Job Description

About GŌKA

GŌKA is a new project from Gitano Capital — a hospitality group with deep culinary experience across Houston and Mexico — opening in Houston in fall 2026. A modern Japanese–Mediterranean restaurant and cocktail bar, GŌKA brings together top-tier Japanese cuisine and a true vibe-dining experience: an evening that moves from aperitivo lounge to dinner to late-night energy, all in one room. It's a concept Houston hasn't seen yet.

We're assembling a founding team that takes the craft seriously and wants to help shape a brand from day one.

The Role

As Head Sushi Chef, you own our sushi program end to end — from the fish we source to the final piece set in front of the guest. You'll lead the sushi line, hold an exacting standard of quality and presentation, and build and mentor the team that executes it nightly across à la carte and omakase service. You'll work closely with our Executive Chef / Chef de Cuisine and culinary leadership to bring a distinctive Japanese–Mediterranean point of view to life. This is a rare chance to build a sushi program from scratch with an experienced hospitality group behind you.

ResponsibilitiesSushi Program Leadership

• Lead and elevate the sushi program; set and maintain the standard for quality, consistency, and presentation on every plate.
• Execute à la carte and omakase service at a high level — with speed and precision in a high-volume, vibe-driven room.
• Develop signature items and contribute to menu direction alongside the Executive Chef and culinary leadership.

Fish Sourcing & Handling

• Help source and select fish; build and maintain relationships with quality purveyors.
• Break down, portion, and handle fish with proper technique and impeccable cold-chain discipline.
• Uphold food-safety standards for raw-fish service at all times (FDA parasite-destruction/freezing requirements, HACCP, ServSafe, Harris County Health).

Quality & Consistency

• Ensure consistency, quality, and presentation across every shift and every station.
• Run effective line checks and station setups so every service is execution-ready.

Team Leadership & Training

• Hire, mentor, train, and guide sushi team members; build a culture of craft, cleanliness, and accountability.

Inventory & Ordering

• Assist with ordering, receiving, and inventory management for the sushi program.
• Monitor vendor pricing, yield, waste, and spoilage; manage food cost on the sushi line.
• Properly label, store, and rotate product using FIFO and strict temperature control.

Operational Support

• Assist with scheduling and shift planning for the sushi station.
• Support menu development, specials, and seasonal changes.
• Communicate clearly and proactively with the FOH, bar, and management teams.

What You Bring — Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience as a sushi chef in fine-dining, high-volume, and omakase-style settings.
• Deep understanding of fish, rice (shari), and traditional Japanese technique — knife work, edomae fundamentals, and nigiri/sashimi craft.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, a leadership mindset, and a strong work ethic.
• Working knowledge of food cost, inventory, and kitchen systems.
• Food-safety certification (ServSafe and Harris County food handler), or the ability to obtain it before opening.
• Comfortable working evenings, weekends, and late nights in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
• Opening-team experience and bilingual English/Spanish are each a plus (not required).

What We Offer

• Competitive salary: commensurate with experience (top of range for omakase-trained talent).
• The opportunity to build and shape the sushi program of a brand-new concept from day one.
• Backing from an experienced hospitality group with a strong culinary track record in Houston and Mexico, plus a collaborative, supportive team.
• Additional income through bonuses.
• Health benefits, paid time off, and family meal.
• Real growth opportunity with a multi-concept, growing Houston hospitality group.

How to Apply

Submit your résumé and, if available, photos or a short portfolio of your sushi work. We review applications on a rolling basis ahead of our fall 2026 opening. [Apply via Culinary Agents, or email gabriel@gitanocapital.com]

Job Tags

Full time, Seasonal work, Shift work, Night shift, Weekend work, Afternoon shift

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