Commercial Airline Catering - Sous Chef
Description

ABOUT US


Abby’s Catering is the longest-standing in-flight and corporate catering company in Houston, proudly serving the Houston & Dallas Metro markets. We specialize in chef-crafted cuisine using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. Our reputation is built on exceptional service, impeccable food safety, and a memorable customer experience with every flight.

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards in quality, safety, accountability, and teamwork — and we are looking for leaders who share these values.


POSITION SUMMARY


The Sous Chef leads daily hot & cold culinary production to ensure all Abby’s Catering menu items meet quality, safety, and airline presentation standards. This position collaborates with the Executive Chef to maintain HACCP compliance and short-order operations within a 24/7 environment.

Supports: Culinary Production Team
Direct Reports: Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, Production Assistants


SAFETY & COMPLIANCE

  • Maintain daily compliance with all Food Safety, HACCP, and traceability standards
  • Ensure accurate logs, conduct audits, and document/resolve deviations promptly
  • Enforce sanitation and personal hygiene policies across production teams
  • Maintain a hazard-free workspace and uphold safety protocols at all times
  • Ensure aviation regulatory and airline-specific standards are met consistently

EQUIPMENT & MAINTENANCE SUPPORT

  • Oversee correct handling, cleaning, and sanitation of all kitchen equipment and tools
  • Ensure equipment and workspaces are cleaned, sanitized, and properly stored
  • Report equipment issues promptly and ensure corrective actions are completed
  • Support workflow improvements and kitchen efficiency initiatives

DUTIES

  • Lead, train, and supervise culinary crews for high-performance execution
  • Conduct daily production meetings and coordinate prep priorities by flight schedules
  • Verify compliance with recipes, portion standards, and plating instructions
  • Deliver finished products on time to meet Kitchen Departure Times for all flights
  • Control cost through portion control, waste reduction, FIFO rotation, and labor oversight
  • Provide food safety and plating technique training to front-line staff
  • Maintain a clean, organized production environment across all shifts
  • Promote teamwork, communication, and a positive work culture
  • Support menu launches, production tests, and special airline programs
  • Perform additional responsibilities assigned by the Executive Chef

OUR MISSION & CORE VALUES


Abby’s Catering aims to remain the leading in-flight and corporate catering company in the Houston & Dallas Metro markets by sourcing locally, prioritizing food safety, and operating responsibly and efficiently.

We live by CATCH — Our Core Values:

  • Customer Service — Deliver excellence with every flight
  • Accountability — Own results and commitments
  • Teamwork — Collaborate to win
  • Competitiveness — Strive for the highest standards
  • Honesty — Act with integrity and respect
Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS

  • 3+ years culinary leadership experience in high-volume environments
  • Ability to thrive in cold-room production as low as 36°F for extended periods
  • Rotating shifts, weekends, and holiday availability required
  • Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
  • Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred
  • Ability to read/interpret airline plating instructions and batch recipes
  • Computer skills including Microsoft Office and basic production systems
  • Reliable, proactive, and able to work independently
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required
  • Culinary Arts certificate or degree preferred
  • Aviation or airline catering experience a strong plus
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. — no sponsorship available
  • Food Handler / Food Safety Manager Certification required (ServSafe or equivalent)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Cold-room and hot production spaces
  • Fast-paced, deadline-driven aviation operation
  • Standing for long periods and moderate-to-heavy lifting required
  • Exposure to carts, sharp tools, and high-traffic areas
  • 24/7 operation with shift flexibility essential