Job Title:

Kitchen Manager /

Head Cook Job Type :

Full-time in

Belleville, Illinois Salary :

$47,000 - $52,000 per year (Based on experience) + Monthly & Quarterly Team Bonus Program Job Summary Are you an energetic culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment? We are seeking a hands-on Kitchen Manager / Head Cook to lead our back-of-house team. This is a unique opportunity to run a high-volume restaurant inside a premier Entertainment Center featuring laser tag, movie theaters, go-karts, bowling, and a multi-level sports bar; in addition to a banquet/party room. In this role, you will work closely with our Restaurant Manager and Management Team to deliver high-quality food for our full-service restaurant, busy bars, and large-scale birthday and banquet events. If you love thinking outside the box and bringing high energy to your work, we want to hear from you!

Core Responsibilities Hands-On Culinary Execution Line Operations :

Work the line daily, demonstrating excellence in prep work, cooking, expediting, and presentation.

Menu Execution :

Master and oversee the production of high-volume favorites, including pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and event catering.

Quality Control :

Taste, smell, and visually inspect dishes to ensure correct portions, textures, garnishes, and flavors.

Kitchen Support :

Lead by example and jump into any station—including dishwashing—during peak hours to maintain ticket times.

Team Leadership & Management Talent Development :

Recruit, hire, onboard, and train back-of-house employees at all levels.

Performance Management :

Coach, counsel, inspire and discipline staff while conducting regular performance appraisals.

Task Delegation :

Multi-task effectively to delegate duties, ensuring fast service without sacrificing food quality.

Safety & Compliance :

Implement and enforce state, and local sanitation rules, including holding Food Handlers and Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Certificates.

Administration & Operations Inventory Control :

Assess, maintain, and conduct full weekly inventory audits to minimize waste and manage food costs.

Equipment Care :

Schedule and oversee regular maintenance and emergency repairs on all kitchen appliances.

Professional Growth :

Stay current on industry trends by attending workshops and reviewing professional culinary publications.

Qualifications & Requirements Experience :

3+ years of culinary experience AND 2+ years of restaurant management experience.

Education :

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Certifications :

Food Safety/Sanitation Management certification required. First Aid/CPR/Heimlich certification is a plus.

Skills :

Outstanding teamwork, guest service, strategic planning, and crisis management skills.

Work Authorization :

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Compensation & Perks Competitive base salary ($47,000 - $52,000), based on experience & qualifications Performance-based monthly and quarterly team bonus program Medical Insurance 401(k) Retirement Program with Company Match Paid Vacation

• Free Employee meal per shift
• Free Movies, Laser Tag & Go-Karts Schedule and Physical Requirements
• Must be available to work varied shifts, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in a kitchen environment.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull items up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Ability to work around hot equipment, sharp tools, cold storage areas, and cleaning chemicals while following safety procedures.

Skills Extensive culinary experience with a strong background in fine dining, catering, or restaurant management. Proven supervising experience with the ability to lead and motivate a diverse team. Knowledge of food safety protocols, sanitizing procedures, and proper food handling practices. Experience in banquet service, food service management, and inventory control systems. Skilled in menu planning, cost control, and managing kitchen budgets effectively. Excellent leadership qualities combined with strong communication skills to foster teamwork and collaboration. Ability to thrive under pressure while maintaining high standards of food quality and service excellence. Join us and bring your culinary expertise into a lively environment where innovation meets hospitality!

Pay:

$47,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) matching Food provided Health insurance Paid time off

Work Location:

In person