Pawn Shop Melrose LLC Chef de Cuisine Los Angeles, CA · Full time Company website

Apply for Chef de Cuisine

Welcome to PAWN SHOP — Los Angeles’ newest Sports Clubhouse, where sports, food, beverage, and hospitality come together to create unforgettable moments. We are building a TEAM and culture designed to elevate and redefine the sports dining experience. It’s almost showtime, and we’re assembling an All-Star roster of individuals who bring energy, positivity, and a commitment to excellence. Our ideal candidates are passionate about hospitality, thrive in a team environment, and take pride in delivering exceptional service while creating lasting memories. This is a unique opportunity to be part of the Opening TEAM that will introduce the Pawn Shop experience to Los Angeles and beyond. Located on the corner of Melrose & Cahuenga, Pawn Shop features a dynamic, multi-level space including a 120+ seat dining room, a 50+ seat bar, and a vibrant first-floor lounge. The second level offers seven private suites designed to replicate the comfort of a living room with the excitement of a live sporting event, along with a mezzanine lounge overlooking the action below. A large outdoor space will host events, watch parties and high-energy activations. Our culinary program is led by Tony Messina, recipient of the James Beard Awards Best Chef: Northeast (2019), bringing an elevated approach to classic sports bar and pub fare.

Chef de Cuisine– Pawn Shop (Los Angeles)

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Position Type: Full-Time

Compensation: Salary (based on experience) + bonus potential

About Pawn Shop

Pawn Shop is an upscale sports bar built on a “high brow meets low brow” philosophy—refined food, high-energy environment, and a serious commitment to execution. The kitchen is led by Tony Messina, a James Beard Award winner.

This is a high-volume, systems-driven kitchen where consistency, organization, and accountability are non-negotiable.

Core Responsibilities

Kitchen Leadership

- Lead and manage line cooks, prep cooks, and dish team during service

- Run shifts with clear communication and control of ticket flow

- Enforce standards for food quality, cleanliness, and organization

- Hold the team accountable—no shortcuts, no drop in execution

Execution & Service

- Work stations as needed and support all positions

- Ensure dishes are executed consistently and to spec

- Maintain speed without sacrificing quality

- Troubleshoot issues in real time during service

Prep & Production

- Oversee daily prep and pars to ensure readiness for service

- Maintain organization and labeling across all stations

- Minimize waste and control product usage

Systems & Operations

- Uphold all food safety, sanitation, and health department standards

- Assist with inventory, ordering, and receiving

- Maintain proper storage, rotation, and organization of all product

- Support implementation of SOPs and systems

Team Development

- Train and develop cooks to improve skill level and consistency

- Set the tone for professionalism, urgency, and respect in the kitchen

- Lead by example—work clean, work fast, stay composed

Qualifications

- 3–5+ years in a professional kitchen

- Prior leadership experience as a lead line cook or sous chef

- Strong technical foundation across multiple stations

- Proven ability to handle high-volume service

- Organized, detail-oriented, and systems-minded

- Clear communicator with strong presence on the line

- Professional attitude—accountable, consistent, no ego

What We Offer

- Competitive salary based on experience

- Bonus potential tied to performance

- A structured, high-performance kitchen environment

- Growth opportunity within an expanding concept

- Leadership role with real responsibility and impact

LINKS

WEBSITE

INSTAGRAM