Job Summary

The Wood Oven Pizza Enthusiast and Kitchen Prep at Tennessy Willems is a specialized culinary role in one of Ottawa’s most beloved wood-fired pizzerias. Located in the heart of Hintonburg, this role isn’t just about cooking; it’s about mastering the ancient art of live-fire temperature control. This position requires the “wit” to manage a living, breathing wood oven and the “grit” to maintain high-quality output during a fast-paced dinner rush.

Job Details

Employer: Tennessy Willems (Renowned for locally sourced, wood-fired pizza).
Location: Hintonburg, Ottawa, ON (In-person).
Position Type: Full-time.
Compensation: Hourly base pay plus Tips.
Schedule: Day shifts, Monday to Friday (with weekends as needed).
Benefits: Flexible schedule, discounted/free food, casual dress, and on-site parking.
Requirements: Smart Serve and Food Handlers Certificate (Required).

Core Responsibilities

Oven Mastery: Manage the wood-fired oven, maintaining precise temperature zones and managing logs to ensure consistent, blistered crusts (the “leopard-spotting” effect).
Kitchen Operations: Oversee daily prep, cooking, and plating, ensuring every pie meets Tennessy Willems’ “Excellence in Service” standards.
Dough Stewardship: Execute recipe and portion standards, focusing on dough hydration and fermentation for optimal flavor.
Inventory Control: Monitor stock levels and collaborate with management for supply ordering and special menu creations.
Food Safety: Ensure absolute compliance with health regulations, maintaining a clean, organized, and “Integrity-first” workspace.
Team Leadership: Motivate and inspire the kitchen crew, maintaining focus and attention to detail during high-volume periods.

Candidate Requirements

Experience: At least 2 years of specialized experience in professional pizza making and high-hydration dough preparation.
Technical Wit: Deep knowledge of food preparation techniques and the physics of wood-fired cooking.
Leadership: Strong organizational skills and the ability to lead a fast-paced line without losing composure.
Communication: English proficiency (French is not required for this role).
Physicality: Ability to work on your feet in a hot kitchen environment and manage heavy wood logs and bulk dough.

The Art of the Wood-Fired Pie

At Tennessy Willems, the oven is the heart of the house. Understanding its mechanics is key to success:

Heat Transfer: Unlike a standard oven, wood ovens use three types of heat: Radiant (from the dome), Conduction (from the floor), and Convection (the rolling flame).
Leopard Spotting: Achieving the perfect “Cornicione” (crust) requires a flash-cook at approximately 800°F – 900°F.
Hintonburg Context: Tennessy Willems is a pillar of the local food scene, meaning you’ll be serving a community that knows and appreciates the nuance of artisanal pizza.

Job Description

Do you believe that a true pizza is born from wood, flame, and high-quality dough? Tennessy Willems is seeking a Wood Oven Pizza Enthusiast to join our Ottawa kitchen. We aren’t just making dinner; we are crafting an experience. If you have the “grit” to work the fire on a busy Friday night and the “wit” to manage a complex dough schedule, you belong at our hearth.

In this role, you are a “Culinary Guardian.” You understand that for our customers, the wood-fired char isn’t a mistake—it’s the goal. Your mission is to oversee daily operations with a keen eye for detail, ensuring that every ingredient is fresh and every pie is perfect. We look for “Integrity-first” leaders who take pride in their craft and love the fast-paced energy of a high-end pizzeria.

Joining Tennessy Willems means joining a supportive team in one of Ottawa’s coolest neighborhoods. We offer a flexible schedule, free food, and a place where your passion for the industry is actually rewarded. If you are a self-motivated pizza professional with a commitment to “Excellence in Wood-Fired Cooking,” we invite you to apply. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the fire!

Tennessy Willems | Hintonburg’s Wood-Fired Pioneer

Tennessy Willems is a landmark artisanal pizzeria located in the heart of Ottawa’s Hintonburg (Wellington West) neighborhood. Established in 2010 by Lisa and Jochen Braun, the restaurant was named after their two children and born from a vision to bring authentic, New England-style wood-fired pizza to the National Capital Region. Occupying the historic former Melrose Groceteria, it has evolved into a community staple known for its rustic charm and commitment to local sourcing.

