Kitchen Lead - HOMES Brewery & Campus

HOMES | Pub Kitchen Leader

At HOMES, we believe the work we do in the kitchen matters.

Not just because the food is good - but because it gives people a reason to leave home, gather with others, and share something meaningful. A great meal can create a moment, a memory, a connection. That’s what we’re here to do.

We’re building a kitchen culture centered on serving - both our guests and each other. That means taking pride in the details, showing up for your team, and doing work that contributes to something bigger than just your station.

We’re looking for line cooks who care about their craft, who stay steady under pressure, and who find purpose in creating experiences that go beyond the plate.

If you’re someone who takes ownership, helps without being asked, and wants to be part of a team that values both high standards and how we treat people - you’ll fit here.

HOMES Brewery is a vibrant hub for food, beverage, and hospitality in Ann Arbor — featuring a nationally acclaimed brewpub, production brewery, coffee roastery, events campus, and catering operation. We pride ourselves on innovation, approachability, and an ever-evolving culinary identity rooted in flavor and community.

We’re looking for a Kitchen Leader to help lead the back-of-house operations at HOMES Brewery. This is an incredible opportunity for a creative, organized, and people-centered leader who loves Asian food, fusion flavors, and the energy of a busy kitchen. You’ll work closely with our Culinary Director to bring vision to life, refine recipes, and guide a talented kitchen team in producing consistent, craveable, and inspired dishes.

Who You Are

• A culinary leader with a passion for Asian and Asian-fusion cuisine
• A collaborative creator who loves developing menus and experimenting with new flavors
• A hands-on coach who can train, inspire, and hold your team to high standards
• A systems-minded manager who ensures the kitchen runs smoothly, safely, and profitably
• A hospitality-driven operator who believes food and teamwork build community

Requirements

What You’ll Do

Menu Development & Creativity

• Work alongside the Culinary Director to develop and execute innovative, seasonal menus for HOMES Pub.
• Champion Asian and Asian-fusion flavors that complement our beer program and brand identity.
• Lead recipe testing, plating standards, and staff tastings to ensure consistency and quality.
• Maintain a strong pulse on culinary trends and bring ideas that excite both guests and the team.

Team Leadership & Training

• Build and lead a positive, high-performing kitchen team through coaching and accountability.
• Train staff on new menu items, prep systems, and service standards.
• Model professionalism and positivity in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Foster a culture aligned with HOMES’ 4H values — Honest, Helpful, Honed, and Happy.

Operations & Systems

• Manage daily kitchen operations including prep, line organization, and shift management.
• Ensure food quality, safety, and cleanliness meet or exceed company standards.
• Track inventory, manage ordering, and help control food costs in collaboration with the Culinary Director.
• Coordinate with FOH and management to ensure seamless communication and guest experience.

Collaboration & Growth

• Partner with the Culinary Director to align culinary vision with business goals.
• Participate in creative discussions, events, and seasonal rollouts.
• Provide input on kitchen systems and staff development initiatives.
• Represent the kitchen team’s perspective in leadership conversations about quality, workflow, and innovation.

What You’ll Bring

• 3–5 years of professional kitchen experience with at least 2 years in a leadership role
• A deep appreciation and working knowledge of Asian or Asian-inspired cuisine
• Proven success in team management, training, and kitchen organization
• Experience in recipe development, costing, and execution in a high-volume setting
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills

• Passion for hospitality, creativity, and continuous improvement
  

Benefits

• Competitive pay

• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance plans with company contribution
• Employee discounts across brands
• Flexible schedule
• Room for growth in responsibility + pay

Pay: Negotiable Based on Experience