Sous Chef for high end Japanese restaurant, Rio Izakaya, Westshore, Tampa

Location:

We are hiring Sous Chefs to support our Executive Chef and leadership team in opening and running a high end, detail-driven Japanese kitchen. This role is hands-on: you will be on the line, coaching the team, protecting quality, and helping build systems that scale.

Minimum requirement:2+ years of Sous Chef experience (or equivalent leadership role) in a high-demand kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Executive Chef with daily kitchen operations, prep execution, and service leadership
  
• Maintain high standards in product quality, consistency, timing, and plating/presentation
  
• Supervise and coordinate BOH staff during shifts; lead by example on the line
  
• Help implement and maintain systems for: Station setup, prep lists, pars, and line checks
  
• Inventory management, ordering, receiving, and waste control
  
• Cleanliness, organization, and food safety (DOH compliance)
  
• Train, mentor, and develop cooks (technique, speed, discipline, standards)
  
• Assist with menu execution, tastings, specials, and seasonal updates
  
• Collaborate with FOH to ensure smooth service flow and accurate menu knowledge
  
• Support opening execution: kitchen setup, recipes, prep standards, labeling, SOPs
  

What We re Looking For

• 2+ years experience as a Sous Chef in a busy, quality-focused kitchen
  
• Japanese cuisine foundation strongly preferred (sushi/sashimi/nigiri experience a plus)
  
• Experience with high-end execution and attention to detail (knife work, proteins, rice, sauces, timing)
  
• Comfortable supporting a menu that includes:
  
• Yakitori / binchotan grilling
  
• Dry-aged fish handling
  
• Sushi, sashimi, nigiri, and refined hot & cold plates
  
• Strong leadership: calm under pressure, communicates clearly, holds standards without drama
  
• Organized, reliable, and proactive. Sees problems early and fixes them
  
• Tech-friendly with modern restaurant tools (inventory, ordering, scheduling, checklists)
  
• Must speak/read/write English competently (additional languages a plus)
  

Culture Fit

We run a supportive, professional kitchen. We do not tolerate bullying, arrogance, elitism, or disrespect. We want leaders who build people up while running a tight operation.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay:

• Health insurance
  
• Performance bonus
  
• Paid time off
  
• Staff meals
  
• Referral program
  
• Growth opportunity with a brand built for future expansion