Assistant Pastry Chef

Position Description:

Nestled along the Potomac River in Alexandria’s Robinson Landing, Ada’s on the River is an award-winning dining destination where exceptional food meets stunning views. Located in charming Old Town Alexandria, a favorite neighborhood for tourists and just a short trip from D.C., Ada’s draws inspiration from the pioneering spirit of Ada Lovelace, a 19th-century mathematician and innovator. Our restaurant offers a modern American menu infused with creativity and bold, wood-fired flavors.

Bring creativity, precision, and serious pastry skills to every plate. As an Assistant Pastry Chef, you’ll partner with the Pastry Chef to execute exceptional desserts, baked goods, and specialty items while helping lead a fast-paced, high-volume pastry operation. From flawless mise en place to picture-perfect presentation, you’ll combine technical skill, consistency, and creativity to deliver an unforgettable guest experience

Position Responsibilities:

What You’ll Do

• Execute high-quality desserts, pastries, breads, and specialty items with consistency, precision, and attention to detail.
• Support the Pastry Chef with daily production, prep, plating, and service execution.
• Maintain exceptional standards for taste, texture, presentation, and portion consistency.
• Help develop and test new desserts, seasonal offerings, and creative menu features.
• Lead by example on the line and help coach, train, and develop pastry team members.
• Manage mise en place and production schedules to ensure the team is prepared for service.
• Maintain organized, clean, and efficient workspaces while upholding all food safety and sanitation standards.
• Monitor product quality, minimize waste, and support inventory and ordering needs.
• Step into leadership during the Pastry Chef’s absence and help keep the operation running smoothly.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment while staying calm, organized, and detail-focused.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Qualitfications -

Qualifications:

• Minimum 2 years of pastry experience in a full-service, high-volume restaurant, hotel, bakery, or similar professional kitchen.
• Strong technical knowledge of baking and pastry fundamentals, including doughs, cakes, creams, custards, chocolate, and plated desserts.
• Proven ability to execute recipes accurately while maintaining speed, consistency, and presentation standards.
• Experience supporting or leading a pastry team in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Creative mindset with a passion for developing new ideas and elevating the guest experience.
• Ability to work cleanly, safely, and efficiently while maintaining high standards of food quality.
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• A positive, collaborative leadership style and a genuine passion for pastry and hospitality.
• Must be able to speak and understand English.

Additional Information:

People are the CORE of our business, that's why our benefits include:

• Health insurance for full-time employees
• Vision, dental, and life insurance for full-time employees
• 401k
• Paid time off for full-time employees
• Family Meal before every brunch, lunch, and dinner service
• 50% employee dining privileges discount at any ARP location
• Growth opportunities
• Flexible schedules