Sous Chef - Modern Fine Dining Steakhouse & Seafood

Job Description Job Description

We are seeking a talented Sous Chef to join the opening team of an exciting modern fine dining steakhouse featuring elevated seafood and chef-driven American cuisine. This is a unique opportunity to help launch a new restaurant, working alongside an accomplished culinary leadership team focused on exceptional food, hospitality, and execution.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on culinary leader with experience in high-volume, upscale kitchens who thrives in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment. Candidates should be available to begin in late July and participate in several weeks of training at an established flagship location in Denver before the Charlotte opening.

Compensation

$70,000-$80,000 base salary

Market Comparison:

Sous Chefs in Charlotte's upscale and fine dining restaurant market typically earn $65,000-$85,000, depending on concept, experience, and volume. Our compensation is highly competitive and well-aligned with the market, offering an excellent opportunity to grow with a premier restaurant opening.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Chef with all daily back-of-house operations.
• Lead, coach, and develop kitchen staff while fostering a culture of excellence.
• Ensure consistent execution of recipes, plating, quality, and presentation standards.
• Monitor food quality, sanitation, and compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Manage prep, line execution, inventory, ordering, and product rotation.
• Assist with scheduling, labor management, and food cost control.
• Train and mentor culinary team members.
• Support menu execution, seasonal features, and special events.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment.
• Collaborate with the front-of-house team to deliver an exceptional guest experience.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of Sous Chef or culinary leadership experience in high-volume restaurants.
• Experience in modern fine dining, upscale steakhouses, seafood, or chef-driven American restaurants is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of scratch cooking techniques and premium ingredients.
• Proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, high-expectation kitchen.
• Experience with food cost, labor management, inventory, and kitchen operations.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Available to start in late July and travel to Denver for several weeks of paid training prior to opening.

Preferred Background

• Modern Fine Dining
• Upscale Steakhouses
• Chef-Driven American Cuisine
• Premium Seafood Concepts
• High-Volume Scratch Kitchens

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• 401(k) (where applicable)
• Paid training and development
• Career advancement opportunities
• Be part of an exciting new restaurant opening
• Collaborative, chef-driven culture

Company Description The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit-ensuring both clients and candidates succeed. Company Description The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit-ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.