Sous Chef

Chef Art Smith’s Reunion is hiring a Sous Chef for our high-volume, full-service restaurant located on Navy Pier in Chicago, IL. Owned by celebrity Chef Art Smith, Reunion is an upscale-casual, chef-driven restaurant known for Southern cuisine, scratch cooking, and high-energy service.

We are seeking a Sous Chef with strong leadership skills, high-volume kitchen experience, and a passion for food safety, organization, and team development. This is a hands-on Sous Chef position requiring line leadership, operational discipline, and consistent execution.

Sous Chef Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise BOH staff in a high-volume restaurant kitchen
• Execute all dishes according to recipes, specs, and plating standards
• Maintain clean, organized, and food-safe kitchen operations
• Manage daily prep, line execution, and service flow
• Enforce proper FIFO, labeling, storage, and sanitation procedures
• Support labor control, scheduling needs, and productivity standards
• Train, coach, and develop kitchen staff to meet performance expectations
• Assist the Executive Chef with menu development and seasonal menu rollouts
• Execute daily family meal with creativity and cost awareness
• Assist with ordering, inventory management, and food cost control
• Monitor equipment, safety practices, and kitchen organization
• Ensure compliance with Chicago health department regulations
• Work collaboratively with the Executive Chef, General Manager, and leadership team
• Lead with integrity, professionalism, and a positive attitude during service

Sous Chef Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as a Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager
• High-volume restaurant experience required
• Experience in upscale-casual or fine-dining restaurants preferred
• Food Safety Manager Certification required
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards
• Proven leadership and team management skills
• Ability to follow recipes, specs, and operational procedures consistently
• Strong understanding of labor costs, food costs, and inventory control
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays
• Calm under pressure with a solutions-oriented mindset
• Pride in quality, cleanliness, and doing the right thing

Why Join Chef Art Smith’s Reunion

• Work in a high-volume, chef-driven restaurant in Chicago
• Be part of a nationally recognized brand on Navy Pier
• Clear expectations, structure, and leadership support
• Growth opportunities within a professional kitchen environment
• Team-focused culture built on accountability, respect, and hospitality