Line Cook Position Job Description
King’s Famous Barbecue Location: 2910 S Crater Rd, Petersburg, VA 23805
Job Type: Full-time / Part-time (Flexible shifts, including early mornings for prep/smoking, evenings, weekends, and peak service hours)
Reports to: Kitchen Manager/ Operations Manager/ Pitmaster
King’s Famous Barbecue is an iconic, family-owned Petersburg landmark established in 1946, renowned for its authentic Virginia-style pit-smoked barbecue — including pork shoulders, beef, and chicken — slow-cooked over wood, hand-chopped or minced to order, and served with our signature sauce and homemade sides. After a 30-month closure, the restaurant is preparing to reopen in 2026, led by dedicated family members and community supporters. The Line Cook plays a crucial hands-on role in the kitchen, preparing, cooking, and plating our classic Southern dishes to ensure every plate delivers the legendary quality and flavor that has kept generations coming back.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and cook menu items efficiently during service
- Assist with pit/smoking operations as needed, including monitoring smokers, pulling meats, and prepping for chopping/mincing
- Follow recipes precisely to maintain consistency in flavor, texture, and presentation — from seasoning rubs to sauce application
- Work the hot line, grill, or fryer to produce hot, fresh orders quickly and accurately during busy rushes
- Portion ingredients, prep sides, and stock stations for smooth service
- Ensure food safety and sanitation standards are met at all times, including proper temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and cleaning of equipment/work areas
- Collaborate closely with the pitmaster, meatcutters, and other kitchen staff to minimize waste and keep the line flowing
- Plate and garnish dishes appealingly before they go to runners, servers, or carryout
- Assist with inventory checks, receiving deliveries, and deep cleaning during slower periods or closing
- Perform opening/closing duties, including station setup, breakdown, dish washing, and end-of-shift sanitation
Requirements & Qualifications
- Previous line cook, grill, or barbecue kitchen experience preferred (especially in Southern, BBQ, or high-volume settings), but we welcome motivated candidates with strong training provided!
- Solid knife skills, knowledge of cooking techniques (grilling, frying, simmering), and ability to work with smoked meats
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hot kitchen environment during peak hours (lunch/dinner rushes)
- Strong attention to detail, speed, and consistency — every dish must meet King’s high standards
- Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented — we’re a small, family-run operation where collaboration is key
- Physical stamina to stand for long periods, lift 50+ lbs (trays, cases of meat), and work in a warm environment
- Basic food safety knowledge (food handler’s certification or willingness to obtain one required)
- Passion for authentic Virginia barbecue and excitement about helping reopen a community institution
What You Can Expect
- Join the revival of a Tri-Cities legend — be part of the team bringing back an 80-year-old Petersburg favorite in 2026!
- Free or discounted meals during shifts
- Competitive pay for the area
- Flexible scheduling in a close-knit, family-oriented environment
- Opportunities to cross-train in smoking, meat prep, or other kitchen roles as we grow post-reopening
- Pride in crafting the slow-smoked, hand-chopped barbecue and homemade sides that locals and visitors have missed for years
If you have a passion for real pit barbecue, strong work ethic, and want to contribute to the exciting 2026 reopening of King’s Famous Barbecue, the Line Cook position is a rewarding opportunity to join our dedicated family team!