Underdog Sports Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description: Executive Kitchen Manager (EKM)

Position Classification: Full-Time / Exempt

Reports To: General Manager

Position Summary

The Executive Kitchen Manager (EKM) leads all culinary operations and Heart of House (HOH) team members, ensuring excellence in food quality, safety, and execution. This role requires strong leadership, operational discipline, and a passion for delivering scratch-made food with consistency and pride. The EKM upholds Walk-On’s standards, drives financial performance, and fosters a culture of teamwork, cleanliness, and fun in a high-volume kitchen environment.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Operations & Food Quality

• Ensure all menu items meet Walk-On’s quality, consistency, and presentation standards.
• Oversee all kitchen systems including prep, production, food safety, and sanitation.
• Maintain compliance with Walk-On’s, EcoSure, and local health department standards.
• Manage inventory, food ordering, and waste control to achieve targeted food costs.

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, train, and develop Heart of House (HOH) team members for success and growth.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and performance management in alignment with company policies.
• Foster a positive, team-oriented culture that promotes fun, respect, and accountability.
• Communicate effectively with the management team to ensure seamless service execution.

Business & Financial Performance

• Monitor and control food, labor, and supply costs to meet or exceed budgeted goals.
• Maintain accurate inventory levels and follow proper receiving procedures.
• Contribute to achieving overall restaurant sales and profit objectives.

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of management experience in a full-service, high-volume kitchen.
• Proven success in culinary leadership and operational management.
• Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills.
• Culinary school background preferred but not required.
• Must be able to work 50–60 hours per week, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs.

The Walk-On’s Way

We’re a team that wins together. Our Executive Kitchen Managers lead with energy, precision, and heart — delivering scratch-made food and an unforgettable experience for every guest, every shift.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux is more than just a place to grab a bite to eat—it’s a story of heart, hustle, and the underdog spirit.

Our journey started in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, when two LSU walk-on basketball players turned their dream into reality. With no scholarships, no guarantees, and no spotlight, they built their success the same way they built Walk-On’s: through hard work, teamwork, and never giving up. That drive has grown from a single restaurant into a nationally recognized brand, but we’ve never lost sight of our roots. At Walk-On’s, we pride ourselves on scratch-made dishes with a Louisiana flair, a fun and welcoming game-day atmosphere, and a culture that treats every team member like family.

We believe that everyone—from the kitchen to the floor, from the host stand to management—has an important role to play in creating unforgettable guest experiences. When you join Walk-On’s, you’re joining a team that values energy, passion, and pride in every shift. We celebrate wins together, push through challenges side by side, and make sure our guests feel like part of the team, too. This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to be part of a winning culture where you can grow, shine, and help carry on the Walk-On’s tradition of turning hard work and hospitality into something truly special.

Our Core Values at Walk-On’s: Teamwork – Every role matters, and we win together. Hospitality – We deliver unforgettable experiences with genuine care. Passion – We hustle hard, bring energy, and take pride in what we do. Growth – We invest in our people, offering opportunities to learn and advance. Community – We support and celebrate the neighborhoods we serve.