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Join Us as a Chef at Hickory’s Smokehouse – Real Chefs Wanted to Cook Real Food
At Hickory’s Smokehouse, we’re proud to have been named ‘Best Pub Employer’ for 2025 at The Publican Awards! This is your chance to embark on an exciting new adventure in hospitality and master the art of authentic BBQ cooking within our high-performing team.
About the Role
We’re seeking passionate, skilled chefs to bring our award-winning BBQ experience to life. If food means everything to you, our kitchens are the perfect playground to follow your vision.
In our busy yet dynamic kitchens, you’ll:
- Grill, smoke, and BBQ with expertise in authentic American-style techniques
- Collaborate in a team culture where growth and work-life balance are prioritised
- Receive gold-standard training through our Hickory’s Training Academy
- Have the opportunity to progress into leadership roles within this leading hospitality chain
- Identify yourself with a brand that values you and your journey – because you work hard, we invest in you.
The Experience
- Join a modern, state-of-the-art kitchen (£250k bespoke build) equipped with smoker units specially imported from the USA
- Earn up to £16.11 per hour, including a Tip Jar bonus of up to £3.00 per hour – making this role both lucrative and rewarding
- Work extended hours? No problem – your time willnever be put second, with our flexible policies and proactive support
Key Responsibilities
- Mastering authentic smoky, brawny BGQ techniques – on the grill, on the rack, and in the smoker
- Leading a fast-paced kitchen team, ensuring a seamless customer experience filled with our real, American-inspired dishes
- Training, developing, and mentoring junior chefs to maintain our ex Excellence standards of quality
- Consistently elevating our menu (either entrees or station work) with new house specials and seasonal offerings
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About You
- A deep-seated passion for authentic BBQ cooking – nothing generic, just authentic flair
- Proven experience as a professional chef, with a solid foundation in all facets of the kitchen – from baking to bring it, from knife skills to portion control
- An eernest willingness to learn from the best and take every opportunity to grow your expertise
- A team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment where you persist under pressure but never lacks empathy for colleagues customers
Thank You’s & Benefits
Earning & Financial Incentives:
- Up to £16.11 per hour, including your holiday pay and those generous tips from customers
Workplace Environment & Support:
- Operate from a þoroughly £250k bespoke built kitchen, where every chef has room to shine and innovation thrives
- Hickory’s Training Academy provides excellent development, ensuring you’re constantly growing alongside the business
- Exclusive corporate reward: A full birthday meal for you & friends every year
- Say 'thank you' to eucherry another way: Free team BBQs, food & drinks while on shift
- Christmas Day off – a tradition we embed into the schedule every year
- Supporting life milestones: Paid occasion days off (Wedding day, kid’s first day at school, purchasing your first home, or other once-in-a-lifetime events)
- Our 'For Loyal Service' Team Player card: You’ll enjoy 25% off (which escalates to 50% after lengthy service) for yourself & five friends in any Hickory’s (across the chain)
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Wellbeing & Performance Growth:
- Availability to 24-hour access to a wellness programme, with dedicated Wellbeing Champions in each restaurant to support you
- Comprehensive team social calendar: Competiions, challenges, pizza nights, and team reunions through the year, culminating in an annual restaurant team party
Referral Rewards:
- For every trusted referral, you’ll receive up to £500 through our refer a friend scheme
Community & Contribution:
- A chance to give back with regular Cash For Kids fundraising" – aligning your talents and energy towards making a tangible difference in local schools and kids’ projects
Why Join Hickory’s Smokehouse?
- Top-tier employees create top-tier experiences. When loyalty is balanced, success is guaranteed for all.
- Beyond the grill: competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities that match the flavour of every dish.
- A brand that cares deeply about the people who keep us going: ensuring that as members of the team, you’re ‘connected,’ ‘supported,’ and ‘empowered’.
Apply Today
That’s it—simply click ‘apply now’ and be ready for a career high that’s unbeatable. One hell of a ride awaits—let’s make yours legendary. “We work hard for your career’s growth, so you work imaginatively for our turnovers!”
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
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