Restaurant Sous Chef / Assistant Kitchen Manager

Urban Plates is a forward-thinking restaurant company dedicated to changing the way the world eats by delivering fresh, high-quality meals crafted from scratch using sustainably grown and ethically sourced ingredients. Founded in 2011 in Del Mar, California, by two food industry veterans, Urban Plates was created to fill the gap left by traditional dining options that often compromise on quality and integrity. With 22 locations throughout California, Urban Plates is committed to offering craveable food made to order at accessible prices, creating an inclusive dining experience where everyone is welcome to enjoy real food. The company’s culture emphasizes a strong commitment to employee growth and development, fostering a workplace environment where team members can thrive both personally and professionally.

The role of the Restaurant Sous Chef / Assistant Kitchen Manager is pivotal at Urban Plates, operating as the right hand to the Chef/Executive Kitchen Manager in overseeing the culinary operations within the restaurant. This position is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of food quality and kitchen execution, ensuring every dish meets the company’s stringent expectations before reaching the guest. The Sous Chef also plays a crucial role in managing inventory, controlling food costs, and supporting the kitchen team to drive profitable sales growth. The position offers a competitive annual salary range of $65,000 to $71,000, inclusive of a performance-based bonus, with a total potential earning capacity that can increase further through a very achievable bonus plan paid monthly and quarterly.

In addition to financial rewards, the role promises a balanced work-life experience, with no late-night shifts and two days off per week. Urban Plates offers an extensive suite of benefits, including paid time off, a 9-week paid management training program conducted in certified training restaurants, and monthly allowances for cell phone and internet expenses. Employees enjoy free meals during work shifts, discounted meals when not working, and access to a comprehensive health and wellness plan at a nominal monthly cost. This plan covers a wide range of health services such as virtual doctor consultations, counseling, vision, dental, and hearing care.

Further major benefits include health insurance with HMO and PPO options, dental and vision insurance, life and AD&D insurance, supplemental insurance options, long-term disability coverage, employee assistance programs, accident and hospital indemnity insurance, flexible spending accounts, pet insurance, and a 401(k) plan for qualified employees. Urban Plates offers meaningful opportunities for career advancement and professional development through ongoing training and support programs, alongside access to their UPLift Emergency Grant Program.

The ideal candidate for the Sous Chef role is someone passionate about cooking from scratch using fresh, high-quality ingredients, with hands-on experience managing back-of-house teams including prep and line cooks as well as junior sous chefs. Familiarity with managing cost of goods and inventory is essential, alongside proficiency with state-of-the-art kitchen equipment such as Rational ovens, blast chillers, and kitchen display systems. The role requires operational knowledge of several technology platforms and systems including CTuit, learning management systems, HRIS like Dayforce, and POS systems such as Brink.

Joining Urban Plates means being part of a restaurant company that prioritizes employee development and values your contribution. The company invests heavily in management and leadership training, providing a clearly defined, rewarding career path. If you are ready to contribute to a culture that cares about quality food and your professional growth, Urban Plates invites you to apply and become part of this exciting culinary movement dedicated to making a difference one plate at a time.