Sous Chef Position

Panza's Restaurant - Saratoga Springs, NY

About Panza's Restaurant

Panza's Restaurant is a cherished family-owned Italian-American dining institution located in Saratoga Springs, NY. For over 80 years, we have been serving our community with authentic recipes passed down through four to five generations, beginning with Ma Panza's treasured dishes from Napoli.

Our upscale casual restaurant features wood-beamed ceilings, stone décor, and a warm, romantic atmosphere perfect for both celebrations and intimate evenings. We pride ourselves on offering refined Italian-American cuisine with signature dishes including chicken piccata, veal marsala, crispy Long Island duckling, jumbo diver scallops, and house-made pasta specialties. Our venue also includes the popular Starlight Lounge with live weekend entertainment and themed dinner shows.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join our culinary team as the second-in-command in our kitchen. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated culinary professional to grow with an established, family-owned restaurant known for exceptional food quality and service.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in all kitchen operations and daily service
• Lead kitchen operations in Head Chef's absence with confidence and consistency
• Execute menu items to our exacting standards, with particular expertise in sautéing, broiling, and pasta preparation
• Coordinate and execute banquet and private event dining services
• Maintain food quality, presentation, and timing standards during high-volume service
• Assist in menu development, recipe testing, and seasonal menu changes
• Train and mentor junior kitchen staff
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations
• Manage inventory, ordering, and cost control initiatives
• Foster a collaborative, positive kitchen environment

Required Qualifications

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum 2+ years of Sous Chef experience in full-service, upscale casual to fine dining establishments
• Proven experience as a seasoned line cook prior to Sous Chef role
• Demonstrated expertise in banquet and private event cooking (preferred)
• Background may include corporate restaurants, independent establishments, private clubs, or combination thereof

Culinary Skills:

• Formal culinary training from an accredited culinary institution
• Expert-level proficiency in sautéing, broiling, and pasta preparation
• Strong knife skills and classical cooking techniques
• Knowledge of Italian-American cuisine and traditional cooking methods
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining quality standards

Professional Attributes:

• Exceptional work ethic with commitment to continuous learning and professional growth
• Outstanding communication and leadership skills
• Team-oriented mindset with willingness to support all kitchen stations as needed
• Reliability and ability to maintain consistency in Head Chef's absence
• Passion for culinary excellence and guest satisfaction

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary: $60,000 - $65,000 annually (exceptional candidates may be considered for higher compensation)
• Opportunity to work with a respected, established restaurant with 80+ years of history
• Creative input in menu development and special events
• Professional growth opportunities within a family-owned establishment
• Work-life balance in a supportive, collaborative environment
• Be part of preserving and evolving traditional Italian-American culinary heritage

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