Sous Chef

The Royal is seeking a dependable, organized, and hands-on Sous Chef to help lead our kitchen team. This role supports the Chef in daily kitchen operations, maintains consistent food quality, and helps create a clean, efficient, and respectful workplace.

Our ideal candidate takes pride in their cooking, leads by example, and enjoys teaching and supporting others.

Responsibilities

• Lead prep and service, ensuring dishes meet established standards for taste, presentation, portion size, and timing.
• Support the Chef with daily planning, prep lists, station assignments, and kitchen communication.
• Supervise kitchen operations in the Chef’s absence.
• Train and coach cooks on recipes, techniques, station setup, and service expectations.
• Work alongside the team on the line and assist wherever needed.
• Maintain high standards for cleanliness, organization, uniforms, and personal hygiene.
• Ensure proper food handling, labeling, storage, rotation, and temperature control.
• Assist with ordering, receiving, inventory, and monitoring product quality.
• Help control food waste, portioning, and kitchen costs.
• Coordinate with front-of-house managers regarding service, menu availability, allergies, and special requests.
• Assist with menu development, specials, and recipe documentation.
• Communicate staffing, equipment, maintenance, and supply needs promptly.
• Promote a professional workplace where team members are treated with respect.

Qualifications

• Previous professional kitchen experience, including experience as a Sous Chef, lead line cook, or kitchen supervisor.
• Strong cooking fundamentals and the ability to work multiple stations.
• Ability to organize prep, prioritize tasks, and maintain consistency during busy service.
• A calm, reliable leadership style and a willingness to give and receive feedback.
• Clear communication skills and a collaborative approach to working with kitchen and service teams.
• Working knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Availability to work the schedule required by the restaurant, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Skills — A Plus, Not Required

• Spanish-language skills, particularly the ability to communicate with and support Spanish-speaking kitchen team members.
• Basic computer and email skills, including checking and responding to email, using spreadsheets, and working with digital schedules, ordering systems, or inventory tools.