Meatcutter

Meatcutter Position Job Description

King's Famous Barbecue
Location: 2910 S Crater Rd, Petersburg, VA 23805

Job Type: Full-time / Part-time (Flexible shifts, including early mornings, weekends, and peak hours)

Reports to: Pitmaster / Operations Manager / Owners

King's Famous Barbecue is a beloved, historic Petersburg landmark founded in 1946, famous for its authentic Virginia-style pit-smoked barbecue — including pork shoulders, beef, and chicken — slow-cooked over wood, sliced or minced to order, and served with our signature sauce and homemade sides. After a temporary closure, the restaurant is excited to reopen in 2026 and continue its legacy of quality, tradition, and community pride.

The Meatcutter (also known as Butcher or Chop/Prep Specialist) is a skilled, hands‑on role essential to our operation, focusing on breaking down, trimming, portioning, and preparing smoked meats for service while maintaining the highest standards of quality and food safety.

• Break down large cuts of smoked pork, beef, chicken, and other meats into customer‑ready portions (chopped, minced, sliced, or pulled as per Virginia‑style traditions)
• Trim excess fat, bone, and sinew from meats before and after smoking to ensure optimal texture, flavor, and presentation
• Accurately portion and weigh meats for plates, family packs, sandwiches, catering orders, and bulk sales
• Chop or mince barbecue using cleavers, knives, and traditional techniques to achieve the perfect coarse texture that King's is known for
• Inspect smoked meats for quality, consistency, and doneness; remove any imperfections
• Maintain sharp knives, cleavers, and cutting equipment; clean and sanitize tools and work areas throughout the shift
• Assist the pitmaster with meat prep (seasoning, rubbing, or loading smokers when needed) and monitor inventory of raw and finished meats
• Follow strict food safety and sanitation guidelines, including proper handling, temperature control, and storage of meats
• Work efficiently during busy periods to keep the line stocked and orders moving quickly
• Collaborate with the kitchen team to minimize waste and maximize usable portions from every cut
• Perform opening/closing duties for the meat prep area, including setup, cleanup, and end‑of‑shift reporting
• Fire management and cleaning of the famous open pit fireplace

• Previous experience as a meat cutter, butcher, or in barbecue prep/smoking is strongly preferred (experience in pit‑smoked or whole‑animal barbecue is a big plus!)
• Strong knife skills and knowledge of meat anatomy, cuts, and trimming techniques
• Ability to handle large, heavy cuts of meat (lifting 50+ lbs regularly) and work in a hot, fast‑paced kitchen environment
• Detail‑oriented with a commitment to consistency and quality — every order must reflect King's legendary standards
• Reliable, punctual, and team‑oriented — we're a small, family‑run business where everyone supports each other
• Basic understanding of food safety practices (food handler's certification or willingness to obtain one required)
• Passion for authentic Virginia barbecue and pride in serving the community
• Comfortable with early starts (for prepping/smoking cycles) and standing for long periods

• Be part of a historic reopening — help bring back a Tri‑Cities icon that's been loved for generations!
• Free or deeply discounted meals during shifts (including fresh‑smoked BBQ straight from the pit!)
• Competitive pay for the area (depending on experience; higher for skilled butchers with pit knowledge)
• Opportunities to learn from experienced pit masters and cross‑train in smoking, sauce‑making, or other kitchen roles
• Flexible scheduling in a close‑knit, family‑oriented environment with a focus on quality over quantity
• Pride in crafting the melt‑in‑your‑mouth barbecue that keeps locals and visitors coming back

If you have skilled hands, a love for real pit‑smoked meats, and want to join a legendary team as we reopen King's Famous Barbecue in 2026, this Meatcutter position is your chance to be part of Petersburg history!