Sous Chef (Canton, OH) - Akron, OH
Posted on October 24, 2025
Bender's Tavern, located in the historic district of downtown Canton, Ohio, is a distinguished fine dining restaurant with a rich heritage dating back to 1902. Established more than a century ago, Bender's Tavern has cultivated a reputation for delivering an elegant and relaxing dining experience where patrons can savor classic culinary creations, high-quality seafood, premium beef, and an extensive, moderately priced wine list that is renowned nationally. The restaurant prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients, including seafood sourced directly from Foley Fish in Boston, Massachusetts, ensuring the highest standards of taste and freshness. Bender's dedication to quality and hospitality continues to sustain its long-standing tradition as a top destination for gourmet food lovers in the region.
As a vibrant, upscale, fine dining and casual restaurant, Bender's Tavern offers a warm and sophisticated environment that blends historic charm with modern culinary artistry. The team at Bender's is passionate about maintaining excellence in every dish served, backed by decades of experience and a commitment to innovation. With a focus on exceptional service and attention to detail, the establishment provides an inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy memorable meals accompanied by superb wines.
The Sous Chef role at Bender's Tavern is a critical leadership position within the kitchen, working in close partnership with the Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef. This full-time position requires a culinary-savvy professional who possesses strong leadership skills, creativity, and a thorough understanding of fine dining cuisine. The Sous Chef will play an essential role in overseeing the entire kitchen operation to ensure that every dish meets the restaurant's impeccable standards for quality, taste, and presentation.
The candidate will assist in menu development, crafting innovative recipes, and managing food costs to maintain profitability. Supervising and mentoring kitchen staff is also a key component of the role, ensuring consistent execution of culinary offerings and fostering a collaborative work environment through effective communication and teamwork. The Sous Chef will be responsible for daily kitchen oversight, from food preparation to plating during service, as well as inventory management and supply orders to optimize kitchen efficiency and minimize waste.
Additionally, the Sous Chef must uphold rigorous health, safety, and sanitation standards by performing regular inspections and implementing corrective measures when necessary. This role requires a proactive approach to labor management, including scheduling and productivity optimization. Acting as a liaison between kitchen staff and the front-of-house team is crucial to providing seamless service and enhancing the guest experience.
This role demands flexibility, with work schedules that include evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet the needs of the busy restaurant environment. The position offers an annual salary ranging from $45,000 to $60,000, reflecting the candidate's experience and expertise. Benefits include healthcare coverage such as health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with matching contributions, paid time off, and opportunities for performance and yearly bonuses. Bender's Tavern offers food provisions during shifts, creating an inclusive and supportive work atmosphere.
If you have at least three years of culinary experience in fine dining or upscale restaurant environments, possess a passion for creative and high-quality cuisine, and thrive in a leadership role that demands both organization and innovation, Bender's Tavern invites you to apply for the Sous Chef position. Join a team dedicated to culinary excellence, where your skills will contribute to the continuation of a historic institution's legacy while advancing your professional career in one of Canton’s premier dining establishments.
                - Proven experience working as a sous chef or in a similar leadership role in a fine dining or upscale restaurant setting
 - Strong culinary skills and a passion for creating innovative and high-quality dishes
 - Excellent knowledge of cooking techniques, flavor profiles, and ingredient sourcing
 - Leadership abilities with the capacity to motivate and inspire a team
 - Exceptional organizational and time-management skills
 - Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on maintaining standards of excellence
 - Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
 - Scheduled for a minimum of 44 hrs a week
 - Culinary degree or certification from an accredited institution is preferred but not required