Restaurant Cleaner Position Job Description
King’s Famous Barbecue Location: 2910 S Crater Rd, Petersburg, VA 23805
Job Type: Full-time / Part-time (Flexible shifts, including evenings, closing shifts, weekends, and early mornings for deep cleaning)
Reports to: Manager, Kitchen Manager, or Owners
King’s Famous Barbecue is a historic Petersburg landmark founded in 1946, celebrated for its authentic Virginia-style pit-smoked barbecue — pork shoulders, beef, and chicken — slow-cooked over oak wood, hand-chopped to order, and served with signature sauce and homemade sides like potato cakes, hush puppies, coleslaw, and Brunswick stew. After a 30-month closure, the restaurant is preparing to reopen in 2026, with owner Matt Keeler leading the effort to restore this community icon. The Restaurant Cleaner is a vital role that keeps the entire facility spotless, sanitary, and welcoming, ensuring compliance with health standards and creating a clean, inviting space for guests and staff alike.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform thorough daily and deep cleaning of all areas: dining room, kitchen, prep areas, restrooms, carryout/counter zone, and storage spaces
- Sweep, mop, scrub, and vacuum floors; strip, wax, or buff floors as needed (especially high-traffic areas and after busy shifts)
- Clean and sanitize high-touch surfaces: tables, chairs, counters, doors, handles, light switches, and equipment
- Clean and disinfect restrooms regularly, restocking supplies (toilet paper, soap, paper towels) and ensuring they remain fresh and presentable
- Empty trash bins, recycling, and grease receptacles; take out waste and maintain dumpster areas
- Wash dishes, pots, pans, and utensils during or after shifts if needed
- Clean windows, mirrors, walls, and ceilings (spot cleaning or deep cleans)
- Assist with basic maintenance: reporting spills, leaks, or repair needs promptly; helping move furniture or equipment for cleaning
- Follow strict food safety and sanitation protocols, using approved cleaners/chemicals safely and properly
- Perform opening/closing cleaning checklists: setup for the day or thorough end-of-night shutdown to prepare for the next shift
- Support the team during slower periods by helping with light kitchen or front-of-house tasks as directed
Requirements & Qualifications
- No formal education required — high school diploma or equivalent preferred
- Previous cleaning, janitorial, restaurant, or housekeeping experience is a plus (especially in food service), but we provide training for reliable, hardworking candidates!
- Strong attention to detail and pride in creating a spotless environment — cleanliness is key to our reputation and health inspections
- Ability to work independently or as part of a small team in a fast-paced restaurant setting
- Physical stamina: stand, bend, lift 50+ lbs (trash bags, cleaning supplies, equipment), and work in varying temperatures (hot kitchen, cooler areas)
- Reliable, punctual, and trustworthy — we’re a family-run business rebuilding together
- Basic knowledge of cleaning chemicals and safety practices (willingness to learn food handler’s certification or sanitation training if required)
- Flexible availability, including nights/closing shifts (common for cleaners to work after service ends)
What You Can Expect
- Join the exciting revival of an 80-year-old Petersburg tradition — help get the building sparkling clean for the 2026 reopening!
- Free or discounted meals during shifts
- Competitive pay for the area
- Flexible scheduling in a close-knit, family-oriented environment
- Opportunities to cross-train or move into other roles as we grow post-reopening
- Pride in maintaining the high standards that make King’s a welcoming spot for generations of guests
If you’re hardworking, detail-oriented, and want to contribute to bringing back a Tri-Cities legend in 2026, the Restaurant Cleaner position is a key role on our team!