Restaurant Executive Chef - Chattanooga!

Executive Chef – New Restaurant Opening

Location: Chattanooga, TN



We are seeking an experienced Executive Chef to join the leadership team of an exciting new restaurant opening. This is an ideal opportunity for a culinary leader who enjoys opening restaurants, building strong teams, creating efficient kitchen systems, and delivering a consistently excellent guest experience.

The Executive Chef will have significant responsibility for establishing the culinary operation, developing the kitchen team, and creating a culture centered around quality, accountability, and hospitality.

The Opportunity

This role will oversee the day-to-day culinary operation and work closely with the General Manager and restaurant leadership team. The successful candidate will be comfortable balancing hands-on kitchen leadership with the operational responsibilities that come with running a high-volume restaurant.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Lead the culinary team through the restaurant opening and ongoing operations
• Recruit, onboard, train, and develop kitchen team members and future culinary leaders
• Establish efficient kitchen procedures and ensure consistent execution
• Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, cleanliness, and food safety
• Oversee ordering, inventory, storage, prep, production, and waste management
• Monitor food and labor costs and implement strategies to improve profitability
• Ensure recipes and specifications are executed consistently
• Build a strong kitchen culture based on teamwork, communication, accountability, and professionalism
• Partner with restaurant leadership on staffing, scheduling, training, and operational priorities
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, and overall restaurant performance
• Serve as a key leader within the restaurant and provide operational support when needed

Ideal Background

We're looking for a culinary professional who has demonstrated success leading a kitchen in a busy, quality-focused restaurant environment.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• 5+ years of professional culinary experience
• 2+ years in an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or similar leadership position
• Experience working in a high-volume restaurant
• Strong knowledge of kitchen operations and culinary systems
• Demonstrated experience hiring, training, and developing culinary teams
• Understanding of food cost, labor, inventory, and operational controls
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A passion for quality, consistency, and hospitality
• The ability to lead by example while maintaining clear expectations and accountability
• A solutions-oriented approach to challenges and changing business needs
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

What You'll Bring

The strongest candidates will be hands-on leaders who can move comfortably between the line, the prep kitchen, and the administrative side of the operation. You should enjoy developing people, creating structure, solving problems, and setting high standards while maintaining a positive team environment.

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to help shape a new restaurant from the beginning and grow with an expanding organization.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain on your feet for extended periods
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off
• Career development and advancement opportunities
• Opportunity to be part of a new restaurant opening and growing organization

Ready to grow your hospitality career? Apply today in Chattanooga, TN. Send your resume directly to [email protected] for immediate consideration or apply online.

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