Chalkboard Wings & BBQ is hiring an experienced evening line cook who can thrive in a high-volume dinner service and is excited to grow into BBQ and smoking techniques over time.
This role is ideal for a strong closer — someone who takes pride in a clean, organized kitchen — and who wants to expand their skill set by learning the smoker and eventually stepping into an assistant pitmaster / sous chef role.
Located in the Mount Vernon / Woodlawn neighborhood of South Alexandria, we serve a 45-seat restaurant along with pop-ups, catering, and regional events across Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. This position has real room for growth within the company.
Evening and weekend availability is required.
What You’ll Do
- Execute dinner service on a busy line, maintaining ticket times under 10–15 minutes
- Prepare entrees, wings, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers with speed and consistency
- Prep during service to set yourself (and the team) up for success during rushes
- Follow recipes precisely to ensure consistent, high-quality food
- Ensure all to-go orders are complete, accurate, and properly packaged before handoff
- Perform thorough closing duties, including:
- Properly chilling and storing proteins and hot-held foods
- Cleaning fryers, grills, smokers (as trained), and all kitchen equipment
- Restocking and resetting the line for opening staff
- Maintain a clean, organized kitchen throughout your shift — not just at close
- Keep dry storage, walk-in, and line areas orderly and labeled
- Safely lift and carry items up to 60 lbs
BBQ & Growth Opportunity
- Learn the fundamentals of wood-smoked BBQ and pit operations
- Train on our smoker with the goal of becoming an assistant pitmaster / sous chef
- Gain hands-on experience in BBQ production, holding, and service
- Opportunity to grow into expanded kitchen leadership and event roles
- Food Trailer shifts possible
You do NOT need prior pitmaster experience — we will train the right person.
What We’re Looking For
- Line cooks who can handle volume and stay calm under pressure
- Strong closers who take pride in cleanliness, organization, and setting up the next shift for success
- Curiosity and willingness to learn BBQ, smoking, and large-batch cooking
- Positive attitude and team-first mindset
- ServSafe Manager Certification or willingness to obtain within 30 days
Why Chalkboard
In just a few short years, Chalkboard has become a true neighborhood bar with a food program that punches above its weight — from our extensive wing lineup and wood-smoked BBQ to smash burgers and catered events throughout the region. We are awaiting delivery of our first food trailer, which will be serving the Chalkboard menu plus pizza at events across northern Virginia this summer.
We believe in hiring, training, and promoting from within, and in helping our team build real careers — not just fill shifts.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid training
Work Location: In person