Company Culture: “The Second Family”

The culture at Tennessy Willems is defined by a tight-knit, high-energy team environment.

Camaraderie & Longevity: Employee reviews frequently highlight a “second family” atmosphere. Many staff members, both in the front of house and the kitchen, have remained with the restaurant for years, fostering a deep sense of internal loyalty.
High-Pace Precision: Working around a wood-stone oven that reaches extreme temperatures creates a fast-paced, “friendly but stressful” environment. The culture rewards those who are hardworking and can maintain quality under pressure during busy dinner rushes.
Creative Expression: The kitchen staff is encouraged to be creative, particularly with daily specials and unique topping combinations that go beyond traditional Italian boundaries.
Community-Centric: The restaurant operates with a “down-to-earth” vibe that reflects the artistic and professional demographic of Wellington West.

Location: 1082 Wellington Street West

Tennessy Willems is a focal point of the Hintonburg “foodie” scene, situated at the corner of Wellington West and Melrose Avenue.

Tennessy Willems – Hintonburg

Atmosphere: The interior is cozy and rustic, featuring tables topped with wood planks salvaged from the building’s own upper floors.
Bustling Vibe: With seating for roughly 30-40 people, the space is often lively and loud, catering to a mix of solo diners at the bar and groups sharing multiple pies.
Outdoor Patio: During the warmer months, the restaurant opens a popular seasonal terrace that allows diners to soak in the vibrant street life of Wellington West.

The Wood-Fired Specialty

The menu is centered on thin-crust pizzas cooked in a wood-burning oven, characterized by a perfectly charred “leopard-spotted” crust.

Signature Dish	Key Ingredients	Note
The Wild Boar	Local wild boar sausage, caramelized apple, sage pesto, 2-year cheddar.	The restaurant’s most famous and inventive creation.
The Elmdale	Spicy or mild Genoa salami, roasted peppers, mushrooms, fior di latte.	Named after the nearby historic Elmdale Tavern.
The Helen	Baby spinach, goat cheese, pine nuts, lemon juice.	A Lebanese-inspired tribute to the building’s former owners, Helen and Buddy.
Artichoke & Spinach Dip	Smoked mozzarella, cheddar, sourdough bread.	Frequently cited as a “must-try” appetizer.

Associate Benefits: “The Hospitality Perk Package”

As a small, independent restaurant, Tennessy Willems offers a benefits structure focused on immediate workplace quality and team support:

Competitive 2026 Wages: * Line Cooks: $20.00 – $24.00/hr (plus tips).
- Dishwashers/Hosts: $17.60 – $19.50/hr (plus tips).
Unlimited Staff Meals: A significant perk frequently mentioned by employees is the “unlimited free food” while on shift, allowing staff to enjoy the high-quality menu items they serve.
Skills Development: The restaurant provides a unique opportunity to learn the specialized craft of a Pizzaiolo, including dough fermentation and wood-oven temperature management.
Flexible Autonomy: While the work is hard, staff report a level of autonomy regarding breaks and “breaks at your own command” when the workflow allows.
Tip Sharing: A transparent tip-pooling system ensures that the kitchen team (back of house) shares in the success of a busy service.

2026 Market Context

In the competitive Ottawa pizza landscape—now home to newer players like Heartbreakers and Pizza Nerds—Tennessy Willems maintains its edge through its “Farm-to-Fire” philosophy. By maintaining direct relationships with local farmers for their sausage, honey, and seasonal vegetables, they continue to offer a flavor profile that feels uniquely “Ottawa.”

Tennessy Willems Pizza Review

This video offers a quick visual tour of the restaurant’s signature wood-fired pizzas and local ingredients, providing a clear sense of the dining atmosphere.

To apply for this job please visit twpizza.squarespace.com.