Social Cantina- Germantown, TN Kitchen Manager Nashville, TN · Full time Company website

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Bringing our best to the table. Every time. We're not just another restaurant group. We’re a team of doers and industry-passionate individuals who are committed to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences. Our focus is on creating legendary experiences rooted in human connection, and we keep our chins up, our eyes above the horizon, and our hearts in the right place. At Social Cantina, we offer more than just a job. You can expect to be part of a dynamic, fun, and fast-paced environment where your career can truly flourish. We provide a variety of exciting roles in both the front and back of the house, with ample opportunities for growth and advancement. Our team-centric culture values creativity, collaboration, and customer satisfaction, ensuring a fulfilling work experience. Discover the benefits of working with us, including competitive pay, flexible schedules, and a supportive community that feels like family.

We're searching for an Kitchen Manager who's got serious chops—someone who knows how to lead a kitchen, keep operations smooth, and deliver food that wows every single time. At Social Cantina, we're all about bold flavors, great energy, and unforgettable guest experiences—and the kitchen is where it all begins.

In this role, you’ll be the captain of the back-of-house, setting the tone for culinary excellence, safety, consistency, and speed. You’ll lead your kitchen team while supporting and developing fellow managers across the restaurant. If you’re passionate about food, love developing people, and know how to balance the creative with the operational—we want you in our corner.

What You’ll Be Owning

Menu Magic & Culinary Execution

• Work with our culinary leaders to roll out menus that feel fresh, seasonal, and so FHG
• Keep dishes consistent and high-quality—because “pretty good” isn’t good enough
• Watch trends, listen to guest feedback, and help shape what hits the table next

 

Kitchen Team Leadership

• Lead hiring and onboarding for your kitchen crew
• Make sure new team members are fully trained in food safety and recipes before they hit the line
• Run engaging, repeatable trainings on technique, safety, and kitchen culture
• Support company-wide training programs as assigned by the GM
• Manage BOH schedules with a sharp eye on labor goals and team balance
• Coach, mentor, and develop your team daily—because a thriving kitchen starts with thriving people

Inventory & Ordering Know-How

• Keep your stock tight and your waste low with consistent counts and smart ordering
• Build strong relationships with vendors to keep things running smoothly
• Help analyze data to solve food cost puzzles and drive smart decisions

Health, Safety, & Cleanliness

• Run a clean, safe kitchen where everything’s up to code and ready to pass inspection
• Conduct regular walk-throughs to catch issues early and prevent surprises
• Be a food safety hero—setting the standard for handling, storage, and sanitation

Efficiency & Flow

• Keep things moving on the line—reduce ticket times without sacrificing quality
• Collaborate with FOH leaders to ensure clear communication and smooth service
• Find opportunities to optimize systems and cut down on inefficiencies
• Take point on expediting, coaching presentation, and resolving any BOH hiccups

Quality That Wows

• Make sure everything leaving the kitchen is great—fresh, flavorful, and flawlessly presented
• Monitor prep and execution throughout service to maintain consistency
• Take pride in delivering food guests can’t stop talking about

Guest-Focused Leadership

• Jump in when needed to resolve food-related guest concerns
• Share your knowledge with guests and support a warm, welcoming vibe
• Help create dining experiences that keep guests coming back

Supporting Overall Operations

• Work hand-in-hand with your GM and AGM to ensure smooth shifts across the board
• Contribute to operations beyond the kitchen—whether it’s labor planning, staff development, or jumping into a company-wide initiative
• Help manage and maintain labor costs in all departments during your shifts

Financial & Business Support

• Assist in building and managing budgets, forecasts, and big-picture financial goals
• Own your AOR’s labor and food costs—looking for ways to improve and protect margins
• Apply data-driven strategies to control expenses and support long-term profitability

Who You Are

• You’ve got 3+ years of culinary leadership experience, ideally in a fast-paced, high-volume restaurant
• A culinary degree or formal training? Awesome—but not required if your skills speak for themselves
• You’re an organized, adaptable leader who loves coaching others and rolling up your sleeves
• You’ve got great communication skills and thrive when working with cross-functional teams
• You understand food prep, menu planning, kitchen systems, and inventory management like a pro
• You’re ServSafe certified or ready to get it done
• You’ve got a passion for food, people, and building something that lasts

Schedule & Work Expectations

• This is a full-time, hands-on leadership role—expect 45–50 hours per week
• Open availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Able to stand for long stretches and lift up to 50 lbs
• Active participation in leadership meetings and company-wide initiatives

Why You’ll Love It Here

You’re not just running a kitchen—you’re helping shape the future of a growing hospitality group that values teamwork, creativity, and high standards. We offer a chance to grow, be heard, and lead with purpose.

Perks & Pay

💵 Salary: $60,000–$65,000 (based on experience)

🌴 Time Off: 2 weeks PTO + paid holidays + time off for your Birthday

👶 Parental Leave: Paid for moms and dads

🩺 Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance

🍔 Dining Privileges: Eat at any FHG restaurant—on us!

Ready to bring the heat and lead something incredible?

Apply now and let’s make magic happen—one dish at a time.