Sous Chef

Soul & Smoke is a vibrant and dynamic culinary establishment renowned for its exceptional barbecue and comfort food offerings. Operating multiple restaurant locations in Evanston, Avondale, and the West Loop, complemented by two food trucks and a dedicated catering team, Soul & Smoke has rapidly built a strong reputation for quality, community engagement, and authentic flavors. As a Black-owned and women-led business, Soul & Smoke emphasizes community inclusivity and social responsibility, demonstrated by initiatives such as offering customers the option to purchase meals for neighbors in need and collaborations with prominent nonprofits like World Central Kitchen to support underserved populations. The brand's mission is rooted not only in delivering delicious food but also in making a positive impact locally through thoughtful and purposeful actions.

The company is now expanding its Evanston location into a full-service restaurant expected to open within the next month. This exciting growth phase offers an excellent opportunity for culinary professionals to join a passionate and ambitious team dedicated to excellence in food and service. The role on offer is for a full-time Sous Chef, a critical leadership position within the kitchen responsible for maintaining the highest culinary standards and fostering a supportive work environment. The position commands a base salary starting at $50,000 annually, with potential additional earnings through a revenue share incentive exceeding $10,000 annually. Expect a workweek averaging 50-55 hours including evenings and weekends, reflecting the fast-paced and dynamic nature of hospitality.

As the Sous Chef at Soul & Smoke, you will be a key player in leading kitchen operations, ensuring seamless day-to-day activities, and supporting the Executive Chef with a variety of tasks from menu development to food quality control. The role requires someone with both a deep culinary expertise and a demonstrated ability to lead and mentor kitchen staff with empathy and integrity. This is not just about managing tasks but inspiring and building a cohesive team where each member feels valued and supported. You will use advanced inventory management software to oversee food costs, menu pricing, and inventory, driving operational efficiency and profitability. Additionally, you will collaborate closely with the Executive Chef on research and development initiatives including new dish rollouts and live cooking demonstrations, making sure the Soul & Smoke culinary offerings remain innovative and consistent across all locations.

This role involves problem-solving in real-time during service, mastering all kitchen stations to assist during busy periods, and ensuring quality control through rigorous checks like walk-in and waste log management. Beyond the Evanston location, the Sous Chef may also be involved in overseeing operations at other Soul & Smoke sites, ensuring alignment and quality consistency throughout the brand. Furthermore, the position includes supporting offsite events and industry activations, representing the brand professionally at public and client gatherings.

If you are a motivated culinary leader with a passion for excellence, a knack for training, and a commitment to community values, this role with Soul & Smoke presents a unique opportunity to contribute to an innovative and socially conscious restaurant group. The company values reliability, flexibility, leadership, and effective communication, all essential to thriving in this fast-evolving hospitality environment. Join Soul & Smoke to be a part of a growing team that blends culinary artistry with community-driven purpose.