Sous Chef

About Us

The Alna Store is a small, ingredient-driven restaurant in a converted 120-year old general store in Alna, Maine. We cook seasonally; tight, inspired menus are primarily built around the farmers, fishermen, and foragers nearby. We craft warm hospitality, have fun, stay focused, and run a kitchen where we hope people want to stay and learn.

The Role

The sous chef is the chef's right hand and the person who keeps service running smoothly. This is a hands-on position: you'll work a station most shifts, run the pass, and own the quality of what leaves the kitchen. You'll help shape the menu as the seasons turn and lead a small team by example. We’re looking for focus, professionalism, camaraderie, and mentorship. In chef's absence, you run the kitchen.

What You'll Do

• Lead prep, service, and close, and keep every plate consistent in flavor, portioning, and presentation
• Work a station and expedite during service, cooking with calm and good humor in an open kitchen where guests can see the work
• Help develop seasonal dishes, fleeting specials, and prix-fixe and à la carte menus with the chef
• Build relationships with local farms and producers, and help plan and pivot menus around what's arriving each week
• Plan prep and ordering around our space, manage inventory, and keep food and labor costs in check
• Train, coach, and schedule cooks, setting a clear and calm standard for the line
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, labeling, and organization throughout the kitchen, including walk-ins and dry storage
• Spearhead and lead cleaning and maintenance projects
• Communicate clearly, kindly and patiently with the front of house
• Keep recipes documented so the kitchen runs the same way no matter who's on

What We're Looking For

• 2+ years in a sous chef or senior line leadership role in a chef-driven, full-service restaurant
• Strong fundamentals: butchery, sauces, vegetable cookery, seasoning, and timing
• Real enthusiasm for seasonal, local, and preserved ingredients, plus the curiosity to use them well
• Calm, clear communication under pressure
• A teacher's mindset and a positive presence on the line
• Organization: ordering, prep systems, and cost awareness
• Resourcefulness and a good sense of humor
• Flexibility with nights, weekends, and holidays
• Food handler certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Reliable transportation - we're rural

Nice to Have

• Experience with in-house charcuterie, fermentation, sourdough, pastry, or preservation
• Experience making refined food in a small space
• Experience in a Michelin-recognized kitchen
• Familiarity with Maine's farm and seafood scene

What We Offer

• Salary DOE, Paid time off, always consecutive days off
• Supportive work environment
• We have several leads on housing nearby - details available upon consideration for hire.
• A chance to help shape the food at a highly recognized and ethos forward restaurant.
• Live and work in one of the most beautiful places on earth, a wonderland for someone who enjoys the outdoors, distinct seasons, and foraging.