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Best Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kindred Hospitality Group

Sous Chef

Mooresville, NC · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Our culinary team has earned five James Beard Foundation nominations for Best Chef: Southeast along with other national and local accolades. We want to continue to grow and push the boundaries of ...

SH Hotels and Resorts

Chef de Cuisine, Alteno

Austin, TX · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

The original Alteno in Denver, Colorado, was recently named to Conde Nast Traveler's "Best New Restaurants in the World: 2026 Hot List." Chef Johnny Curiel is also a current James Beard Award ...

Peppers Artful Events

Be Seen First

Event Chef

Northborough, MA · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

This is a great opportunity to work with some of the best chefs in Mass. doing some of the biggest events Boston/Central MA has to offer. Weddings, galas, business functions, private dinners, you ...

Kindred Hospitality Group

Line Cook

Cornelius, NC · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Our team has received 5 James Beard Foundation nominations for Best Chef: Southeast and we want to continue to grow and push the boundaries of food and teamwork. We look forward to hearing from you!

Monteverde

Lead Pastry Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

... for "Best Chef: Great Lakes". Our Executive Chef Bailey Sullivan was a finalist on "Top Chef Canada" and nominated for the 2026 James Beard Award for Emerging Chef. We are currently looking for ...

Kindred Hospitality Group

Line Cook

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Our team has received 5 James Beard Foundation nominations for Best Chef: Southeast and we want to continue to grow and push the boundaries of food and teamwork. Qualifications: * Cooking experience ...

Truluck's

Executive Chef (Fine Dining)

Miami, FL · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

We are looking for the best chefs in the Miami area! If you think you have what it takes to lead our Brickell team, please contact us today! We are looking forward to meeting you! Why us? At Truluck ...

The Shipwright's Daughter

Lead Line Cook

Stonington, CT · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Led by Chef David Standridge (2024 James Beard Award, Best Chef: Northeast), we cook modern New England cuisine built around sustainable, tide-to-table sourcing -- local fishermen, farmers, kelp ...

The Idea Collective

LINE COOK - SUENO

Dayton, OH · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

Come cook in a GORGEOUS open kitchen, for a three-time James Beard Foundation Best Chef finalist with one of the regions fastest growing hospitality groups. This is the opportunity you've been ...

The Idea Collective

LINE COOK - SUENO

Dayton, OH · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

Come cook in a GORGEOUS open kitchen, for a three-time James Beard Foundation Best Chef finalist with one of the regions fastest growing hospitality groups. This is the opportunity you've been ...

milkbread

Expo

Davidson, NC · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Our team just received our 5th James Beard Foundation nomination for Best Chef: Southeast. Qualifications: * Able to meet all scheduling commitments. * Able to anticipate the needs of others in the ...

Truluck's

Executive Chef (Fine Dining)

Austin, TX · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

We are looking for the best chefs in the Austin area! If you think you have what it takes to lead our exceptional team, please apply today! We are looking forward to meeting you! If you have ...

Kindred Hospitality Group

Line Cook

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Our team just received our 5th James Beard Foundation nomination for Best Chef: Southeast Qualifications: * Cooking experience or Back of the House experience preferred. * Able to meet all scheduling ...

Truluck's

Executive Chef (Fine Dining)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

We are looking for the best chefs in the DFW area! If you think you have what it takes to lead our exceptional Dallas team, please apply today! We are looking forward to meeting you! If you have ...

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Best Chef information

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$10

$24

$44

How much do best chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for best chef in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a best chef do?

A Best Chef is an expert culinary professional who leads the kitchen in creating exceptional dishes, developing innovative menus, and ensuring the highest quality of food and presentation. They often manage kitchen staff, oversee food sourcing, and maintain food safety standards. Best Chefs are recognized for their creativity, leadership, and ability to consistently deliver outstanding dining experiences. Their role often includes mentoring junior chefs and staying updated with culinary trends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chef, you need a solid foundation in culinary techniques, food safety regulations, and typically a degree or certification in culinary arts. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food preparation software is often required. Creativity, leadership, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for menu development and team management. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safe kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What are some common challenges best chefs face when managing kitchen teams in high-demand environments?

