Kitchen Manager

*Job Description: Kitchen Manager – Family-Owned Cuban Full-Service Restaurant**Location: *Café Piquet Cuban Cuisine] – Bellaire, Texas*Salary: *up to $65,000 per year (with bonus potential up to 20% of salary based on performance)*Type:* Full-Time, Exempt*Benefits:* Paid Time Off, and opportunities for professional growth*About Us:*At Café Piquet Cuban Cuisine we are a *family-owned Cuban restaurant* committed to delivering authentic Cuban flavors and exceptional service to our community. Our restaurant has been built on a legacy of passion, tradition, and commitment to quality. We believe in making every guest feel like family, serving them meals crafted with love, and creating an experience that stays with them long after they leave.As we look to the future, we are excited to expand and grow our restaurant into *new revenue streams* while preserving the heart of what makes us special. We're looking for a dedicated *Kitchen Manager* who shares our vision, is eager to grow with us, and has the ambition to be a long-term member of our team. If you're ready to help us expand our legacy and take our beloved Cuban cuisine to new heights and new locations, we want to hear from you.*Position Overview:*We are seeking a passionate *Kitchen Manager*who is not only skilled in *food costing*, *inventory management*, and *operational systems* but also has the vision and drive to *help us expand into new markets*. You will be a key leader in overseeing kitchen operations and maintaining the excellence of our Cuban cuisine while building a team that shares our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. This position is ideal for someone who wants to take ownership of their role, help us scale to new locations, and leave a lasting legacy.The ideal candidate will have a deep appreciation for Cuban cuisine, experience in implementing systems to drive operational efficiency, and a strong desire to grow with us as we expand to new geographical areas. *If you are a long-term thinker and are excited to contribute to a family-owned restaurant's legacy, this is the role for you.**Key Responsibilities:** *Leadership and Team Management:** Lead, mentor, and inspire the kitchen team, cultivating a positive, efficient, and collaborative work environment.* Provide consistent training and professional development for kitchen staff, ensuring they understand both the high standards of our Cuban cuisine and the systems that help us succeed.* *Foster a long-term commitment* to the business by creating a work culture that values respect, hard work, and career growth.* Maintain staffing levels, manage schedules, and ensure smooth communication across all kitchen and front-of-house teams.* *Kitchen Operations and Efficiency:** Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring that all food is prepared to the highest quality and served on time.* Implement and streamline systems that ensure efficiency, reduce food waste, and maintain consistent quality across all shifts.* Ensure full compliance with food safety regulations, cleanliness standards, and health protocols at all times.* Collaborate with the management team to ensure that kitchen operations align with service goals and guest satisfaction.* *Food Cost Control and Budget Management:** Develop and manage the kitchen’s annual budget, focusing on *food cost control*, *inventory management*, and *labor costs*.* Monitor and adjust food costs, ingredient sourcing, and waste to meet financial targets without sacrificing the quality of the food.* Implement *food costing systems* to track ingredient usage and waste, and make strategic decisions to keep costs within target.* Regularly review inventory levels and ordering practices to ensure cost-effective purchasing and efficient stock management.* *Enhancing Our Legacy and Recipes:** *Enhance and elevate* our traditional Cuban recipes while maintaining the integrity of what makes them beloved by our community.* Work with ownership to introduce seasonal specials, new menu items, and creative twists that keep our offerings fresh and exciting, while respecting the roots of Cuban cuisine.* Ensure consistent quality in every dish, from preparation to plating, so that every guest has the same amazing experience.* Actively collaborate with the leadership team to refine the restaurant's culinary direction and expand our brand while preserving its identity.* *Systems Development and Implementation:** Implement systems for *inventory management*, *ordering*, *waste reduction*, and *kitchen workflow* to increase operational efficiency.* Utilize technology (POS systems, inventory tools, etc.) to track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as food costs, labor costs, and inventory turnover.* Assess kitchen equipment and processes regularly to ensure they support smooth operations and minimize downtime or inefficiencies.* *Growth and Expansion:** Partner with ownership and the management team to help the restaurant grow into new *revenue streams*.* Help develop scalable systems that can be implemented in new locations while maintaining the same level of quality, service, and family-oriented values.* Play a crucial role in setting and achieving goals for expansion, ensuring that new kitchens, teams, and locations continue to reflect the restaurant’s legacy of excellence.* Take part in site visits, new location openings, and training programs to ensure a smooth transition and high-quality operations at each new location.* *Bilingual Communication:** Proficiency in both *English and Spanish* is required, as the role involves managing a bilingual team and ensuring clear communication across all staff members.* Lead training sessions and communicate policies in both languages, ensuring that all employees understand expectations and are empowered to succeed.*Measurable Expectations:** *Food Cost Management:* Achieve and maintain food cost goals within budget (e.g., 30% or under), implementing strategies to control waste and optimize purchasing.* *Labor Cost Control:* Keep labor costs within the target range, making adjustments based on sales trends and kitchen efficiency.* *Staff Development and Retention:* Foster a *long-term commitment* to the company with low turnover and a motivated, skilled kitchen team.* *Quality Control:* Consistently uphold high-quality standards in food preparation and presentation, ensuring guest satisfaction and positive reviews.* *Operational Efficiency:* Successfully implement systems that improve kitchen workflow and reduce waste, leading to measurable improvements in kitchen performance.*Required Qualifications:** *Experience:* 3+ years of experience in a kitchen management or executive chef role in a full-service restaurant.* *Food Costing Expertise:* Strong experience with food costing, inventory management, and achieving financial goals.* *Leadership Skills:* Ability to lead, develop, and mentor a kitchen team, creating a long-term team culture.* *Systems Implementation:* Proven experience in implementing and maintaining operational systems to improve kitchen performance.* *Bilingual:* Fluent in both *English and Spanish*, with the ability to train, communicate, and lead in both languages.* *Culinary Passion:* A deep love for Cuban cuisine, with a focus on maintaining tradition while embracing innovation.* *Health and Safety Knowledge:* Strong understanding of food safety standards and health regulations.*What We Offer:** *Competitive Salary:* up to $65,000 per year with the potential to earn up to *$13,000 in annual bonuses* awarded throughout the year based on performance.* *Opportunities for Growth:* Help us expand, with the chance to grow your career alongside the restaurant’s success.* *Work-Life Balance:* We prioritize a healthy work environment that supports both professional growth and personal well-being.* *Recognition and Rewards:* Your hard work and dedication will be rewarded with performance-based bonuses and opportunities for advancement.* *Family-Oriented Culture:* Join a team that values collaboration, respect, and long-term success. You’ll be treated like family, with a shared commitment to growth and excellence.*How to Apply:*If you are ready to be a long-term *team member* who wants to help us grow and create a lasting legacy, please send your *resume* and *cover letter* explaining your experience with food costing, systems implementation, and leadership. Tell us why you're excited about helping our family-owned restaurant expand and bring our beloved Cuban cuisine to new areas.*Café Piquet Cuban Cuisine**Email:*_*WE ARE NOW HIRING*_!We are accepting applications for full time positions, you must apply in person. Interviews are done after reviewing applications. Please, no phone calls or emails in reference to positions available.Café Piquet5757 Bissonnet StBellaire, TX 77401Type: Full-timePay: $1,155.00 - $1,250.00 per weekApplication Question(s):* Have you worked for more than 1 year as a full service restaurant manager?Language:* Spanish (Required)License/Certification:* Manager certification (Preferred)Work Location: In person

Created: 2025-08-12