Shift Leader
About the job
- Leadership experience in a fast-paced restaurant or kitchen.
- Confidence in holding others accountable.
- Strong communication and organization skills.
- Comfort with basic math and handling cash.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure and focus on solutions.
- Passion for great food and teamwork.
- Own the shift from opening to closing.
- Follow and complete opening and closing checklists.
- Monitor food safety standards and walk-in cooler organization.
- Operate and troubleshoot kitchen equipment.
- Adjust staffing in real time to match business needs.
- Send daily shift summaries to management.
- Enforce policies around uniforms, punctuality, attendance, and phone use.
- Ensure all team members follow Quality Identifier standards.
- Coach team members with respect, clarity, and firmness.
- Handle guest issues using the D.O.E. Method to resolve problems.
- Issue refunds or credits when needed to win customers back.
- Receive and stow away deliveries.
- Create and oversee prep lists.
- Complete full inventory counts as scheduled.
- Communicate expected shortages to management.
- Perform safe counts and reconciliation.
- Balance drawers and complete deposits at the end of the shift.
- Keep cashiers stocked with change and supplies.
- Master every item in the Hot Chi recipe book.
- Lead prep for all bulk kitchen items.
- Oversee execution and quality of prep lists.
About the company
Hot Chi Chicken + Cedars Mediterranean Kitchen operates as a Chicago-based fast-casual brand offering Nashville-style hot chicken infused with Middle Eastern and Mexican flavors. Its menu centers on chicken sandwiches and tenders at various heat levels, with signature items like the Hot Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich and harissa-glazed options, plus fusion sides such as Grilled Corn Elote and location-specific items like The Dirty Mac. The concept blends chef-driven recipes with a fast-casual format and relies on social media marketing and community events to attract and retain customers, differentiating itself through a Midwest-Mideast fusion and a family-backed, chef-led approach. The goal is to expand its Chicago footprint while maintaining accessible, flavorful dining and strong local partnerships in neighborhoods and food halls.
Company Size
1-10
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
Founded
2021
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Cedars' 2025 Eater coverage praised strong value and constant buzz in Hyde Park.
- Hot Chi's September 2026 site lists four Chicago locations, showing operating scale.
- TikTok-fueled menu virality keeps signature items like Popeye's Ain't Sh!t demand-rich.
What critics are saying
- Hot Chi's Avondale concept is a virtual kitchen, signaling low-barrier competition and volatility.
- Chicago food halls compress margins; Sterling Food Hall and Old Post Office traffic drives sales.
- A health inspection failure or out-of-business filing at any location can quickly damage the brand.
What makes Hot Chi Chicken + Cedars Mediterranean Kitchen unique
- Cedars has served Hyde Park since 1992, anchoring decades of neighborhood trust.
- Hot Chi blends Nashville hot chicken with Middle Eastern and Mexican flavors.
- Amer Abdullah ties both brands to family heritage, community events, and cultural storytelling.
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Benefits
Meal Benefits