Assistant Kitchen Manager

Dave & Buster's is a leading entertainment and dining establishment known for combining dining experiences with interactive games and entertainment. As a popular venue that appeals to families, friends, and corporate groups alike, Dave & Buster's provides more than just a meal; it offers a unique atmosphere where guests can enjoy food, fun, and excitement in a vibrant setting. The company prides itself on high-quality food, exceptional customer service, and a lively environment where guests feel welcomed and entertained. With multiple locations across the country, Dave & Buster's is committed to maintaining consistent food safety standards and superior culinary quality to ensure a memorable guest experience.

The role of an Assistant Kitchen Manager (AKM) at Dave & Buster's is crucial to maintaining the high standards of the kitchen operations. As a key leadership figure, the AKM serves as the culinary expert who motivates and manages the back-of-house (BOH) team, ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently. This position involves extensive oversight of daily kitchen activities, from food preparation to staff development and kitchen safety. The AKM assists in hiring, training, and retaining a talented workforce, emphasizing team building and creating a positive work environment. Financial responsibility is also a core part of the role, requiring the AKM to control food costs, minimize waste, and optimize production to contribute to overall profitability.

Additionally, the Assistant Kitchen Manager executes the kitchen’s operational plans, maintains high standards for food safety and guest satisfaction, and supervises kitchen staff during shifts. They develop a game plan for each shift that includes goals around ticket times, staff performance, and profitability. Opening, pre-closing, and closing procedures must be consistently executed to maintain the kitchen’s operational standards. The AKM is also tasked with holding staff accountable through continuous feedback and performance evaluations, ensuring accountability and motivation throughout the team.

The role requires active communication with staff and the Kitchen Manager to track progress on department goals and operational issues. The AKM participates in administrative duties such as paperwork completion, managing inventory purchasing guidelines, and overseeing training programs. The position regularly involves physical demands, including standing for long periods, lifting heavy items up to 50-60 pounds, and working in a fast-paced, noisy environment. Flexibility to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, is essential, as is a willingness to relocate as part of career progression within the company.

Overall, the Assistant Kitchen Manager is a leadership position with hands-on responsibilities that are vital to both the kitchen’s daily success and the long-term growth of staff and operations. The role offers a competitive salary range starting at $19.95 per hour, reflecting the significance of the position within Dave & Buster's dynamic and exciting environment. This job is ideal for culinary professionals who aspire to grow in kitchen management while fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork in a fast-paced entertainment setting.