Kitchen Manager

The Hops Spot is a locally owned restaurant specializing in craft beer, burgers, and poutine in the heart of Armory Square. Adjacent to The Hops Spot is Tallman Cocktail Club, an elevated cocktail bar featuring chef-driven small plates and specialty food offerings. We also operate a growing private events and catering program.

We are seeking a Kitchen Manager to oversee kitchen operations across all food programs while maintaining high standards for food quality, safety, efficiency, and team development. The Kitchen Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of kitchen operations for The Hops Spot, Tallman Cocktail Club, and private event services. This position oversees food production, staffing, inventory, sanitation, food safety, and operational performance.

The Kitchen Manager works closely with ownership and the management team to ensure consistent execution of menu offerings and operational goals.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilites:

Leadership and Staff Development

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and develop kitchen team members.

• Schedule staff to meet operational needs while managing labor costs.

• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.

• Promote a respectful, professional, and inclusive workplace.

Kitchen Operations

• Ensure consistent preparation and presentation of all menu items.

• Oversee food production for restaurant service, Tallman Cocktail Club, and private events.

• Monitor service standards, ticket times, and kitchen efficiency.

• Maintain adequate prep levels and kitchen readiness.

Inventory and Cost Management

• Manage food ordering and vendor relationships.

• Monitor inventory levels and conduct routine inventory counts.

• Control food costs through proper portioning, waste reduction, and product utilization.

• Assist with menu costing and pricing analysis.

Food Safety and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and health department regulations.

• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards.

• Oversee temperature logs, labeling, storage, and product rotation procedures.

• Ensure compliance with New York State Department of Health requirements.

Events and Catering

• Coordinate food production and staffing for private events and catering functions.

• Assist with event menu planning and execution.

• Ensure consistent quality and presentation for all event-related food service.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of three (3) years of kitchen management or supervisory experience.

• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.

• Experience with inventory management, food costing, and labor management.

• Strong organizational and communication skills.

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.

Preferred

• ServSafe Manager Certification or ability to obtain certification.

• Experience in high-volume restaurant operations.

• Experience with catering, banquet, or event food service.

• Experience with gastropub, upscale casual, or cocktail-focused food programs.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

This position regularly requires:

• Standing and walking for extended periods.

• Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds.

• Frequent bending, reaching, pushing, and pulling.

• Working in hot, cold, and fast-paced kitchen environments.

Work Environment

The position operates primarily in a commercial kitchen environment and may involve exposure to heat, kitchen equipment, cleaning chemicals, and moderate noise levels.

The Hops Spot and Tallman Cocktail Club are Equal Opportunity Employers. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military status, veteran status, citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, New York State, or local law.