Luella's Kitchen Manager

ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT FOOD AND BUILDING LASTING CONNECTIONS?

Since 2007, Luella’s Bar-B-Que has been serving great food and genuine hospitality in a fun, energetic, and welcoming environment. We believe a restaurant can be more than just a place to work. It can be a place where people grow, build meaningful connections, and take pride in the experiences they create for guests and team members alike.

At Luella’s, we look for people who lead with character and hospitality. We like to say, it’s more than a meal, it is how we make them feel. We look for these qualities in our team:

• Attitude – shows up with positivity and contributes to the energy of the team
• Curiosity – stays open, coachable, and eager to learn
• Integrity – does the right thing and takes ownership of actions
• Empathy – understands and cares about their impact on the experience of others

Luella’s operates North Asheville and South Asheville locations, along with a growing catering department. As a locally owned restaurant group, we are proud of our food, our community roots, and the fun, eclectic environments where our team delivers memorable guest experiences every day.

If you believe hospitality is about taking care of people and value creating meaningful experiences for others, we would love to meet you.

While this position is advertised for our South location, final placement will be determined based on experience and business needs.

SUMMARY

The Kitchen Manager is a key leader within the restaurant, responsible for upholding Luella’s standards and delivering both financial performance and exceptional food quality. This role requires balancing the needs of the team, guests, community, and company while ensuring consistent execution in all kitchen operations.

The Kitchen Manager leads with a focus on consistency, craveable flavor, cleanliness, timeliness, and overall kitchen culture. This individual thrives in a fast-paced environment, takes ownership of results, and plays a critical role in ensuring every guest truly Tastes the Love .

RESPONSIBILITIES

GUEST EXPERIENCE & HOSPITALITY

• Ensures all food leaving the kitchen meets Luella’s standards for quality, consistency, and presentation
• Supports a culture where both guests and team members feel cared for and valued
• Demonstrates hospitality in all interactions, contributing to a positive and welcoming environment
• Champions the “Taste the Love” experience through food, teamwork, and attention to detail

POSITION EXECUTION

• Oversees daily kitchen operations with a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and consistency
• Maintains exemplary standards in food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness
• Manages food production, prep systems, and line execution to ensure smooth service
• Monitors and manages food cost, waste, and inventory to align with financial goals
• Understands and utilizes key financial indicators, reviewing performance daily and weekly
• Trains, coaches, and develops team members on systems, standards, and expectations
• Works in all kitchen positions as needed to support the team and ensure execution
• Maintains deep knowledge of the menu and a passion for regional Southern barbecue

TEAM & CULTURE CONTRIBUTION

• Leads proactively, identifying and addressing challenges before they arise
• Builds and maintains a strong team environment rooted in accountability and support
• Drives a culture of continuous training, development, and improvement
• Models professionalism, positivity, and strong work ethic at all times
• Brings energy, curiosity, and a solutions-oriented mindset into the restaurant daily
• Supports company growth by developing future leaders within the kitchen

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will possess most of the following:

• Associate degree or higher in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Integrity, honesty, accountability, optimism, curiosity, and a passion for excellence
• Strong leadership presence with a proactive and ownership-driven mindset
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong knowledge of kitchen operations, food production, sanitation, and cost control
• Ability to understand and execute a financial plan using key performance indicators
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality in all aspects of the role
• Natural hospitality extended to team members, guests, and vendors
• Commitment to personal and professional growth
• Connection to and appreciation for the local Asheville community

PHYSICAL & SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS

• We strive to provide consistent, sustainable management schedules that support work-life balance. This leadership role also requires flexibility to meet the restaurant's needs, including regular evening and weekend availability, holidays, occasional schedule changes, and extended hours when necessary
• Typical workweeks are approximately 40–50 hours, with additional hours required during periods of increased business or operational need
• While performing the duties of this job, the team member is required to stand, walk, talk, and hear
• The team member is required to be on foot for a large portion of the day/shift. The team member is required to stoop, kneel, or crouch; reach with hands and arms; use hands to finger, handle or feel tools or controls; must be able to lift and/or move heavy objects including tables and cases of food and beverage; must be able to lift approximately 20 pounds overhead
• When performing office functions, will be required to sit and work directly on a computer for several hours at time
• Must be able to sustain constant mental and visual attention
• Ability to work in kitchen, dining, catering, and office environments
• Must have a valid NC driver’s license and be able to be added to company insurance to drive vehicles

PERKS & BENEFITS

• Competitive compensation package that is dependent on education and relevant experience
• Full-Time team members are eligible to enroll in Dental, Vision, Short-Term Disability, Accident, Employee Assistance Program, Direct Primary Care and Medical Cost Sharing after 60 days. Luella’s contributes 60% of your individual premiums
• Eligible to participate in 401k plan after 60 days
• After 90 days, eligible to be a part of the teamshare bonus
• Career advancement and cross-training opportunities
• Free shift meals and dining discounts on non-working days
• Free parking
• Employer funded continuing education programs
• Tuition Allowance, after two years