Sous Chef $58,000-$65,000 annual salary, medical benefits, paid time off, and major holidays closed. Approximately 45-50 hours per week. La Fête is hiring a hands-on Sous Chef for its independent, 130-seat upscale-casual restaurant in Wilmington, DE, specializing in modern French comfort food, scratch cooking, and seasonal ingredients. You'll work directly with the Chef, helping lead a team of 5-10 kitchen employees while remaining actively involved in cooking, prep, and dinner service. We're looking for someone with strong culinary fundamentals who can execute consistently during busy service, maintain high standards, train cooks, and help keep daily kitchen operations organized. Experienced Sous Chefs and Lead Cooks with demonstrated kitchen leadership experience are encouraged to apply. Location Wilmington, DE Accessible by public transportation Compensation $58,000-$65,000 annual salary, based on experience Bonus/profit-sharing eligibility after one year of commitment Schedule Full-time salaried position Approximately 45-50 hours per week Primarily evening shifts Dinner service plus one brunch shift Closed for major holidays Benefits Medical benefits Paid time off Paid sick days Flexible scheduling Why This Role Stands Out Independent, chef-driven restaurant focused on scratch cooking Work directly with the Chef and hands-on ownership Small kitchen team of approximately 5-10 employees Involvement in menu development, training, and kitchen improvements Primarily dinner-focused schedule with major holidays closed Opportunity for an experienced Lead Cook to advance into a Sous Chef position About the Role This is a working Sous Chef position for someone who enjoys cooking as much as leading a kitchen team. You'll support the Chef with daily operations, work actively on the line, oversee prep and service execution, and help maintain consistent food quality. We're looking for someone who can: Lead busy dinner services while cooking alongside the team Organize prep, stations, and service readiness Train cooks and reinforce recipes and kitchen standards Maintain food quality, presentation, and consistency Communicate clearly and resolve problems during service Support inventory, food costs, waste reduction, and kitchen organization About La Fête La Fête is an independent, 130-seat upscale-casual restaurant in Wilmington, DE, serving modern French comfort food using scratch cooking techniques and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has an average guest check of approximately $90 per person, with an emphasis on quality ingredients, consistent execution, and polished but approachable service. The Chef and ownership are actively involved in daily operations, giving the Sous Chef direct access to decision-makers and opportunities to contribute to menu development and kitchen improvements. Responsibilities Support the Chef in daily kitchen operations Supervise and train approximately 5-10 kitchen employees Cook on the line and maintain consistent execution during service Oversee prep, station organization, and food presentation Reinforce recipes, portioning, and quality standards Maintain food safety, sanitation, and proper product storage Assist with ordering, inventory, waste reduction, and food cost controls Help improve kitchen systems and daily operating procedures Contribute to menu development and seasonal changes Qualifications 3-5 years of restaurant kitchen experience preferred Strong scratch-cooking skills and solid culinary fundamentals Experience in upscale-casual, chef-driven, or fine-dining kitchens preferred Ability to execute consistently during busy dinner service Experience training cooks, leading a station, or supervising kitchen employees Strong organization, communication, and food safety practices Comfortable working actively on the line while supporting kitchen operations Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds Previous Sous Chef experience is welcome but not required. Experienced Lead Cooks who have demonstrated strong cooking skills, reliability, and the ability to guide other cooks will also be considered. How to Apply Please submit your resume with full contact information and two professional references from previous supervisors. Supervisor email addresses are required. Qualified candidates will be contacted directly.

Job Code:

1694

Pay:

$58,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off

Work Location:

In person