Sushi Chef — Izzy’s Fish & Oyster (Downtown Fort Myers, FL)

Izzy's Fish & Oyster is a contemporary, chef-driven seafood restaurant situated in Downtown Fort Myers, Florida. Known for its unique blend of Cape Cod and Floribbean culinary influences, Izzy's offers a modern American seafood experience complete with a raw bar and a specialized sushi program. The establishment prides itself on sourcing pristine seafood products, emphasizing clean culinary techniques, and delivering a refined guest experience at a high tempo. Izzy's commitment to quality and innovation is evident in its carefully curated menu and vibrant dining atmosphere.

The Sushi Chef role at Izzy's Fish & Oyster is a full-time position primarily covering evening and weekend shifts, reflecting the dynamic nature of the hospitality industry. Compensation is competitive and based on experience, underlining the restaurant's dedication to attracting skilled culinary professionals. This role is integral to maintaining the high standards and reputation of the sushi program. The Sushi Chef will be responsible for preparing and executing a variety of sushi dishes including nigiri, sashimi, and both classic and signature rolls. Precision and artistry are key, as meticulous attention to detail in fish fabrication, rice preparation, and plate presentation directly impacts the guest experience.

Beyond daily service execution, the Sushi Chef must rigorously uphold food safety standards, specifically in relation to HACCP guidelines. This includes maintaining cold-chain integrity, managing temperature-controlled storage (TCS), ensuring parasite destruction protocols, and controlling allergens. Maintaining an immaculate station with diligent knife care and sanitation is critical to both food safety and operational efficiency.

Communication and teamwork are vital in this role. The Sushi Chef will coordinate tickets clearly and work closely with the expo and back-of-house teams to ensure seamless timing and consistent quality. Additionally, the position offers the chance to contribute creatively by developing specials and seasonal dishes inspired by the blend of Cape Cod and Floribbean flavors unique to Izzy's.

Candidates for this role are expected to bring professional experience, with at least one to three years on a high-volume sushi line preferred. Expertise in knife skills, fish butchery, rice preparation, rolling technique, and plating finesse under pressure is essential. A strong understanding of HACCP and raw seafood safety standards is required to ensure compliance and uphold the restaurant's quality benchmarks. Professionalism, punctuality, and a team-oriented mindset are critical, with bilingual skills in English, Spanish, or Japanese considered a valuable asset.

Izzy's offers a supportive work environment with competitive pay and benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance options for eligible employees. Additional perks such as shift meals, uniforms, and a knife stipend program underscore the restaurant's commitment to employee welfare and professional growth. There is a clear career advancement path within the sushi program, with opportunities to move into Lead Sushi Chef or Sous Chef roles, supported by training and certification initiatives.

The work schedule typically includes four to five shifts per week, focusing on nights, weekends, and holidays during the busy season. Staff may also have opportunities to participate in special events, tastings, and pop-up experiences, providing diverse culinary challenges and exposure.