Caffe Fantastico is an established independent, quality focused and family owned coffee company, with three bustling locations in Victoria. We are seeking a Sous Chef to join and help lead our team at our Fantastico bar-deli location at Dockside Green.
Our kitchen brings upbeat and approachable food to the table, featuring the seasonal bounty of Vancouver Island. We work with many wonderful local farmers and producers.
Reporting to the Head Chef, the Sous Chef plays a key leadership role in the day-to-day kitchen operations. This position supports consistent food quality, efficient service, staff leadership, and adherence to company standards.
We believe that each person who works with Caffe Fantastico contributes to our rich culture and positive work environment by creating unforgettable customer experiences in both food service and coffee preparation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and support the kitchen team during daily service, ensuring efficient and organized operations
- Encourage teamwork, participation, creativity, openness, honesty, and mutual respect
- Create and execute weekly features aligned with the bar-deli concept and company food culture
- Maintain food quality, plating specifications, and food cost controls
- Ensure menu ingredients and execution remain consistent with company standards, reports any changes to Head Chef.
- Supervise, train, and support kitchen staff
- Coordinate with the Location Manager on front-of-house communication, training, and feedback
- Order ingredients, liaise with vendors and local farmers, manage weekly par levels in support of zero waste kitchen
- Upkeep master costing sheet, compile and submit monthly inventory to Head Chef for confirmation.
- Ensure correct use, cleaning, and upkeep of all kitchen equipment
- Establish and maintain standards and procedures related to food safety and allergen management
- Co-ordinate catering menus for in-house and off site events.
- Ensure that all invoices are marked as received, and included in a weekly envelope for administration.
- Provide biweekly email update Management / Ownership, communicating important topics for attention including team evaluation, feature dishes, maintenance and equipment needs.
- Understand financial systems, with accountability to labour cost management and cost of goods sold. (COGS).
Minimum Requirements:
- Minimum 2-3 years experience in a professional kitchen, including experience in a lead or supervisory role
- Strong understanding of efficient kitchen operations in a high-volume service environment
- Ability to lead a kitchen team with excellent communication skills to work seamlessly with a variety of departments
- Valid FoodSafe Level 1 (FoodSafe Level 2 an asset)
- Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and maintain standards during busy service periods
- Passion for local and seasonal food and attention to detail
We Offer:
- Starting wage of $25/hr, based on a 40hr / 5-day work week.
- Employee handled tips, $2-4/hr
- Extended medical and dental benefits, EAP, virtual health care
- Staff meal and drinks on shift, take home roasted coffee,
- Positive, creative and healthy work environment
Apply today, and join our team to be part of a supportive, locally owned business with a strong food culture.
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
