Chef / Kitchen Manager

What's The Deal

Wiggly Bridge Distillery in York, ME is expanding our offerings to include a Gastropub format in our current distillery tasting room. With the addition of our new expanded kitchen we will be bringing back our spirited culinary experience to pair and complement our award winning spirits. And adding the ability to offer monthly family style prix fixe dinners to our "Wiggly Fans". This role is ideal for a hands-on leader who thrives in a creative, high-quality kitchen environment and has a deep understanding of modern gastropub and fine dining cuisine in a rustic "chill" venue.

Are you passionate about food, creativity, and working with a dynamic team? We're seeking a talented and experienced Chef / Kitchen Manager to take charge of our kitchen operations and help us deliver exceptional culinary experiences. If you're a natural leader with a flair for innovation and a commitment to quality, we want to hear from you

See what our customers have to say and check us out at

TripAdvisor 4.9 review rating

A Little Bit About Wiggly Bridge Distillery, Founders

The Woods family is an old-fashioned, hardworking bunch that runs numerous businesses in York, Maine. Their passion for hard work is unprecedented. Wiggly Bridge Distillery, like the other Woods' family businesses, is family-owned and operated and committed to providing quality products and customer service.

Father, David Woods has always been self-employed and is the true embodiment of an entrepreneurial spirit. With several handfuls of business ventures under his belt, David half-jokingly attributes his enthusiasm for launching so many projects to a slight case of ADD. He is always thinking of ways to develop and improve his businesses. With the formation of Wiggly Bridge Distillery in 2012, his passion for excellence means that he tries and tests many recipes and is always striving to make each batch better than the last. When he's not distilling or stopping in at the other family businesses, David enjoys spending time with his wife and kids and the six grandchildren.

Son, David Woods has been part of the family business since a young age and it is where his heart belongs. He truly is a jack of all trades and his current adventure is building Wiggly Bridge Distillery's updated facility. David is a self-taught welder who learned how to make copper stills by watching Youtube videos. With a knack for knowing how things work and extremely reliable tastebuds, David is an expert at picking up certain subtleties nuance's in his spirits. When he's not working at the other family businesses or blending barrels for the next batch, he enjoys being home with his wife, son and daughter.

About The Gastropub

After a 9 month expansion and restoration of our 1886 Barn, our craft inspired cocktail tasting room known for elevated service and an exceptional guest experience. We are seeking a highly organized, process-focused Chef / Kitchen Manager to oversee daily back-of-house operations and ensure that our culinary program maintains the highest standards of quality, safety, and consistency and flavors.

Full job description

Chef / Kitchen Manager – Wiggly Bridge Distillery's New Gastropub

Location: 441 US Rt1 York, ME

Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Founders / General Manage

NO LATE NIGHTS

Position Overview

The Chef / Kitchen Manager will be responsible for coordinating all kitchen functions, including food procurement, inventory and waste management, product preparation, recipe and quality control, food safety compliance, and BOH. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a structured environment, values systems and accountability, and can balance operational efficiency with quality execution.

Key Responsibilities Operational Management

• Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations and ensure proper workflow and organization.
• Maintain adherence to established SOPs for food preparation, storage, and service.
• Monitor kitchen cleanliness, equipment functionality, and safe working conditions.
• Maintain high standards of hospitality by providing excellent food service and serving as a role model for professionalism.
• Be able to coordinate and work with production and tasting room staff.

Food Ordering & Inventory Control

• Forecast, order, and receive all food and supply deliveries with accuracy.
• Maintain organized inventory systems, including rotating stock and minimizing waste.
• Track product usage and perform weekly inventory counts.

Food Preparation & Quality Standards

• Ensure all prep work is completed according to standardized recipes and procedures.
• Conduct regular quality checks on all dishes leaving the kitchen.
• Collaborate with leadership to refine menu execution, prep lists, and production timelines.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Enforce local, state, and federal food safety requirements (ServSafe standards).
• Maintain cleaning logs, temperature logs, and safety checklists.
• Train and monitor staff to uphold proper hygiene and handling techniques.

Staff Scheduling & Leadership

• Create weekly BOH duties based on business volume and labor targets.
• Provide consistent training, development, and performance oversight for kitchen staff as established.
• Support a positive, efficient, and professional environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Chef / Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, or Lead Line Cook in a high-quality, service-driven environment.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards and BOH best practices.
• Demonstrated success in inventory management and cost-control processes
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• ServSafe Manager Certification or equivalence (or willingness to obtain within 30 days).
• Knowledge of bartending or beverage service is considered a plus but not mandatory. Join us as a Chef / Kitchen Manager to lead our culinary endeavors with energy and enthusiasm Bring your culinary expertise, leadership talents, and passion for hospitality to create memorable moments that delight every guest while advancing your spirited culinary experience.

Compensation

• Competitive hourly rate or salary based on experience.
• Performance-based incentives.

Job Types: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 per year to start

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid training field trips

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit a résumé and brief cover letter outlining relevant experience and why they believe they are a strong fit for this role.

Work Location: In person

Pay: From $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Food provided
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person