Beverages, Brand Strategy, Budgeting, Business Development, Business Growth, Business Operations, Business Support, Catering Services, Communication Skills, Consumer Branding, Cook Dishes, Cost Control, Culinary Operations, Customer Experience, Customer Retention/Renewal, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Support/Service, Disciplinary Action, Financial Management, Financial Operations, Food Purchasing, Food Quality, Food Safety, Food Services, Health Department, Inventory Levels, Inventory Management, Leadership, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Mentoring, Menu Management, Multitasking, Onboarding, Operational Support, Operations Planning, Organizational Skills, People Management, Physical Demands, Point of Sale (POS) Systems, Portion Control, Procurement Management, Profit & Loss, Purchasing/Procurement, Quality Assurance, Quality Management, Record Keeping, Regulations, Restaurant, Revenue Growth, Safety Standards, Sanitation, ServSafe Certification, Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Time Management, Up-Selling, Vendor/Supplier Relations
Executive Chef – Part-Time (Opportunity for Full-Time)
ZBest Barbeque Chicken & Ribs
Position Title: Executive Chef
Position Type: Part-Time (with opportunity to transition into a Full-Time leadership role)
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Reports To: Owner / Operations Leadership
Position Summary:
ZBest Barbeque Chicken & Ribs is seeking an experienced, passionate, and highly organized Executive Chef to lead kitchen operations and support the continued growth of one of Pittsburgh’s respected community-based food establishments.
The Executive Chef will oversee all back-of-house operations including food preparation, kitchen management, staff supervision, inventory control, quality assurance, scheduling, customer satisfaction, and fiscal accountability. This individual must be able to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining the high-quality food and customer experience ZBest is known for.
This position is currently part-time with strong opportunity for advancement into a full-time executive leadership role as business operations expand.
About ZBest Barbeque Chicken & Ribs:
ZBest Barbeque Chicken & Ribs is a family-operated restaurant with deep roots in the Pittsburgh community and a strong, loyal customer base that has supported the business for years. Known for its flavorful barbeque, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to serving the community, ZBest has built a reputation as a trusted neighborhood destination for great food and authentic hospitality. The restaurant takes pride in creating a family-oriented environment for both customers and staff while continuing to grow its brand through quality service, catering opportunities, and community engagement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
Kitchen & Culinary Operations:
- Lead all food preparation and kitchen production activities.
- Ensure consistency, quality, taste, and presentation of all menu items.
- Maintain high standards for food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness.
- Monitor portion control and minimize food waste.
- Assist with menu planning, specials, and recipe standardization.
- Ensure kitchen operations meet local health department regulations.
Staff Leadership & Management:
- Train, schedule, and motivate kitchen staff.
- Create a positive, team-oriented work environment.
- Support employee performance and productivity.
- Assist with hiring, onboarding, and disciplinary actions when necessary.
- Ensure staff adhere to company policies and kitchen procedures.
Inventory & Purchasing:
- Manage food inventory levels and kitchen supplies.
- Conduct regular inventory counts and maintain accurate records.
- Coordinate purchasing and vendor relationships.
- Monitor food costs and control kitchen expenses.
- Ensure timely ordering to meet operational demands.
Sales Growth & Business Development:
- Support the growth and profitability of ZBest Barbeque Chicken & Ribs through strategic sales and promotional efforts.
- Assist with identifying and promoting catering opportunities for corporate events, family gatherings, community events, and special occasions.
- Help develop and promote catering packages, family meal packages, and seasonal menu offerings.
- Encourage upsell opportunities including side dishes, desserts, beverages, sauces, and specialty items.
- Collaborate with ownership on special promotions and revenue-generating initiatives.
- Assist with creating high-margin menu items and customer incentive offerings.
- Support customer retention efforts by helping maintain high-quality food and service standards.
- Contribute ideas that increase repeat business, customer engagement, and brand visibility.
- Participate in community events and promotional activities when needed to help expand the ZBest brand.
- Help position the restaurant for long-term growth and expanded business opportunities throughout the Pittsburgh region.
Fiscal & Operational Oversight:
- Understand and manage restaurant cost controls.
- Monitor labor costs, food costs, and operational efficiency.
- Assist ownership with budgeting and profitability goals.
- Meet production deadlines and service timelines.
- Support operational planning for catering and special events.
Customer Service & Brand Representation:
- Maintain high customer satisfaction standards.
- Address customer concerns professionally and promptly.
- Support the restaurant’s reputation for quality and community engagement.
- Assist in maintaining a welcoming and professional environment.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of 4 years of kitchen management or Executive Chef experience.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Experience managing inventory, purchasing, and food costs.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Knowledge of restaurant operations and fiscal responsibilities.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Understanding of food safety and sanitation regulations.
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in BBQ, Soul Food, Catering, or High-Volume Restaurant Operations
- ServSafe Certification or equivalent food safety certification.
- Experience with scheduling systems and restaurant POS systems.
- Catering and event production experience.
- Passion for community-centered business operations.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive compensation based on experience.
- Opportunity for growth into a full-time leadership position.
- Flexible scheduling.
- Opportunity to help shape and grow an established community brand.
- Potential performance incentives based on operational growth.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
The ideal candidate is a strong culinary leader who understands both the art of cooking and the business of running a successful restaurant. This individual should be dependable, solution-oriented, fiscally responsible, and committed to excellence in food quality, staff leadership, and customer service.
Candidates who value community engagement, mentorship, and helping grow a respected local brand are strongly encouraged to apply.
How To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit:
- Resume.
- Brief cover letter.
- References.
- Certifications (if available).