Assistant Culinary Manager at Fresh Kitchen in Fort Myers, FL

Description

OWN THE PREP. LEAD THE SHIFT. PROTECT THE STANDARD. GROW INTO THE NEXT LEVEL.

ABOUT FRESH KITCHEN

Fresh Kitchen is redefining what “fast food” can be: real food, made from scratch, with ingredients and standards you can feel good about. That means 100% pure olive oil (no seed oils), hand-cut veggies, antibiotic & hormone-free meats, responsibly sourced seafood and 100% gluten-free recipes. We call it Good Food Forever.

Our vision is big: 100 remarkable restaurants by 2034. We’re building a brand that’s as serious about people and the culture as we are about food quality and performance, and we’re looking for leaders who want to build something that lasts.

THE ROLE

As an Assistant Culinary Manager (ACM), you are a key BOH leader and the right hand to the Culinary Operations Manager. You’re accountable for:

• Prep + Station Execution (ready kitchens, clean flow, strong peak performance)
• Standards on the Line (recipes, portions, quality, food safety)
• BOH Team Support (coaching, training follow-through, daily accountability)
• Shift Readiness + Routines (line checks, pars, organization, close standards)

You’re hands-on and present—running shifts, leading prep, coaching in real time, and keeping the kitchen organized and ready to win the rush.

You work hand in hand with the Culinary Operations Manager and partner closely with the Managing Partner and Restaurant Operations Manager to keep BOH execution aligned with FOH flow, online ordering, and catering volume.

WHAT GREAT LOOKS LIKE

BOH Execution + Readiness

• Lead prep systems, station setup, and shift readiness across BOH
• Run accurate line checks each shift and communicate needs clearly
• Support peak execution - deploy, coach, and keep flow tight
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and kitchen flow throughout the day

Training + Team Development

• Support BOH onboarding and station training/certification
• Coach and correct in real time; reinforce standards consistently
• Help develop BOH leads and high-potential team members
• Support menu rollouts and training initiatives as directed

Food Safety + Standards

• Uphold all food safety, sanitation, and temperature standards
• Ensure recipe, portion, and handling compliance across stations
• ·Support BOH audits and close gaps quickly with follow-through

Support Cost + Controls (with COM)

• Support inventory organization, FIFO, and par discipline
• Help reduce waste through prep planning and portion accuracy
• Maintain order guide organization and communicate shortages/needs

THE LEADERSHIP VIBE

• High standards + high heart. You lead with care and accountability through our values.
• Coach in the moment and remain calm under pressure.
• You care about the details. You protect the brand through consistent execution.
• You bring pace and positivity. The team learns from you.

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

• 2 – 4+ years of BOH leadership experience (Kitchen/Shift Lead, Sous, Assistant KM, etc.) in a high-volume, food-focused environment.
• Experience with scratch prep, recipe execution, and high-quality standards.
• Strong fundamentals in station execution, kitchen flow, and cleanliness.
• Working knowledge of inventory basics (pars, FIFO, waste awareness).
• ServSafe certified (or willingness to obtain)
• Must pass background check
• Culinary education is a plus, not required

Physical requirements: Must be able to stand/walk 8–10 hours per shift and work in varying temperatures.

WHY PEOPLE STAY

• REALLY GOOD COMPENSATION | Salary ranges from $55k-$65k
• BENEFITS | Affordable Group health, vision and dental Plans + a 401(k) match
• A REAL CAREER PATH | People development is intentional - we invest in leaders who want to grow with us
• FREE FOOD | Your FK meals are on us
• CULTURE | Values driven company that is good to people
• HOLLA-DAYS | Closed for 9 holidays, so you can enjoy time with family and friends
• WORK-LIFE BALANCE | Progressive PTO + balanced schedules, including our commitment to not exceed a 50-hour workweek.
• A VIBEY BRAND | Food you’re proud to serve and a brand you feel good to rep