Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Reports to: Owner / General Manager

Type: Full time, on-site, shift-based (approx. 12 PM to 11 PM operations)

About the role

You will own the kitchen end to end: menu execution, quality, cost, hygiene and the team. The menu is built on Italian dishes (pasta, pizza, risotto, sauces) alongside American comfort food. We need someone who cooks well and can also run a busy line without drama.

Responsibilities
Run daily kitchen operations across prep, service and closing, including peak-hour and weekend rushes
Cook and standardise Italian dishes with written recipes, portion specs and plating standards so every plate matches
Plan the menu with the owner, including seasonal specials and new dishes
Control food cost: ordering, inventory, wastage tracking, supplier negotiation and yield management
Hire, train, schedule and supervise kitchen staff, and set explicit station duties
Enforce FSSAI hygiene standards, safe storage, allergen labelling and daily cleaning checklists
Coordinate with the front of house and delivery partners on ticket times and order accuracy
Report weekly on food cost %, wastage and kitchen issues

Requirements




Minimum 2 years in a professional Italian or Continental kitchen, with at least 1 year in a supervisory role (sous chef, chef de partie or equivalent)
Hands-on strength in fresh pasta, sauces, risotto, pizza or oven work, and grill or fry stations
Demonstrated experience with costing, inventory and vendor management
Working knowledge of FSSAI and kitchen safety norms
Ability to lead a team of 4 to 10 under pressure
Diploma or degree in culinary arts or hotel management is preferred, but proven experience counts more

Positive to have
Experience with burgers, grills and high-volume fast-casual service
Familiarity with dine-in plus delivery aggregator operations
Menu development or menu-costing experience

How we'll measure success (first 90 days)
Food cost held within an agreed target (set this with the owner before hiring)
Average ticket time within an agreed limit at peak hours
Zero hygiene or audit non-compliances
Written recipe and portion specs for all core dishes
Staff turnover at the agreed level

Pay: ₹15,000.00 - ₹30,000.00 per month

Benefits
Versatile schedule
Food provided

Work Location: In person

📌 Head Chef Alwarpet
🏢 Eatalica
📍 Alwarpet