Assistant Kitchen Manager/Kitchen Lead

Pack's Tavern and The Century Room are iconic, family-owned restaurants located in the vibrant heart of downtown Asheville, North Carolina. Known for their welcoming atmosphere, exceptional food quality, and commitment to community, these establishments have become beloved culinary destinations for both locals and visitors. Unlike corporate-run restaurants, Pack's Tavern and The Century Room prioritize a family-oriented and collaborative work environment where creativity, consistency, and professionalism are highly valued. This approach has enabled them to build strong teams and deliver exceptional dining experiences day after day.

We are currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced Assistant Kitchen Manager / Kitchen Lead to join our dedicated team at Pack's Tavern. This full-time management role offers a competitive salary starting at $60,000 per year, with compensation commensurate with experience. The position requires flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed, which are common in the restaurant industry. Along with a competitive wage, the successful candidate will receive a robust benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid vacation ranging from two to four weeks based on tenure, and shift meals. This opportunity not only provides a stable career path but also a chance to be part of a reputable, family-owned business with room to grow professionally.

As Assistant Kitchen Manager, you will play a pivotal role in leading our busy kitchen through hands-on management and creative involvement. Your primary responsibility will be to help lead daily kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of food quality, presentation, timing, cleanliness, and food safety are consistently maintained during service. You will run the expo station, support the kitchen line, and manage the team effectively to keep the kitchen organized and efficient during high-volume periods. Beyond service, this role involves contributing to the creative planning of the kitchen, including ordering, inventory control, prep planning, specials development, menu testing, and scheduling. Your input will directly influence the culinary direction of the kitchen and enhance the overall guest experience.

Strong communication skills and collaborative leadership are critical in this role as you will work closely with the Executive Chef, front-of-house managers, and ownership. You will coach and support your team, holding standards high while fostering a respectful and professional kitchen environment. The ideal candidate will have previous sous chef, kitchen lead, or kitchen management experience in fast-paced restaurant settings. They should be organized, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic about food, menu development, and creative specials. This position offers the chance to join a supportive team that values contributions from every member and promotes growth within the company.

Joining Pack's Tavern means becoming part of a family that cares deeply about the food we serve, the guests we welcome, and the workplace we cultivate. If you are passionate about culinary leadership, thrive in a dynamic kitchen environment, and want to contribute creatively to a well-respected restaurant in Asheville, we encourage you to apply and take the next step in your culinary career.