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Chef Owner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Palm Springs, CA · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Reforma is the newest innovation from the owners of Chill Bar! Sous Chefresponsibilities include ... Proven working experience as a Sous Chef * Excellent record of kitchen management * Ability to spot ...

Sous Chef

Tarzana, CA · On-site

$52K - $71K/yr

Sous Chef Position Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where ... We are the largest owner and operator of private clubs nationwide, with 130+ country clubs, city ...

Sous Chef

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

About lelé kitchen We are a chef-driven, independently owned restaurant serving modern California cuisine through an Eastern European lens, or Eastern European cuisine interpreted through California ...

Sous Chef

Palm Springs, CA · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Reforma is the newest innovation from the owners of Chill Bar! Sous Chefresponsibilities include ... Proven working experience as a Sous Chef * Excellent record of kitchen management * Ability to spot ...

We are the largest owner and operator of private clubs nationwide, with 130+ country clubs, city ... As a Sushi Chef, you are responsible for leading the food preparation, production, and presentation ...

Sushi Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

We are the largest owner and operator of private clubs nationwide, with 130+ country clubs, city ... As a Sushi Chef, you are responsible for leading the food preparation, production, and presentation ...

We are the largest owner and operator of private clubs nationwide, with 130+ country clubs, city ... As a Sushi Chef, you are responsible for leading the food preparation, production, and presentation ...

Sous Chef

Tarzana, CA · On-site

$52K - $71K/yr

Sous Chef Position Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where ... We are the largest owner and operator of private clubs nationwide, with 130+ country clubs, city ...

If living in lodge-owned housing, room & board available for fixed weekly cost WHAT YOU WILL DO (JOB SUMMARY) The PM Sous Chef is in charge of all operations related to the main restaurant kitchen ...

Sous Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

... family-owned corporation. Perched atop the scenic hills of Granada Hills, The Odyssey offers ... As a Sous Chef, you will play a crucial role in overseeing kitchen operations, ensuring the highest ...

PM Sous Chef

Groveland, CA · On-site

$25/hr

If living in lodge-owned housing, room & board available for fixed weekly cost WHAT YOU WILL DO (JOB SUMMARY) The PM Sous Chef is in charge of all operations related to the main restaurant kitchen ...

Sushi Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Performs additional responsibilities at the request of Management and Owners Qualifications * Must have prior experience as a sushi chef * Must have excellent knife skills * Must be able to work in a ...

Sous Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

... family-owned corporation. Perched atop the scenic hills of Granada Hills, The Odyssey offers ... As a Sous Chef, you will play a crucial role in overseeing kitchen operations, ensuring the highest ...

Sushi chef

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Performs additional responsibilities at the request of Management and Owners Qualifications - * Must have prior experience as a sushi chef * Must have excellent knife skills * Must be able to work in ...

Showing results 41-60

Chef Owner information

See California salary details

$31.6K

$78.3K

$112.5K

How much do chef owner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for chef owner in California is $78,270.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,600.00 and $89,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chef owner?

A Chef Owner is a professional who both owns and operates a restaurant or food establishment, taking on the dual role of head chef and business owner. This means they are responsible for designing menus, overseeing kitchen operations, and ensuring food quality, while also managing business aspects such as finances, marketing, and staffing. Chef Owners often bring their unique culinary vision to their establishments, shaping the restaurant’s identity. They must balance creative culinary work with the demands of running a successful business. This role requires strong leadership, business acumen, and a passion for food.

What is the difference between Chef Owner vs Chef?

AspectChef OwnerChef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degrees often preferredCooking certifications, culinary degrees often preferred
Work EnvironmentOwns and manages a restaurant, involved in business operationsWorks in kitchens, preparing food, often under a head chef or executive chef
Industry UsageCommon in restaurant ownership and managementCommon in restaurant kitchens, culinary establishments

The main difference between a Chef Owner and a Chef is that the Chef Owner owns and manages the restaurant, handling both culinary and business responsibilities. In contrast, a Chef typically works in the kitchen, focusing on food preparation and culinary skills without ownership duties.

What are some key challenges a chef owner may face when balancing kitchen duties with business management responsibilities?

As a Chef Owner, you'll need to juggle both culinary excellence and business operations, which can be demanding. Common challenges include managing the kitchen staff while also handling finances, marketing, and customer relations. Time management is crucial, as you’ll often need to shift quickly between cooking, supervising service, and making strategic business decisions. Success depends on building a reliable team, delegating effectively, and continuously adapting to industry trends while maintaining high food and service standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chef owner?

To thrive as a Chef Owner, you need expert culinary skills, business acumen, and experience in restaurant management, often supported by formal culinary training or hospitality degrees. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and relevant health and safety certifications is essential. Leadership, creativity, and strong interpersonal skills help foster a positive team culture and deliver exceptional guest experiences. These competencies are crucial to ensure both the operational success and culinary excellence of your establishment.
Infographic showing various Chef Owner job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,270 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Sous Chef

Deepest Cut Hospitality LLC

Palm Springs, CA • On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Deepest Cut the curators of fun, entertainment, day and night life where diversity is celebrated are excited to announce they are expanding in Palm Springs.   Reforma is the newest innovation from the owners of Chill Bar!  


Sous Chefresponsibilities include:

  • Planning and directing food preparation and culinary activities
  • Modifying menus or create new ones that meet quality standards
  • Estimating food requirements and food/labor costs


Job brief

We are looking for a creative and proficient in all aspects of food preparation, Sous Chef. 

Responsibilities

  • Help plan and direct food preparation and culinary activities
  • Modify menus or create new ones that meet quality standards
  • Estimate food requirements and food/labor costs
  • Supervise kitchen staff’s activities
  • Arrange for equipment purchases and repairs
  • Recruit and manage kitchen staff
  • Rectify arising problems or complaints
  • Give prepared plates the “final touch”
  • Perform administrative duties
  • Comply with nutrition and sanitation regulations and safety standards
  • Keep time and payroll records
  • Maintain a positive and professional approach with coworkers and customers

Requirements and skills

  • Proven working experience as a Sous Chef
  • Excellent record of kitchen management
  • Ability to spot and resolve problems efficiently
  • Capable of delegating multiple tasks
  • Communication and leadership skills
  • Keep up with cooking trends and best practices
  • Working knowledge of various computer software programs (MS Office, restaurant management software, POS)