Job Description

Ajja is the new restaurant from husband and wife team Cheetie Kumar and Paul Siler. Kumar is a two-time James Beard finalist for Best Chef in the Southeast, and previously owned Garland in downtown Raleigh with Siler, along with music venue Kings and cocktail bar Neptunes. This new project, whose name means “come over”, will bring the cuisine of the East Mediterranean and South-West Asia to Raleigh’s Five Points neighborhood. Our restaurant, a new full-service casual dining establishment with a focus on Middle Eastern cuisine, is seeking an experienced and talented Chef de Cuisine to lead our kitchen team.

Cheetie’s cooking focuses on bold but balanced flavors, and celebrates the diverse foodways and cultures of that region of the world - while closely working with North Carolina’s growers and farmers. The Chef de Cuisine will work closely with the restaurant owner to develop and execute the restaurant's menu, manage kitchen staff, and ensure the highest standards of food quality and consistency.

Applicants must be available evenings and weekends with our hours of operation expanding over the coming months. . This is a salaried position between $52-58k, depending on experience, plus a healthcare stipend, free telehealth, paid sick leave and PTO that accrues additional time every year.

Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with the restaurant owner to create and develop menu items that reflect our Middle Eastern focus and meet the standards of the restaurant.
• Recruit and manage kitchen staff and ensure they have the necessary training and tools to succeed. Ownership is dedicated to providing an environment that fosters success.
• Ensure consistent execution of dishes, maintaining high standards for quality and presentation.
• Maintain food and kitchen supply costs within budget, maintain accurate inventory and efficient use of ingredients. Tracking expenses on a monthly basis is an important part of the job.
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, including strict adherence to health and safety standards.
• Develop relationships with local vendors and suppliers to ensure the highest quality ingredients.
• Collaborate with service team to ensure seamless communication and execution of customer orders.
• Stay current on industry trends and continuously develop culinary skills and knowledge.
• Work closely with general manager and owners to ensure smooth operations and assist with business development
• Cultivate Ajja’s mission and values by personal example and through staff engagement

Requirements:

• At least 5 years of experience as a chef, with a proven track record of culinary excellence and creativity. Experience in kitchen management is required.
• Be able to handle a high-volume, fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Knowledge of Middle Eastern cuisine and techniques strongly preferred.
• Ability to manage and motivate a team of kitchen staff.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Attention to detail, with a focus on maintaining high standards for food quality and presentation.
• Ability to manage costs, maintain budget and basic computer skills is required. Proficiency in Google Suite/ Microsoft Office software including basic knowledge of spreadsheets and word processing programs is needed. Experience with Toast and Resy preferred.
• Ability to maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment while adhering to health and safety standards.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Have a working and reliable vehicle and a current drivers’ license

References will be checked before hiring.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,000.00 - $58,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Food provided
• Paid time off

Experience level:

• 5 years

Pay rate:

• Yearly pay

Shift:

• Day shift
• Evening shift

Weekly day range:

• Weekend availability

Work setting:

• Casual dining restaurant

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience working with local purveyors and creating menus based on seasonal availability? If not, do you have experience working in any global cuisines?

Experience:

• managing a kitchen in an independent restaurant: 1 year (Required)
• Excel/Google Sheets proficiency: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• drivers license and working vehicle (Required)
• ServSafe (Required)

Work Location: In person

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