Lead the Kitchen. Build the Culture. Create the Experience.
Corner Ledger is redefining the modern American gastropub. We combine elevated comfort food, craft beer, premium whiskey, and genuine hospitality in a warm, energetic setting where guests feel like regulars from their very first visit.
We're looking for an accomplished Executive Chef who is equal parts culinary leader, business manager, teacher, and craftsman. This is an opportunity to shape one of Carroll County's premier dining destinations while working alongside an ownership team committed to quality, creativity, and long-term success.
If you're passionate about scratch cooking, mentoring great people, developing memorable menus, and running a financially successful kitchen, we'd love to meet you.
Position Summary
The Executive Chef is responsible for all culinary operations at Corner Ledger, including menu development, food quality, staffing, purchasing, sanitation, inventory, profitability, and daily kitchen leadership. The Executive Chef is a member of the restaurant's senior leadership team and plays a key role in delivering an exceptional guest experience.
Primary Responsibilities
Culinary Leadership
- Lead all back-of-house operations with professionalism and integrity.
- Develop seasonal menus and chef features that showcase creativity while maintaining broad guest appeal.
- Ensure consistent execution, quality, presentation, and portion control.
- Maintain recipe standards and kitchen systems.
- Continually evaluate menu performance and make improvements based on guest feedback and profitability.
Scratch Kitchen Development
- Champion a scratch-made food philosophy.
- Develop house-made breads, spent-grain specialties, sauces, stocks, desserts, and signature menu items.
- Lead the development of our spent-grain bakery program in partnership with local breweries.
- Oversee pizza, bread, and specialty baking programs as they evolve.
Financial Management
- Maintain food cost within established targets.
- Control labor expenses while building an efficient kitchen team.
- Manage purchasing, inventory, receiving, and vendor relationships.
- Minimize waste through production planning and inventory management.
- Analyze menu mix, contribution margins, and sales trends.
Team Development
- Recruit, interview, hire, train, coach, and retain exceptional culinary talent.
- Build a culture of accountability, respect, teamwork, and continuous learning.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and coaching sessions.
- Develop future kitchen leaders through mentorship.
Operations
- Ensure compliance with all health department regulations and food safety standards.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen.
- Oversee equipment maintenance and preventative care.
- Collaborate with front-of-house leadership to create seamless guest experiences.
Collaboration
Partner with ownership and management to:
- Develop seasonal promotions.
- Execute beer dinners and whiskey pairing events.
- Create holiday and special event menus.
- Support catering and private dining.
- Introduce innovative food offerings that differentiate Corner Ledger in the market.
Qualifications
- Five or more years of Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef leadership experience.
- Strong background in upscale casual dining, gastropubs, or chef-driven restaurants.
- Proven ability to manage food cost, labor, inventory, and kitchen profitability.
- Experience developing standardized recipes and kitchen systems.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Experience with scratch kitchens and high-volume service.
- Passion for mentoring and developing culinary teams.
- ServSafe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain).
- Culinary degree preferred but equivalent experience is welcomed.
We're Looking For Someone Who...
- Leads by example every day.
- Thrives during busy service while remaining calm and organized.
- Takes pride in coaching and developing others.
- Believes consistency is as important as creativity.
- Understands both the culinary and financial sides of the business.
- Is passionate about hospitality—not just food.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Performance bonus based on food cost, labor, profitability, and guest satisfaction.
- Paid vacation.
- Health benefits (where applicable).
- Dining discounts.
- Ongoing professional development.
- Creative freedom to develop seasonal menus and signature dishes.
- Opportunities for career growth as the Corner Ledger brand expands.
Why Corner Ledger?
Corner Ledger is more than a restaurant—it's a gathering place where exceptional food, craft beverages, and genuine hospitality come together. We believe every guest should leave saying, "That was worth coming back for."
We're building a team of professionals who care deeply about quality, teamwork, and creating memorable experiences. If you're ready to lead an ambitious culinary program and leave your mark on one of the region's most exciting restaurant concepts, we'd love to hear from you.
To Apply
Please submit your résumé along with a brief note describing your culinary philosophy, leadership style, and a menu or accomplishment you're especially proud of.
Corner Ledger is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity, inclusion, professionalism, and a culture of respect.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
