Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Salary
Range $87,000.00 - $90,000.00
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Work Schedule

Flexible
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
voluntary benefits
mental health program
Free gym membership
401(k) program
Life insurance
wellness benefits
Paid parental leave
Paid vacation
Career mentorship
Dining incentives

Job Description

Boka Restaurant Group is a prestigious and dynamic hospitality company known for its commitment to excellence and innovation in the culinary world. As a James Beard Award-winning group, Boka has established a reputation for partnering with some of America’s greatest chefs, delivering unique dining experiences across its diverse portfolio of over 20 establishments. Rooted in a philosophy that genuine hospitality enriches life, Boka Restaurant Group goes beyond traditional approaches by fostering a culture of care, community support, and collaboration among its team members and guests alike. This dedication to authentic service, exceptional cuisine, and continual growth makes Boka a respected leader in the restaurant industry.

Among its celebrated venues is Momotaro, located in Chicago's lively and culturally rich Fulton Market District. Momotaro is a standout restaurant that provides a sophisticated and authentic Japanese dining experience. It specializes in exquisite sushi and robata plates, skillfully prepared under the guidance of renowned Chef Gene Kato, a recipient of the Jean Banchet Award of Culinary Excellence. The restaurant blends traditional Japanese culinary techniques with modern flair, offering unforgettable flavors presented with artistry and precision. Its ambiance, set within a remodeled warehouse featuring high ceilings and an open kitchen, invites guests to witness the culinary craftsmanship first-hand.

The Head Sushi Chef role at Momotaro is an exciting leadership position ideal for a passionate and experienced culinary professional who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. This position demands a strong grasp of sushi preparation techniques, creative menu development capabilities, and a solid understanding of inventory and kitchen management practices. The Head Sushi Chef will report directly to the Chef de Cuisine and play a pivotal role in maintaining the highest standards of food quality and safety while ensuring efficient back-of-house operations.

Key responsibilities include designing and managing the sushi menu, ordering and inventory control to optimize food costs, overseeing staff scheduling and recruitment, and upholding sanitation and safety standards. The role also emphasizes the importance of team collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous improvement through research and development of new dishes inspired by seasonal and guest preferences.

Boka Restaurant Group offers a competitive benefits package that supports the well-being and growth of its employees. Some perks include health, dental, and voluntary benefits available after 90 days; employer-sponsored mental health programs; wellness benefits; paid parental leave and vacation; career mentorship opportunities; access to Chicago Athletic Clubs; a 401(k) retirement savings plan; life insurance; and dining incentives across their restaurants. This comprehensive benefits offering reflects Boka’s commitment to ensuring a healthy, balanced, and rewarding work environment.

This position is ideal for candidates who are highly skilled in sushi art, attentive to detail, able to work efficiently during busy service hours, and motivated by a team-directed culture that values passion and dedication to the craft. If you are eager to contribute to an award-winning restaurant group and advance your career as a culinary leader, the Head Sushi Chef opportunity at Momotaro by Boka Restaurant Group represents an exceptional next step.

Job Requirements

  • Lift and move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
  • Safely and effectively use all necessary tools, equipment and cleaning chemicals
  • Stand and walk for an entire shift, including moving safely through all areas of the restaurant which may include stairs, uneven and slick surfaces
  • Ability to bear exposure to hot and cold environments
  • 2 years of work experience as a sushi chef, preferably in a high-volume Japanese restaurant
  • Good knowledge of various sushi types and sushi-rolling techniques
  • Ability to work both fast and accurately
  • Team spirit and coaching abilities
  • Availability to work during business hours including holidays, weekends and evenings
  • Flexibility to take on various shifts

Job Qualifications

  • 2 years of work experience as a sushi chef, preferably in a high-volume Japanese restaurant
  • Good knowledge of various sushi types and sushi-rolling techniques
  • Ability to work both fast and accurately
  • Team spirit and coaching abilities
  • Availability to work during business hours including holidays, weekends and evenings
  • Flexibility to take on various shifts

Job Duties

  • Create and manage the sushi menu with various main ingredients and raw fish
  • Prepare all types of sushi, including maki, nigiri and sashimi
  • Report directly to the Chef de Cuisine
  • Assist in ordering all products based on par systems and inventory management
  • Oversee ordering and inventory to ensure low food costs
  • Assist in management including recruiting, hiring, scheduling, reviewing and terminating
  • Manage staff schedules and ensure cuts are being made whenever possible
  • Maintain open lines of communication with all management to address issues or concerns
  • Participate in manager meetings
  • Oversee quality control of all food production and execution
  • Develop unique and visually appealing plating designs for new dishes
  • Create new menu items upon guest requests and seasonally, recording recipes for consistent replication
  • Ensure all health and safety standards are upheld by enforcing high sanitation standards
  • Address all kitchen-related problems and incidences in a timely and effective manner
  • Maintain daily BOH systems and ensure they are used to specification
  • Complete and maintain inventories with purchaser
  • Understand and apply knowledge of Purchase and Loss Statement monthly
  • Work through R&D process with Executive Chef to develop menu dishes further

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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