Assistant Culinary Manager

Fresh Kitchen is a rapidly growing fast-casual restaurant chain that is redefining the fast food experience by focusing on real, made-from-scratch food using high-quality ingredients and strict standards. This health-conscious company prioritizes nutrition, transparency, and sustainability with its services. At Fresh Kitchen, everything is carefully crafted to be 100 percent gluten-free, using 100 percent pure olive oil instead of seed oils, hand-cut vegetables, antibiotic- and hormone-free meats, and responsibly sourced seafood. This approach embodies their philosophy of "Good Food Forever." Currently aiming to reach 100 remarkable restaurants by 2034, Fresh Kitchen is dedicated not only to serving exceptional food but also to fostering a people-oriented culture where employees grow alongside the brand.

The Assistant Culinary Manager (ACM) plays a critical leadership role within Fresh Kitchen's back-of-house (BOH) operations. Serving as the right hand to the Culinary Operations Manager, the ACM owns the preparation and execution of kitchen stations and leads shifts with a focus on maintaining high standards in recipes, portion control, quality, and food safety. This role demands a hands-on leader who is present in the kitchen, ensuring food is prepared efficiently and consistently during peak rushes while keeping the kitchen organized and operationally ready.

As an integral part of the leadership team, the ACM partners closely with the Culinary Operations Manager, Managing Partner, and Restaurant Operations Manager to ensure smooth alignment between back-of-house and front-of-house operations, online ordering, and catering services. Key responsibilities include coaching and developing BOH team members through training, certification, and real-time support while maintaining strict adherence to food safety standards and operational policies. The ACM supports inventory management practices such as FIFO and par disciplines, emphasizing waste reduction through strategic prep planning and order guide accuracy.

This position offers not only a competitive salary ranging from $55,000 to $65,000 per year but also a comprehensive benefits package including group health, vision, and dental plans with a 401(k) match. Fresh Kitchen values its employees by fostering a culture with clear career growth opportunities and working conditions that respect work-life balance, including paid holidays and progressive paid time off. With a vibrant brand image and strong values, this role is perfect for a culinary professional who aspires to lead with care, high standards, and a passion for creating great food.

Overall, the Assistant Culinary Manager role at Fresh Kitchen is an exciting opportunity for experienced BOH leaders looking to elevate their career in a fast-paced, high-quality culinary environment. You will lead prep systems, ensure shift readiness, uphold food safety standards, and nurture team development. Working at Fresh Kitchen means being part of a forward-thinking company that cares about people as much as it cares about food quality and performance, giving you the platform to grow into higher leadership levels within the company.