Restaurant Kitchen Manager

Kitchen Manager

Little Magic Bar & Kitchen Johnson City, TN

Full-Time | $19–$23/hour, based on experience

Little Magic Bar & Kitchen is looking for an experienced, dependable, and hands-on Kitchen Manager to lead our growing kitchen operation.

We’re a locally owned bar and restaurant in downtown Johnson City with a busy nightlife environment, brunch service, events, and a growing food program. We’re looking for someone who can bring leadership, consistency, organization, and pride to the kitchen while working closely with our General Manager and ownership.

Candidates with proven kitchen leadership experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

What You’ll Do

Kitchen Operations

• Lead daily back-of-house operations and ensure smooth, efficient service.
• Maintain high standards for food quality, cleanliness, organization, and presentation.
• Build effective prep, opening, closing, and cleaning systems.
• Help the kitchen perform consistently during busy nights, brunches, and events.

Team Leadership

• Train, coach, and supervise kitchen staff.
• Assist with hiring and onboarding.
• Build a positive, accountable, and professional kitchen culture.
• Create schedules and ensure appropriate staffing for service.
• Address performance and attendance issues alongside management.

Inventory & Cost Control

• Monitor food inventory, pars, waste, and product usage.
• Place food orders based on business needs and established budgets.
• Maintain proper portioning and minimize unnecessary waste.
• Help develop systems that keep the kitchen organized and cost-effective.

Food Safety

• Maintain proper food handling, storage, labeling, and temperature standards.
• Ensure the kitchen remains clean, sanitary, and health-code compliant.
• Maintain consistent cleaning and sanitation procedures.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate has previous Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, Chef, or comparable restaurant leadership experience and understands that a great kitchen requires more than just good food.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Leads by example and earns the respect of their team.
• Is dependable, organized, and comfortable taking ownership.
• Can remain calm and effective during high-volume service.
• Communicates well with both kitchen and front-of-house staff.
• Understands food safety, inventory, ordering, and cost control.
• Takes initiative and looks for ways to improve the operation.
• Is willing to work hands-on alongside the team when needed.

Why Little Magic?

We’re actively building and improving our food program, and this position will have a real opportunity to shape how our kitchen operates.

We’re looking for someone who doesn’t just want a management title we want someone who sees a problem and thinks, “How can we make this better?”

If you’re ready to take ownership of a kitchen, develop a team, and help build something locally, we’d love to meet you.

Compensation: $19–$23/hour, based on experience and qualifications.
Schedule: Full-time; availability for evenings, weekends, brunches, and events is required.