Sous Chef - Authentic Italian Restaurant

$25/hour | Full-Time | Growth Opportunity | Passionate Team Culture

Do you love authentic Italian cuisine and thrive in a fast-paced, family-style kitchen?
We’re looking for a dedicated and seasoned Sous Chef to join our culinary team in Smithfield, VA , someone who brings reliability, creativity, and leadership to the table.

At our restaurant, we’re passionate about quality ingredients, warm hospitality, and genuine Italian flavors. We value professionals who can lead by example, inspire teamwork, and uphold the highest culinary standards.

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with management to develop and execute seasonal menus
• Supervise day-to-day kitchen operations, including prep, service, and staff development
• Oversee ordering, receiving, and inventory management
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness, organization, and food safety compliance
• Communicate effectively and professionally with both BOH and FOH teams
• Train and mentor culinary staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment

What We’re Looking For

• 3+ years as a Sous Chef or Executive Chef in an upscale casual or fine dining environment
• 6+ years total culinary experience, ideally with a background in Italian cuisine
• Proven ability to manage food and labor costs, inventory, and P&L
• Strong leadership and training skills
• Reliable, professional, and calm under pressure
• Creative culinary voice with a passion for innovation and detail
• ServSafe Food Safety Certification required

Who You Are

• Experienced in family-owned or smaller, non-corporate kitchens
• Mature, dependable, and passionate about leading a tight-knit team
• A problem solver with integrity, respect, and accountability
• Able to multitask, manage deadlines, and maintain consistency under pressure

Benefits & Compensation

• $25/hour starting pay
• Supportive and team-oriented work culture
• Opportunity to contribute to menu development and restaurant growth
• PTO, meals, and professional development opportunities

Start Date: Immediate, we’re interviewing now!

If you’re ready to bring your culinary passion and leadership to an authentic Italian kitchen that values craftsmanship and culture , apply today!

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 fitensuring both clients and candidates succeed.