Executive Chef

Executive Chef | Newport, RI

$105,000 – $120,000

Running a kitchen is one thing. Running a kitchen where you're also an owner — where every great dish, every tight labor cost, and every cook you develop directly grows your own stake in the company — that's something else entirely.

We're partnering with a well-established, employee-owned restaurant group in Newport, RI to place an Executive Chef who doesn't just want to lead a kitchen. They want to own it.

This is a confidential search. Further details about the concept will be shared with qualified candidates.

What You'll Own

This is a full-ownership role — the food, the people, and the numbers.

• Set and execute the culinary vision consistently across every service
• Engineer a menu built around seasonality, scratch cooking, and cost-conscious creativity that keeps guests coming back
• Own your numbers: labor cost, food cost, and budget performance
• Hire, develop, and retain a kitchen team worth staying on
• Hold high standards — fairly, clearly, and consistently
• Ensure kitchen operations stay efficient, safe, and sanitary at all times

What's In It For You

Compensation & Benefits

• $105,000 – $120,000 annually
• Paid sick, holiday, and vacation time
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care options
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)

Financial & Ownership

• 100% company-paid LTD, Life & AD&D Insurance
• Generous 401(k) company match
• Employee ownership opportunities — your work builds real equity

Perks

• Dining card program
• 35% discount across group locations (food and beverage)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wholesaler Club reimbursement
• Tenure recognition program
• Referral bonus program
• Telemedicine access

Relocation assistance is available for qualified out-of-area candidates.

Who You Are

You lead from the front. You take pride in what leaves your kitchen. And you understand that a strong team is as important as a strong menu.

You bring:

• A genuine passion for food and the guest experience — visible in every plate
• A leadership style that builds equitable, respectful kitchen culture
• Composure and strategic thinking when service gets chaotic
• Sharp financial instincts — you know your food cost and you manage to it
• Clear communication skills across all levels, from line cooks to front-of-house leadership
• Flexibility to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays — this is hospitality

What You Bring on Paper

• 3–5+ years of Executive Chef experience in a high-volume establishment
• A proven track record of scratch cuisine — experience in high-volume seafood concepts is a strong advantage
• Culinary Arts degree preferred; exceptional experience carries equal weight
• Demonstrated success with cost controls and kitchen financials

This is a confidential search. All inquiries are handled with discretion. Qualified candidates will receive full concept details upon initial conversation.

Gecko Hospitality in New England is a premier North American recruitment firm. Covering MA, NH, ME, VT, RI, and CT, the branch connects top-tier management and executive talent with leading hospitality organizations.

Led by experienced former hospitality operators, including Franchise Partners Evan Kaplan and Brian Blum, the New England team leverages their firsthand industry knowledge to carefully assess candidates for both operational competency and cultural fit.

Key Focus Areas:

Target Sectors: Restaurants (quick service to fine dining), hotels, resorts, private clubs, casinos, catering, and corporate dining.
Roles Placed: Executive and senior leadership, including General Managers, Executive Chefs, Directors of Operations, and C-suite executives.
Core Services: Executive search, talent strategy, organizational design, and leadership pipeline development.

Operating exclusively within the hospitality niche, the firm provides customized, relationship-driven recruitment solutions that accelerate business performance and advance professional careers.