Sushi Chef - $5,000 Sign-on Bonus - Uchi Washington DC

Washington, DC, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Hourly

Compensation

Hourly

Range $13.00 - $34.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Day Shifts

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

accident insurance

Employee assistance program

401k

Dining Discounts

Job Description

Uchi Washington DC, an upcoming and highly anticipated restaurant located in the heart of downtown Washington D.C. at 1150 17th Street NW, is currently accepting resumes for skilled Sushi Chefs. This location marks a significant expansion for Uchi, a revered name in the culinary world, known for its innovative and elevated approach to Japanese cuisine. The restaurant is set to open its doors in mid-May 2026, with orientation and training already underway. Uchi brings a distinctive dining experience rooted in the concept of 'uchi,' meaning 'house' in Japanese, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can enjoy a sophisticated blend of traditional and contemporary flavors. The establishment is part of Hai Hospitality, a respected multi-concept restaurant group based in Austin, Texas, known for its award-winning concepts including Uchi, Uchiko, Uchiba, and Loro across various cities including Austin, Houston, Dallas, Denver, Miami, Los Angeles, and Scottsdale.

This opportunity offers a competitive compensation package for Sushi Chefs, with an average earnings range of $24 to $34 per hour, which includes a base pay of $13.00 to $17.00 per hour plus tips. Additionally, a generous $5,000 sign-on bonus is provided, paid in two installments—$2,500 after 90 days following the completion of training and another $2,500 after 180 days. The role is ideal for passionate culinary professionals who thrive in fast-paced, high-volume environments and who are eager to contribute to a dynamic team that values humility, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The Sushi Chef position at Uchi involves more than just preparing sushi; it demands a commitment to quality, creativity, and the maintenance of a welcoming and efficient workspace that reflects the restaurant's dedication to an exceptional dining experience. Candidates should possess strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a positive, solution-oriented mindset, with the ability to embrace feedback and share knowledge openly. The restaurant prides itself on promoting from within, offering opportunities for growth and career development within the Hai Hospitality group. This role is not just about cooking but also about becoming part of a team that takes pride in its craft and work ethic, aiming to create memorable experiences for every guest. Whether you are an experienced sushi chef or a motivated individual eager to advance your skills in Japanese cuisine, Uchi Washington DC presents an outstanding platform to evolve your career in a supportive and innovative environment.

Job Requirements

must be able to effectively communicate with guests and other employees
detect and identify safety issues and comply with safety guidelines and standards
lift and carry trays, dishes, equipment, and goods up to 50 lbs
stock inventory and perform restocking duties
must have the ability to stand and walk for extended periods
bend, stoop, and reach to access various areas and items
ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
ability to work in a variety of temperatures, both hot and cold
lift, push, or pull objects such as tables and chairs to reconfigure seating arrangements
ability to use kitchen equipment safely and efficiently, such as ovens, grills, and knives
maintain a neat and organized workspace, including proper storage of supplies and cleaning of surfaces
move quickly and efficiently to respond to customer needs
ability to work in close proximity to coworkers in a crowded kitchen or serving area
tolerate exposure to potential allergens and food odors
maintain a professional and hygienic appearance, including proper uniform and personal grooming
understand directives and communicate effectively with leadership and coworkers
reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions

Job Qualifications

experience as a sushi chef or in a similar culinary role
strong knife skills and knowledge of sushi preparation techniques
understanding of food safety and sanitation standards
ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
excellent communication and teamwork skills
willingness to learn and adapt to new culinary trends
high school diploma or equivalent

Job Duties

prepare sushi and sashimi according to established recipes and quality standards
maintain cleanliness and organization of the sushi station and kitchen area
ensure safe handling and storage of sushi ingredients
collaborate with kitchen and front-of-house staff for smooth service
adhere to hygiene, safety, and food handling regulations
assist in inventory management and restocking supplies
participate in ongoing culinary training and development