Kitchen Manager

About Kraken Kourts & Skates

Kraken Kourts & Skates is DC's premier indoor sports and entertainment destination featuring pickleball courts, roller skating, leagues, events, and a vibrant food & beverage program. We're building a high-energy, community-driven space where guests come to play, connect, and enjoy great food.

The Kitchen Manager is responsible for overseeing all back-of-house operations, ensuring food quality, safety, efficiency, and profitability. This role leads kitchen staff, maintains high operational standards, and collaborates with leadership to deliver an exceptional guest experience in a fast-paced sports and entertainment environment.

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including prep, line service, and closing procedures
• Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, and portion control
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment
• Monitor ticket times and coordinate with front-of-house during peak league nights and events

• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise back-of-house staff
• Foster a positive, team-oriented culture aligned with Kraken's community values
• Conduct performance reviews and coaching conversations
• Ensure proper staffing for leagues, tournaments, private events, and high-volume weekends

• Manage ordering, vendor relationships, and inventory levels
• Track food costs, waste, and labor costs to meet budget targets
• Conduct regular inventory counts and maintain accurate records
• Implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality

• Ensure compliance with DC health department regulations
• Maintain food safety certifications (Serv Safe or equivalent required)
• Enforce sanitation standards and proper food handling procedures
• Lead kitchen readiness for inspections

• Collaborate with leadership on seasonal menus and specials
• Support menu engineering for profitability and operational efficiency
• Maintain standardized recipes and training materials

• 3+ years of kitchen management or supervisory experience
• Experience in high-volume restaurant, sports bar, or entertainment venue preferred
• Strong understanding of food cost control and labor management
• Knowledge of DC health and safety regulations
• Serv Safe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days)
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays