Restaurant Lead, First Avenue Kernel Foods First Ave

Restaurant Lead, First Avenue

Full Time • Kernel Foods First Ave
Benefits:
  • Competitive salary
  • Employee discounts
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Training & development
Restaurant Lead – Counter Service

Location:
Upper East Side

Pay:
$23-$25 based on experience

Job Type:
Full-time (Hourly)

Expected Hours:
30- 40 per week

About Us

Counter Service is an innovative, chef-driven restaurant brand founded by Steve Ells, the visionary behind Chipotle, in collaboration with acclaimed Chef Andrew Black. After the success of our first location, we are expanding to three additional restaurants in NYC. We are passionate about high-quality food, operational excellence, and creating a welcoming, fast-paced dining experience.

We are seeking dedicated Restaurant Leads to support our growing team. This role reports into the Restaurant Manager and supports the day-to-day operations of the restaurant, ensuring smooth service, team leadership, and adherence to our high standards of food quality, cleanliness, and customer service. The Restaurant Lead will support the Restaurant Manager in training the crew, overseeing shifts, and ensuring all NYC health and safety standards are met.

What You'll Do
  • Team Leadership and Training – Train and develop restaurant crew members to ensure consistency and top performance
  • Shift Management – Support shift management functions, stepping in as needed during busy periods
  • Customer Experience – Ensure every guest receives exceptional service, resolving issues as they arise
  • Food Quality & Safety – Maintain high food safety standards, ensuring full compliance with NYC health regulations
  • Cash Management – Oversee POS operations and cash handling functions
  • Health & Safety– Support the Restaurant Manager in ensuring adherence to all sanitation and safety protocols
What We're Looking For
  • 2+ years of leadership experience (quick-service, fast-casual, or full-service)
  • Excellent problem-solving abilities in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience using restaurant technology systems (POS, scheduling software, inventory tracking)
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, nights, and holidays
  • NYC Food Handlers Certificate (Required)
  • Strong English communication skills (verbal & written)
Why Join Us?

  • Competitive wages with opportunity for growth 
  • Health & dental insurance
  • Development opportunities – learn from classically trained chefs 
  • Employee referral bonuses
Join Our Team!

If you're ready to lead a high-performing team in a fast-growing, chef-led restaurant brand, apply today! After applying, you'll receive an email with next steps to schedule an interview.

Counter Service, a Kernel Foods Inc brand, is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusivity.
Compensation: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.





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U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Information (Completion is voluntary)

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

You are being given the opportunity to provide the following information in order to help us comply with federal and state Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action record keeping, reporting, and other legal requirements.

Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.