Library Restaurant - Sous Chef

The Library Restaurant is one of New Hampshire's most historic and comfortably sophisticated dining establishments, recently recognized as one of New England's top steakhouses. Established in 1887, this cherished restaurant enjoys a vibrant atmosphere located in the heart of downtown Portsmouth on the Seacoast. Known for its high-quality cuisine and professional kitchen culture, The Library Restaurant continuously elevates the dining experience by focusing on discipline, structure, and consistency. As an establishment committed to excellence and innovation, it has garnered a loyal clientele who appreciate its dedication to culinary craftsmanship and memorable guest service.

The Library Restaurant is currently expanding its culinary leadership team by adding a Sous Chef position. This is a leadership role ideal for a culinary professional who thrives in a high-volume, high-end kitchen environment. The role involves supporting the Executive Chef and Senior Sous Chef in leading, mentoring, and developing the culinary team, contributing significantly to the kitchen's ongoing elevation. The Executive Chef brings valuable experience from prestigious restaurants including Abe & Louie’s, Smith & Wollensky, Morton’s, and Capital Grille, setting a solid foundation for growth and excellence within the kitchen.

The Sous Chef will play a pivotal role in creating consistency across all kitchen stations, ensuring every dish prepared meets the highest standards of quality, flavor, and presentation. A reliable and steady presence on the line, the Sous Chef will be critical in maintaining a respectful culture that values professionalism. Responsibilities include executing menu items with precision and speed, confidently managing grill, sauté, and other stations during busy service periods, and assisting in the development of new menu items.

Beyond culinary execution, this role emphasizes operational excellence by maintaining structure and consistency in daily kitchen operations. The Sous Chef will be responsible for monitoring inventory, managing ordering processes, and upholding rigorous sanitation and safety standards. Supporting profitability through waste control and accurate portion management is also essential.

This is a unique opportunity for professionals who understand that great kitchens are built through effective leadership and discipline rather than chance. The Library Restaurant offers a supportive environment where continuous improvement and professionalism are encouraged. The position includes a competitive salary of $80,000 annually with a 50-hour workweek, two weeks of paid vacation, and two weeks of paid sick leave. This role promises real opportunities for growth and training under the guidance of accomplished culinary leaders who prioritize team development and guest satisfaction. Joining The Library Restaurant means becoming part of a storied institution that values heritage, culinary skill, and a strong, collaborative kitchen culture.