Best Chefs often encounter challenges such as balancing creative menu development with consistency, ensuring timely communication among kitchen staff, and maintaining high standards under pressure during peak service hours. Managing inventory, minimizing food waste, and adapting to dietary trends also require strong organizational skills. Successful Best Chefs foster a collaborative team environment, providing mentorship and clear direction to ensure smooth kitchen operations and exceptional dining experiences.

What is the difference between Best Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectBest ChefSous Chef
CredentialsFormal culinary training, certifications often preferredSimilar culinary training, certifications optional
Work EnvironmentLeads kitchen operations, creative decision-makingSupports head chef, manages kitchen staff
Industry UsageRecognized as the top culinary professional in a restaurantKey supporting role in restaurant kitchens
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for top culinary professionals or leadership rolesComparing leadership vs supporting culinary roles

The Best Chef is the culinary leader responsible for menu creation, kitchen management, and overall kitchen success. The Sous Chef supports the Best Chef, handling daily operations and supervising staff. While both roles require culinary skills and certifications, the Best Chef holds a higher leadership position, making it the primary focus for those seeking top culinary careers.

What are the highest paid best chefs?

The highest-paid chefs are often executive chefs or head chefs working in luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, or private clubs, with annual salaries reaching $100,000 or more. Top-tier chefs who gain fame through media or own successful restaurants can earn significantly higher income through bonuses, endorsements, and business ventures.
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What cities are hiring for Best Chef jobs?

Cities with the most Best Chef job openings:

What states have the most Best Chef jobs?

States with the most job openings for Best Chef jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Best Chef jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Best Chef jobs are:

Best Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Best Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Sous Chef

Kindred Hospitality Group

Mooresville, NC • On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Vision insurance
  • 401(k) matching
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discounts
  • Free food & snacks

Position Summary
We're hiring an experienced, driven Sous Chef to help lead our kitchen team as we open Deepwell — the newest full-service restaurant from the Kindred Hospitality group. This role is suited to a culinary leader who takes pride in consistency, mentorship, and bringing a seasonally-driven menu to life night after night.
About Us
Deepwell is an upscale casual restaurant and part of a growing local restaurant group, with several other restaurants in the area owned by Joe & Katy Kindred. Our culinary team has earned five James Beard Foundation nominations for Best Chef: Southeast along with other national and local accolades. We want to continue to grow and push the boundaries of food and teamwork.
Responsibilities
  • Support the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations, ensuring consistency and quality across all stations
  • Supervise, train, and mentor kitchen staff, including cooks and prep cooks
  • Oversee food preparation, plating, and presentation to meet the restaurant's standards
  • Manage inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships to control food costs and minimize waste
  • Create and update prep lists, recipes, and station setups for seasonal menu changes
  • Enforce health, safety, and sanitation standards throughout the kitchen
  • Step in on the line during high-volume service to maintain pace and quality
  • Assist with scheduling, labor management, and kitchen staffing
  • Communicate with front-of-house leadership to ensure seamless, well-paced service
Qualifications
  • Previous experience as a Sous Chef or senior kitchen leader preferred; upscale or fine dining experience strongly preferred
  • Strong culinary skills across multiple stations, with a seasonally-driven approach to cooking
  • Proven ability to lead, train, and motivate a kitchen team
  • Working knowledge of food costing, inventory management, and vendor ordering
  • ServSafe certification, or willingness to obtain
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
  • Flexibility to work night shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed
Compensation & Benefits
  • Pay: Competitive, based on experience. Starting at $55,000 per year.
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance (full-time)
  • Employee Discounts
  • Opportunity for growth within a multi-location restaurant group

Job Type: Full-time, 50 Hours a Week
Schedule: Night shift
Shift: 10-hour shift
Restaurant Type: Upscale casual