Kitchen Manager

Alfalfa was born at a farmers market in 2018 with a simple idea: inspire joy through balance. The bi-coastal all day California inspired eatery brings forward a menu with an ingredient-driven approach to providing real food and delightful hospitality in the communities it serves. We're ingredient-obsessed, people-driven, and community-rooted. We are growing fast and building teams who care deeply about the experience they create.

The Role
We're looking for an experienced and motivated Kitchen Manager to lead daily back-of-house kitchen operations while inspiring  and developing a passionate team. By managing daily inventory and food prep, you ensure quality and safety standards are consistently upheld while driving efficiency, consistency, and strong team performance. The ideal candidate is a proactive, hands-on leader who is highly organized, results-oriented, and genuinely passionate about great food and hospitality.

What You'll Do

• Develop and implement standard operating procedures to keep the kitchen organized and efficient
• Oversee all kitchen operations including prep, cooking, plating, food safety and inventory control
• Maintain a clean, safe, and compliant kitchen environment in line with ServSafe and health department standards
• Monitor food quality, consistency, and presentation to meet Alfalfa's high standards through portion control, waste reduction, and accurate ordering
• Conduct regular inventory audits and order supplies as needed
• Conduct regular quality and safety audits to ensure we are in compliance with internal and local requirements
• Collaborate with leadership to hit store-level goals for sales, cost of goods, and labor
• Train, coach, and motivate kitchen team members to perform at their best
• Set the tone in the kitchen: lead by example, bring energy, teamwork, and positivity every day
• Stay current with culinary trends and share ideas that enhance menu execution and guest satisfaction
  

What We're Looking For

• 3+ years' experience as a Kitchen Manager or Shift Lead
• Proven success hitting key performance goals and driving results
• Inspiring, hands-on leader who builds high-performing teams
• Strong grasp of kitchen ops—prep, vendors, cost control, and efficiency
• Deep knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards
• Skilled at managing in-store and online orders with speed and accuracy
• Highly organized and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
• Clear communicator across kitchen, FOH, and management teams
• Experienced in inventory, ordering, and vendor quality checks
• Dedicated to developing and supporting your team to uphold Alfalfa's standards
• Availability to work weekends and holidays as part of a consistent schedule
• Food Handler Card (or willing to get one)
• Able to stand, move, and lift up to 50 lbs during a shift
• Alfalfa is open 363 days a year, team members must be available to work consistently, including weekends and holidays (restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Competitive salary and bonus offering based on quarterly goals
• Health & Dental benefits 
• 401k retirement plan
• Growth opportunities within a fast-growing, values-driven company
• A supportive team that values creativity, kindness, and community
• 10 days paid time off 
• Employee Meal program
• Sick leave accrued at 1 hour every 30 hours worked
• Real food. Real people. Real joy