Kitchen Manager

Kitchen Manager 

Right Bower Kitchen & Coffee
Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse City, MI

Business Overview:
Right Bower Kitchen & Coffee at Seven Hills on Old Mission Peninsula exists to bring people together around exceptional food, coffee, and community experiences — a winning hand that cultivates connection and joy in every detail. 

The café serves as a community gathering place – a “third place” – where both locals and tourists can feel welcomed, enjoy high-quality coffee and food, and engage in unique events year-round. 

Primarily a daytime coffee shop and eatery, RB also has a monthly “Dinner Club,” Sunday evening Euchre Nights, and is developing a daily dinner program set to launch June 1st, which will offer a unique new food option to the peninsula and complement Old Mission Distilling’s bar service.  

We’re building something thoughtful, creative, and sustainable — and we’re looking for a Kitchen Manager to help lead and shape our kitchen as we grow and get closer to the busy season.

This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for someone who enjoys both being on the line and building systems that make a kitchen run smoothly. 

The Role

As Kitchen Manager, you’ll oversee daily kitchen operations while helping define how the kitchen functions long-term. You’ll work closely with ownership to establish workflows, maintain quality, and support catering, event service, and daily business.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing day-to-day kitchen operations (prep, service, cleanup)

• Leading and training kitchen staff

• Building and maintaining efficient prep, storage, and service systems

• Ensuring food quality, consistency, and safety standards

• Managing ordering, inventory, and waste control

• Supporting and executing medium-to-large catering events

• Collaborating on menu development and seasonal offerings

• Maintaining a calm, organized, and joyful kitchen culture — even during busy shifts

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in a restaurant or café kitchen
  (chef, kitchen manager, sous chef, or line cook experience all qualify)

• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience

• Strong understanding of kitchen flow, prep planning, and food safety

• Ability to take initiative and problem-solve independently

• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a small team

• Reliable, organized, and growth-minded

• ServSafe certification preferred (or willingness to obtain)

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who:

• Takes pride in their craft

• Enjoys organization and building structure 

• Wants a seat at the table as the business grows

• Values teamwork, communication, and community

This is a great role for someone ready to step into leadership or grow beyond a traditional line role.

Compensation & Schedule

• Competitive hourly pay, based on experience ($17-19/hr range, plus tips)

  • 60-day performance review with potential for compensation adjustment.

• Full-time preferred (schedule includes weekends)

• Opportunities for growth as catering and events expand

• Creative input encouraged!

 How to Apply

Send a brief introduction, résumé, and reference to:
victoria@rightbowertc.com
Subject line: Kitchen Manager Application

Tell us a little about your background and what excites you about this role!