to go, all crafted with a dedication to exceptional customer service and house-made goods—from our freshly made bread to house-cured meats. Adjacent to the café, Runner Up is an intimate and refined wine bar where our chefs create elegant, seasonal dishes designed to complement a thoughtfully curated wine selection. Whether grabbing a meal on the go or settling in for a relaxed evening, WINNER provides a warm, welcoming space for the community to gather and enjoy outstanding food and hospitality.
Job Summary:
The Sous Chef of Winner Bakery and Runner Up plays a key leadership role in overseeing daily kitchen operations across these adjacent locations. This position supports the Chef de Cuisine in ensuring high-quality food production, efficient kitchen management, and an outstanding guest experience. The ideal candidate is a skilled chef with strong organizational abilities, a passion for fine food and baking, and the ability to balance the unique demands of both a cafe and a refined wine bar.
Key Responsibilities:
Culinary Leadership & Menu Development
- Assist with the creation, execution, and continuous evolution of menus for WINNER and Runner Up, as well as for special events, both on-site and off-site.
- Innovate new dishes and specials that highlight in-house production and seasonal ingredients, ensuring they align with the company's culinary standards.
- Ensure consistency, quality, and presentation of all food items served.
- Collaborate with the butchery and production teams to optimize the use of ingredients, reduce waste, and maximize profitability.
- Schedule and oversee menu research and development, delegating tasks to ensure effective and timely execution.
- Develop and refine Cost of Goods Sold (COGs) for new and existing menu items, setting prices that meet gross margin goals.
Kitchen Operations & Organization
- Oversee daily kitchen operations at Runner Up, ensuring that all culinary activities run smoothly and efficiently during service.
- Monitor inventory levels, assist with ordering, and minimize food waste.
- Manage kitchen cleanliness, organization, and adherence to DOH health and safety standards.
- Ensure kitchen organization, including proper storage and labeling of ingredients and finished products.
Leadership & Team Development
- Support and mentor cooks and kitchen staff, creating a positive and growth-oriented environment, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
- Hire, schedule, and train new team members.
- Provide ongoing training and mentorship to kitchen employees, helping them develop their skills and advance within the company.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and manage staff scheduling to balance labor costs with operational needs.
- Maintain clear and consistent communication with front of house teams and other departmental managers to ensure alignment and smooth operations.
- Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, efficiency, and attention to detail.
Guest Interaction & Hospitality
- Work in the open kitchen at Runner Up, engaging with guests in a warm and welcoming manner.
- Support front-of-house staff in providing a memorable dining experience.
- Uphold Winner Hospitality’s commitment to high standards of service, presentation, and hospitality.
Ideal Candidate:
- Minimum 3-5 years of professional kitchen experience, preferably in both bakery and fine dining settings.
- Strong culinary skills in both baking and savory cooking.
- Experience managing kitchen operations, staff training, and food safety compliance.
- Comfortable working in an open-kitchen setting and engaging with guests.
- Passion for high-quality ingredients, seasonality, and sustainability.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Physical ability to lift 50+ lbs, stand for extended periods, and work evenings and weekends.
- Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Spanish is highly valued.
Working Conditions:
- Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
- Physical requirements include standing for long periods, lifting heavy items, and working in a hot environment.
Benefits:
- Paid Time Off
- Health Insurance Reimbursement
- Pre-Taxed Commuter Benefits
- 25% Employee Discount