What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Sous Chef position at Cafe D'Alsace?
Sous Chef — With a path to Chef de Cuisine
Cafe D'Alsace is one of New York's most beloved French restaurants — a warm, high-energy Upper East Side institution known for its Alsatian cuisine, extensive beer program, and commitment to honest, well-executed French cooking.
We are searching for a sous chef who wants more than a title. We are looking for someone with the hunger, leadership instincts, and culinary foundation to grow into the chef de cuisine role and eventually own this kitchen.
Responsibilities:
- Run nightly service alongside the chef — executing the Alsatian menu with precision and consistency
- Lead, develop, and hold accountable a team of line cooks and prep staff across high-volume service (200–400 covers)
- Oversee prep, ordering, inventory, food cost, and scheduling with full BOH ownership
- Coordinate and execute private dining events — managing prep logistics, staffing plans, and seamless service delivery
- Collaborate on menu development and seasonal specials as you grow toward the chef de cuisine role
- Maintain DOH compliance, food safety standards, and kitchen organization
What we're looking for:
- 3 years as a sous chef or senior kitchen leader in a high-volume, quality-driven environment
- Proven ability to lead, train, and develop a kitchen team
- Comfortable executing 200–400 covers with consistency and composure
- Strong foundation in classical cooking technique — French cuisine background strongly preferred
- Genuine desire to grow into a chef de cuisine role — not just fill a position
- Humility to learn and confidence to lead simultaneously
- A Plus: Experience planning and executing private events, buyouts, or large-format dining — knowledge of Banquet Event Order (BEO) workflow and event-specific prep coordination a bonus
What we offer:
- A clear, genuine path to chef de cuisine — a plan, not a promise
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Health benefits and paid time off
- Direct mentorship from the chef with real culinary development built into the role
- A stable, well-loved NYC institution with a loyal team and loyal guests
Salary : $75,000 - $85,000