What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Kitchen Manager position at AQ Chicken House?
Overview
At AQ Chicken House, we've been serving Arkansas families since 1947. Our kitchen is built on tradition, teamwork, and genuine hospitality, and we're looking for an Assistant Kitchen Manager who shares those values.
As an Assistant Kitchen Manager, you'll work alongside the Kitchen Manager to lead daily kitchen operations, coach and develop the BOH team, and ensure every plate reflects the quality and consistency our guests have come to expect. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, leads by example, and takes pride in creating an exceptional guest experience through outstanding food and teamwork.
What You'll Do
- Support the Kitchen Manager in leading daily kitchen operations and ensuring smooth execution during every shift.
- Coach, train, and develop kitchen team members while fostering a positive, accountable, and team-oriented culture.
- Ensure every menu item is prepared consistently, accurately, and according to AQ Chicken House recipes and presentation standards.
- Maintain the highest standards of food safety, cleanliness, sanitation, and health department compliance.
- Assist with inventory management, ordering, receiving, and proper product rotation to minimize waste and control food costs.
- Monitor labor and productivity while helping the team achieve operational goals.
- Lead by example during service, maintaining urgency, organization, and calm under pressure.
- Partner with the front-of-house leadership team to deliver seamless hospitality and an outstanding guest experience.
- Assist with scheduling, shift execution, coaching conversations, and performance management.
- Help maintain equipment, organization, and cleanliness throughout the kitchen.
- Support new menu rollouts, training initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Uphold Good Gravy Group's culture, values, and commitment to hospitality every day.
What We're Looking For
- Previous kitchen leadership experience in a full-service restaurant preferred.
- Passion for hospitality, food quality, and developing people.
- Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen operations.
- Ability to lead with confidence, coach others, and hold high standards while building positive relationships.
- Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience with inventory management, food cost control, and labor management.
- Comfortable working evenings, weekends, and holidays as business demands require.
- Ability to remain calm and effective in a high-volume environment.
- Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
Why AQ Chicken House?
AQ Chicken House is more than a restaurant—it's an Arkansas tradition. As part of Good Gravy Group, we're committed to preserving our legacy while creating memorable experiences for every guest and meaningful career opportunities for every team member.
When you join AQ, you'll find:
- Competitive pay
- Health, dental, and vision insurance (for eligible team members)
- Paid Time Off
- Dining discounts
- Leadership development and career advancement opportunities
- Ongoing training and coaching
- A supportive team culture built on respect, hospitality, and excellence
If you're ready to help lead a kitchen that honors tradition while raising the standard every day, we'd love to meet you.
Pay: $42,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $42,000 - $48,000