Sous Chef

Sous Chef | SoQue BBQ

Fairhope, Alabama

Big BBQ Energy. Serious Culinary Talent. A Chance to Build Something Special.

Not every kitchen opportunity comes with the chance to help build something special. At SoQue BBQ, we're bringing bold barbecue, Southern hospitality, and an elevated culinary perspective together to create something memorable in Fairhope.

We're looking for a Sous Chef who brings skill, leadership, curiosity, and a genuine passion for great food. This is an opportunity to work closely with award-winning culinary leadership, learn from an accomplished chef with national recognition, and help shape the standards, culture, and day-to-day execution of a growing restaurant.

We want someone who cares about the details, thrives in a team environment, and knows that exceptional food takes more than following a recipe. It takes discipline, creativity, consistency, and pride in the craft.

As Sous Chef, you'll be a key part of the culinary operation, working alongside the kitchen team and culinary leadership to bring the SoQue experience to life. You'll help translate high culinary standards into everyday execution, from preparation and organization to the energy and precision of service.

What You'll Bring to the Table

• Kitchen Leadership: Help guide, train, and support kitchen team members while setting the tone for professionalism, teamwork, and accountability.
• Culinary Execution: Maintain exceptional standards for flavor, quality, presentation, portioning, and consistency.
• Prep With Purpose: Lead preparation efforts, organize daily prep lists, and ensure stations are ready for service.
• Inventory & Cost Awareness: Assist with ordering, inventory management, product rotation, portion control, and waste reduction.
• Food Safety & Cleanliness: Uphold proper food handling, temperature control, sanitation, and kitchen safety standards.
• Service & Communication: Work closely with culinary leadership and front-of-house staff to keep service organized, efficient, and guest-focused.
• Team Development: Help create a kitchen culture where people communicate, take pride in their work, support one another, and continually improve.
• Consistency & Standards: Follow established recipes and procedures while helping strengthen the systems that keep quality high.

Who You Are

You're a culinary professional who takes pride in the work and doesn't need to be asked twice to step up.

You understand that leadership means being willing to get your hands dirty, support your team, and lead by example. You can stay composed when the pace picks up, communicate clearly under pressure, and hold high standards without sacrificing respect.

You may come from a barbecue background, a high-volume restaurant, or another demanding professional kitchen. What matters most is your foundation, your work ethic, your willingness to learn, and your commitment to doing things right.

What You'll Need

• Professional kitchen experience; previous supervisory or leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques, kitchen organization, and food safety.
• Experience with barbecue, smoked meats, or high-volume service is a plus.
• The ability to lead, communicate, prioritize, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• A dependable, organized, and solutions-focused approach to work.
• A commitment to quality, cleanliness, consistency, and teamwork.
• Food safety certification preferred, or willingness to obtain certification as required.

Why SoQue BBQ?

SoQue BBQ is building a distinct presence in Fairhope by bringing together the soul of Southern barbecue and a more elevated culinary approach. With award-winning culinary leadership guiding the kitchen, this is an opportunity to be part of a team that takes its food, its standards, and its guest experience seriously.

You'll have the chance to contribute to a growing operation, strengthen your leadership skills, collaborate with talented culinary professionals, and help establish the consistency and character that define a great restaurant.

The position offers a five-day workweek with no night shifts, giving you the opportunity to grow professionally while maintaining a more balanced routine. Specific workdays and shift times will be discussed during the hiring process.

We're looking for people who want to be proud of where they work and what they put on the plate.

Ready to Bring Your Skills to the Table?

If you're a motivated culinary professional who wants to lead, learn, and be part of something with real potential, we'd love to hear from you.

Bring your experience. Bring your standards. Bring your passion for great food.

Let's build something worth talking about at SoQue BBQ.

Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person