Sous Chef at Hickory

Nestled within the picturesque landscape of Nicewonder Farm & Vineyard, Hickory is The Nicewonder Inn's in-house restaurant. Hickory is the signature restaurant from the acclaimed Chef Travis Milton, offering the finest dining in the region. The menu is inspired by his Appalachian heritage, culture, and traditions and uses locally sourced produce to create the freshest and most unique flavors your tastebuds have ever experienced. Come join this exceptional team committed to delivering unparalleled hospitality and culinary excellence. Apply today and embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us!

Job Description:

As a Sous Chef at Hickory, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Chef de Cuisine in all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, menu development, and staff management. With 5 years of kitchen experience and at least 2 year of kitchen management experience, you will bring your culinary expertise to the table to ensure the highest standards of quality and consistency in every dish.

Key Responsibilities:

- Assist the Chef de Cuisine in planning and executing daily menus, ensuring the highest standards of culinary excellence and creativity.

- Oversee food preparation and production, ensuring adherence to recipes, portion sizes, and quality standards.

- Supervise kitchen staff, including line cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers, providing guidance, training, and feedback to support their professional development.

- Maintain cleanliness and organization in the kitchen, including equipment maintenance, storage areas, and workstations, in compliance with health and safety regulations.

- Assist with inventory management, including ordering, receiving, and rotating stock to minimize waste and optimize food costs.

- Collaborate with the Chef de Cuisine to develop new menu items and seasonal specials, incorporating local and seasonal ingredients to showcase the flavors of the region.

- Monitor food quality and presentation, conducting regular tastings and inspections to ensure consistency and guest satisfaction.

- Enforce kitchen policies and procedures, including sanitation standards, food safety protocols, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

- Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, teamwork, and a passion for culinary excellence in all aspects of kitchen operations.

- Uphold the Nicewonder Inn's commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing, supporting local farmers and producers whenever possible.

Requirements:

- Culinary degree or equivalent certification preferred.

- Minimum of 5 years of kitchen experience, in a fine dining restaurant or upscale hotel setting preferred.

- At least 1 year of kitchen management experience, including supervision of kitchen staff and menu development.

- Strong culinary skills and creative flair, with a passion for innovative cuisine and attention to detail.

- Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team to achieve culinary excellence.

- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations, with a commitment to maintaining a clean and safe working environment.

- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Benefits:

- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

- Membership to The Virginian Golf Club.

- Comprehensive insurance coverage.

- Generous paid time off (PTO) allowance.

- 401(k) retirement savings plan.

- Employee discount on hotel stays and dining.

- Complimentary lunches during shifts.

Join us at Hickory, where every dish tells a story and every meal is a culinary journey.