Kitchen Manager

Job Description

Job Description

You don't need a résumé full of titles. You need drive, heart, and the desire to grow into something great.

About Clara B's

Clara B's Kitchen Table is a scratch kitchen rooted in Southern food tradition, community, and craft. We operate in Belleville, Illinois as a counter/fast casual concept — meaning our food is made with full-service intention at approachable prices. Our bakehouse fuels our café, catering, and retail channels with everything made from scratch, by hand, with purpose.

We're building something real here — and we need real people to help lead it.

The Opportunity

This isn't just a job. It's a leadership path. We're looking for a Kitchen Manager who's ready to grow into the full operational heartbeat of our back of house. You'll work directly with the owner, learn every corner of how we do things, and eventually have your fingerprints on the systems, culture, and food that make Clara B's what it is.

If you've been the person people turn to in the kitchen — but never had a title to match — this is your chance to make it official.

What You'll Do

• Lead daily kitchen operations from prep through service, keeping things running smooth and standards high

• Train, guide, and build up your team — because good kitchens are made of good people

• Own food quality and consistency — what goes out represents all of us

• Manage inventory, ordering, and waste with an eye toward both quality and cost

• Maintain a clean, safe, organized kitchen that meets health code and Clara B's standards

• Collaborate with the owner on seasonal menus, catering production, and bakehouse output

• Solve problems on your feet and keep the team steady when things get busy

What We're Looking For

We believe in potential as much as experience. Here's what matters to us:

• You've worked in a kitchen long enough to understand the rhythm — even if you haven't had the "Manager" title yet

• You're a natural at keeping people calm, focused, and working together

• You take pride in food. You notice when something's off. You fix it without being asked.

• You're reliable, consistent, and show up ready

• You can give and receive feedback like a professional

• Serv­Safe certification is a plus — but we'll help you get it if you don't have it

Who We Are

Clara B's is a place built on love — love for good food, for the people who make it, and for the community we feed. We're a scratch kitchen with a big heart and a clear vision. We don't need perfect backgrounds. We need people who are hungry to grow, proud of their craft, and ready to show up for their team.

If that sounds like you, we want to hear from you.