Kitchen Manager

ABOUT T&J TRAVEL CENTERS

We’re a fast-growing, family-run company built on strong values and servant leadership. We’re looking for a Kitchen Manager who takes full ownership of food quality, team development, and kitchen operations.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Run the Tarzan Grill kitchen at your store — responsible for everything that happens behind the window.
• Maintain Tarzan Grill food quality standards on every plate — correct portions, proper temps, consistent presentation, no shortcuts.
• Train, coach, and develop Kitchen Team Members so they improve in skill, speed, and consistency over time.
• Conduct trial shifts for kitchen applicants and make final hiring decisions for your team.
• Conduct performance reviews for each Kitchen Team Member using T&J’s review process.
• Manage food supplier ordering — accurate pars, timely orders, and proper receiving and storage.
• Control food waste through portion discipline, proper storage, rotation, and daily waste tracking.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen that passes every audit and inspection.
• Ensure 100% compliance with food safety protocols: temps, dating, labeling, handwashing, and storage.
• Keep the line and prep areas set up for success every shift — prep lists completed on time and to spec.
• Communicate clearly with the GM and front of house to keep operations running smoothly.
• Lead by example — work the line, jump into prep, and set the pace for your team.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• 100% Food quality consistency across all shifts
• On Target Ticket times during peak and off-peak
• 95%+ Kitchen cleanliness and sanitation scores
• 100% Food safety protocol compliance
• Food waste tracked and minimized through portion control, storage discipline, and rotation
• Food supplier orders accurate and on time — no emergency runs, no over-ordering
• Kitchen Team Members improving over time in skill, speed, and standards
• Performance reviews completed on time for every direct report
• 95%+ personal attendance and reliability

WHAT YOU BRING

• An ownership mentality — you treat the kitchen like it’s yours, because it is
• A strong food standards — you know what “right” looks like and you don’t accept less
• A developer of people — you coach, train, and raise the bar for everyone around you
• An organized and disciplined approach — ordering, inventory, prep lists, and cleaning systems run like clockwork under your leadership
• A composure under pressure — you lead the kitchen calmly and confidently during the hardest rushes
• A servant leader — you lead humbly, work alongside your team, and put others first
• Values-aligned (Humble, Hungry, Smart) — you model integrity, hard work, and emotional intelligence every day

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

• A family-style culture built on respect, teamwork, and humility
• Clear standards, training, and opportunities to grow in leadership
• Competitive salary, performance recognition, and a seat at the leadership table
• A clean, well-equipped, and well-supported kitchen environment
• A General Manager and company leadership team that has your back

OUR VALUES

• Humble: We serve with gratitude and respect.
• Hungry: We work hard, stay curious, and keep improving.
• Smart: We treat people well and make thoughtful decisions.

PAY RANGE

The pay range for this role is: 22 - 30 USD per hour (Midland/Odessa)

KITCHEN

Midland, TX
Stanton, TX
Tarzan, TX
Odessa, TX