Job Overview
We're looking for a talented, experienced Chef to lead daily kitchen operations for our café and wine bar, and to help shape what we serve. This is a hands-on role for a creative cook who takes ownership of execution, holds food quality to a high standard, and leads service with confidence and composure. Beyond running the line, you'll have real input into menu direction, seasonal specials, and new dishes as the concept grows.
You'll manage kitchen workflow, prep, and inventory; ensure consistency across the menu; and set the tone for cleanliness, organization, and efficiency. You'll work closely with ownership and front-of-house staff to deliver an exceptional guest experience across both café and evening wine bar service.
Our menu features approachable, high-quality dishes including sandwiches, toasts, salads, small plates, pizza, pasta, desserts, and shareables designed to complement our coffee and wine programs.
Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day kitchen operations during café and wine bar service
- Execute menu items consistently to recipe and presentation standards
- Manage workflow and prioritize tickets for timely, accurate service
- Maintain quality control on everything leaving the kitchen
- Plan daily prep and keep stations fully stocked and service-ready
- Monitor inventory and product usage; communicate ordering needs to management
- Train and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a positive team environment
- Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health department standards
- Support scheduling and task delegation as the team grows
- Coordinate with front-of-house on ticket times, menu availability, and guest requests
- Receive deliveries, verify quality, and maintain proper storage and rotation
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and profitability
- Lead menu development, creating seasonal specials, refining recipes, and helping evolve the menu over time
- Complete opening/closing procedures and maintain kitchen standards throughout service
Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience as a Chef, with a proven track record of leading a kitchen through service
- Strong, versatile cooking skills across sandwiches, salads, pasta, pizza, small plates, and café-style food
- A genuine creative streak; someone who enjoys developing original dishes, not just executing a set menu
- Sound technique and strong attention to detail
- Solid grasp of food cost, waste reduction, and inventory management
- Excellent organization, communication, and multitasking skills
- Ability to train, motivate, and lead a team
- Reliable, punctual, and accountable
- Working knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and health department requirements
- Food Handler Certification required
Schedule & Availability
- Full-time preferred
- Availability across mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends
- Flexible scheduling based on business needs
Compensation
- Competitive salary + possibility of equity based on experience and skillset
- Growth opportunities as the business expands
What We're Looking For
A chef who thinks like an owner and cooks like an artist: someone with real technical skill and a creative point of view, who leads by example and takes pride in running a clean, organized, efficient kitchen. This is a rare opportunity to help build both the menu and the kitchen systems for a new café and wine bar concept from the ground up, with genuine creative ownership over what goes on the plate.
Pay: $45,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Experience:
- Cooking: 2 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
