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Chef Jobs in Lancaster, KY (NOW HIRING)

The Rackhouse Tavern

Sous Chef

Lexington, KY · On-site

$43K - $59K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role includes supervising ...

The Rackhouse Tavern

Sous Chef

Lexington, KY

$49K - $67K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role includes supervising ...

The Rackhouse Tavern

Sous Chef

Lexington, KY · On-site

$43K - $59K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role includes supervising ...

The Rackhouse Tavern

Sous Chef

Lexington, KY · On-site

$43K - $59K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role includes supervising ...

Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment

Sous Chef

Lexington, KY

$43K - $59K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Sous Chef: Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment If you truly want to elevate yourself, we have an amazing opportunity with a great, High End Company! Company Overview: The Jeff Ruby Experience is about ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Sous chef

Lexington, KY · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food Service prepare tens of thousands of meals weekly for students across the country. Sous Chefs are responsible for supporting the Head Chef in food preparation ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Sous Chef

Lexington, KY · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food Service prepare tens of thousands of meals weekly for students across the country. : Sous Chef Sous Chefs are responsible for supporting the Head Chef in food ...

Dry Branch Farm Market

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

Danville, KY · On-site

$42K - $48K/yr

  • PTO

Experienced Cook/Sous Chef Sous Chef -- Dry Branch Farm Market Danville, KY | Full-Time | Mon-Fri, 8am-4/5pm Dry Branch Farm Market is a meat shop and production kitchen on Main Street in Danville ...

Sweet Lawn Farm

Be Seen First

Executive Chef & Culinary Director

Lexington, KY · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

We are seeking an Executive Chef & Culinary Director to lead all culinary operations and help define the food culture of the property from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity for a chef who ...

Parkhurst Dining

Sous Chef

Danville, KY · On-site

$41K - $55K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

JOB SUMMARY The sous chef assists the culinary team in overseeing the production of food in all stations of the kitchen and supervision of hourly team members. This role is responsible for the ...

Holly Hill Inn

Sous Chef, Holly Hill Inn

Lexington, KY

$20 - $24/hr

Assistant management in the kitchen, following and enforcing the Chef's requirements and guidelines. Creative and professional, willing to participate in creating daily specials, seasonal menus and ...

Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment

Pastry Chef

Lexington, KY

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pastry Chef If you truly want to elevate yourself, we have an amazing opportunity with a great, High End Restaurant Company! Reports to: Executive Chef Company Overview: The Jeff Ruby Experience is ...

Aramark

Executive Chef - Collegiate Hospitality

Lexington, KY · On-site

$71K - $97K/yr

The Executive Chef is a management position overseeing chef managers as well as hourly culinary staff, responsible for developing and executing culinary solutions to meet customer needs and tastes.

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Chef information

See Lancaster, KY salary details

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How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Lancaster, KY is $20.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.09 and $26.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chef do?

A chef is a professional cook who is responsible for preparing meals, developing menus, and overseeing kitchen operations in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments. Chefs ensure food quality, safety, and presentation standards are met, and often manage other kitchen staff. Their duties may include ordering ingredients, maintaining inventory, and creating new recipes. Chefs may specialize in specific types of cuisine or cooking techniques. They play a key role in delivering a memorable dining experience.

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 strong culinary skills, creativity in menu development, and comprehensive knowledge of food safety standards, typically supported by culinary school training or relevant experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management software, and food hygiene certifications (such as ServSafe) is highly valuable. Exceptional organizational ability, teamwork, and leadership are critical soft skills for managing kitchen staff and maintaining a positive work environment. These competencies are essential for delivering high-quality dishes efficiently, ensuring kitchen safety, and running a successful culinary operation.

What are common challenges chefs face in maintaining consistency across dishes and shifts?

Chefs often encounter challenges in ensuring that every dish meets the restaurant’s quality and presentation standards, particularly when managing a team with varying skill levels or during busy service periods. Maintaining consistency requires strong communication, standardized recipes, and rigorous training for all kitchen staff. Additionally, chefs must monitor ingredient quality and adapt quickly to supply changes, all while leading by example to uphold the restaurant’s reputation. Overcoming these challenges is key to delivering a reliable dining experience and building trust with patrons.

What is the difference between Chef vs Cook?

AspectChefCook
CredentialsFormal culinary training or certifications often preferredMinimal formal training, on-the-job experience common
Work EnvironmentProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotelsVaries from home kitchens to restaurants, catering
Job ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, supervising kitchen staff, quality controlFood preparation, cooking, basic kitchen tasks
Industry UsageHigh-end restaurants, culinary institutionsWidespread across all food service settings

While both chefs and cooks work in kitchens and prepare food, chefs typically have formal training, oversee kitchen operations, and work in professional or upscale environments. Cooks usually focus on food preparation and cooking tasks, often with less formal education, and work in a variety of settings. The role of a chef involves leadership and menu development, whereas a cook primarily executes recipes and prepares dishes.

Is 25 too late to become a chef?

Becoming a chef at 25 is not too late, as many chefs start their careers in their twenties or later. Success in the culinary industry depends on skills, training, and experience, which can be gained through culinary schools, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training at any age.
More about Chef jobs

What cities near Lancaster, KY are hiring for Chef jobs?

Cities near Lancaster, KY with the most Chef job openings:

Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Lancaster, KY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,936 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Sous Chef/Executive Sous Chef

Gecko Hospitality

Lexington, KY

$60K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Executive Sous Chef

Upscale Casual- Highly Awarded Concept

Are you an Executive Sous Chef passionate about your culinary skills? We are seeking a professional Executive Sous Chef with strong leadership building skills and high energy. To become the Executive Sous Chef of this upscale casual establishment, apply today for our location in Lexington, Kentucky! We opened our doors in the early 2000’s after we were inspired from a trip to Ireland. We are a high-energy pub with no plans on slowing down! We are supplied with local, seasonal, and sustainable foods from the communities we are located in. With over 50 items on our food menu, everyone will be able to find their favorite dish. We also have over 50 brews that are homebrewed from the local community as well as our own craft brew creations. As the Executive Sous Chef, you will make sure the culinary team is organized and well prepared for the seasonal changes that are being made quarterly. You do not want to miss this amazing opportunity as the Executive Sous Chef at our location in Lexington, Kentucky apply today!

 

Title of Position: Executive Sous Chef

Job Description: Our Executive Sous Chef will be challenged every single day. The person in this position will assist the Executive Chef in educating and mentoring the kitchen staff, keeping them up to date with any menu adjustments and maintaining consistent top-quality ingredients in every dish, every time. The Executive Sous Chef must be able to build top line sales and guest counts through the delivery of a competitively superior team that will be recruited, trained and mentored by the Executive Sous Chef. Responsibilities will also include maintaining proper food safety and making sure sanitation procedures are being met.

Benefits:

·       Career Growth Opportunities

·       Work/ Life Balance

·       Fun Atmosphere

·       Competitive Salary

·       And Many More!

Qualifications:

  • The Executive Sous Chef must possess 3-5 years high-volume Kitchen Management experience
  • Proven experience creating a safe work environment incorporating teamwork and professional development is necessary for the Executive Sous Chef
  • The Executive Sous Chef must have proven success in controlling of costs associated with running a profitable business such as food, labor and beverage
  • The Executive Sous Chef must have a strong passion for culinary excellence
  • The ability to perform basic math calculations and knowledge of systems, methods and processes is a must for the Executive Sous Chef

Apply Now – Executive Sous Chef located in Lexington, Kentucky

If you would like to be considered for this position, email your resume to douglas@gekohospitality.com

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