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Culinary Chef Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Rosewood Hotel Group

RRLDK - Culinary Sous Chef

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

The Culinary Sous Chef works in close partnership with the Culinary Head Chef, collaborating across the culinary team and residential operations to ensure seamless daily operations and an elevated ...

Rosewood Residences Lido Key

Sous Chef

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

THE TEAM The Culinary team is at the heart of delivering Rosewood Residences' exceptional dining ... As Culinary Sous Chef, you serve as the Culinary Head Chef's primary culinary partner and the ...

Rosewood Residences Lido Key

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$62K/yr

THE TEAM The Culinary team is at the heart of delivering Rosewood Residences' exceptional dining ... As Culinary Sous Chef, you serve as the Culinary Head Chef's primary culinary partner and the ...

Earls Dadeland

General Application - Culinary

Miami, FL · On-site

At Earls, our Culinary team members not only take pride in creating delicious culinary experiences, but also have a passion for hospitality. We're committed to teamwork, community, and your learning ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Ave Maria, FL · On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

We are seeking a culinary master with a mentoring leadership style, and polished communication skills. Experience in a Higher Education setting is desired, but will consider Chefs with institutional ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$62K - $86K/yr

Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and Leadership. We are seeking a Culinary Leader, with a passion ...

the Chef Agency

Executive Chef

Naples, FL

$80K - $100K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Naples, FL Salary: $80,000-$100,000 Benefits: Comprehensive benefits ... Proven experience overseeing multiple culinary departments simultaneously * Strong background in ...

the Chef Agency

Executive Banquet Chef

Miami Beach, FL

$100K - $110K/yr

Full Benefits Package A luxury hotel is looking for an Executive Banquet Chef to lead its high-volume banquet and catering culinary operations! Requirements: * Minimum of 3 years of current Banquet ...

the Chef Agency

Head Chef

Miami, FL

$100K/yr

Yes, TBD Relocation: locals only A premium grocery market in Miami is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the daily culinary operations of its innovative, wellness-focused concept. This hands-on ...

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Culinary Chef information

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How much do culinary chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary chef in Florida is $13.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.15 and $13.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

A Culinary Chef needs expert knowledge of cooking techniques, food safety regulations, and menu planning, often supported by a culinary arts degree or professional certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and specialized culinary tools is typically required. Creativity, time management, and leadership are crucial soft skills that help chefs excel in high-pressure kitchen environments. These skills ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality dishes, efficient kitchen operations, and effective team coordination.

What are some common challenges culinary chefs face when managing a kitchen team?

Culinary Chefs often encounter challenges such as coordinating a diverse team with varying skill levels, handling high-pressure situations during peak service hours, and ensuring consistent quality across all dishes. Effective communication and leadership are essential to delegate tasks, resolve conflicts, and maintain a positive work environment. Successful chefs also need to adapt quickly to last-minute changes, such as special dietary requests or ingredient shortages, all while upholding safety and sanitation standards.

What is the difference between Culinary Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectCulinary ChefLine Cook
CredentialsFormal culinary training or certification often preferredBasic culinary skills, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentKitchen management, menu planning, overseeing kitchen staffPreparing specific dishes on the kitchen line
Industry UsageLeads kitchen operations, develops recipesExecutes dishes as per instructions
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in culinary settingsLearning about entry-level or specialized kitchen positions

The main difference between a Culinary Chef and a Line Cook is that a Culinary Chef typically has leadership responsibilities, menu planning, and more extensive culinary training, while a Line Cook focuses on preparing specific dishes on the kitchen line under supervision. Culinary Chefs oversee kitchen operations, whereas Line Cooks execute dishes as part of a team. Both roles are essential in the culinary industry but differ in scope and responsibilities.

How do you become a culinary chef?

To become a culinary chef, individuals typically complete formal culinary education through culinary schools or programs, gain hands-on experience in kitchens, and develop skills in cooking techniques and kitchen management. Many chefs also pursue certifications such as ServSafe or other food safety credentials to enhance their qualifications.

Is 25 too late to become a culinary chef?

There is no age limit to becoming a culinary chef, and many successful chefs start their careers later in life. Skills such as cooking techniques, creativity, and experience can be developed at any age through culinary schools, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training.

What cities in Florida are hiring for Culinary Chef jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Culinary Chef job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Culinary Chef jobs in FL?

For Culinary Chef jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Culinary Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Chef job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $28,024 per year, or $13.5 per hour.

Culinary Chef & Head Pitmaster

Winter Park, FL • On-site

Sonnys Franchise Company
Restaurants • 5 - 10K employees

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 88 rated restaurants

Free food

Recommended by students

Respectful managers

Learn more about Sonnys Franchise Companyexternal

$62K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description:

Lead the Future of BBQ.

At Sonny's BBQ, we've spent decades perfecting the art of slow-smoked barbecue, genuine hospitality, and bringing people together around great food. We're looking for a Culinary Chef & Head Pitmaster who can honor that legacy while helping shape what's next. 


This is more than a chef role. It's an opportunity to lead the culinary vision of an iconic brand, drive menu innovation, elevate pitmaster excellence across the system, and serve as a culinary ambassador for Sonny's BBQ. You'll work at the intersection of food, operations, marketing, and brand storytelling while helping define the future of BBQ. 


What You'll Do

Create the Next Generation of Sonny's Favorites

  • Lead the development, testing, and refinement of new menu items and limited-time offerings.
  • Identify emerging BBQ trends, techniques, and flavors that keep Sonny's relevant and differentiated.
  • Oversee culinary testing, recipe development, food safety standards, and operational documentation.
  • Develop scalable processes that ensure exceptional food quality across the system.

Serve as Sonny's Head Pitmaster

  • Establish and uphold the national standard for BBQ excellence.
  • Develop and lead pitmaster training and certification programs.
  • Drive consistency in smoking techniques, meat quality, rubs, sauces, and preparation methods.
  • Partner with Operations teams to assess product quality and improve execution. 

Be the Face of Sonny's Culinary Brand

  • Represent Sonny's BBQ at media appearances, culinary events, competitions, and partnerships.
  • Collaborate with Marketing and PR to create compelling culinary content and storytelling.
  • Serve as a spokesperson who brings Sonny's heritage, craft, and culture to life. 

Collaborate Across the Organization

  • Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Training to bring culinary ideas to life.
  • Support sourcing strategies, product innovation, and menu rollouts.
  • Serve as the company chef for key corporate, promotional, and media events. 

What We're Looking For

  • 8+ years of culinary experience, including leadership or corporate chef experience.
  • Demonstrated expertise in barbecue, smoking techniques, and pitmaster craftsmanship.
  • Strong understanding of restaurant operations, food costing, menu development, and product execution.
  • Exceptional creativity paired with operational discipline.
  • Comfortable presenting, speaking publicly, and representing a brand.
  • Passion for coaching, mentoring, and developing culinary talent.
  • Culinary degree preferred; equivalent experience welcomed. 

Why Sonny's?

At Sonny's, you'll have the opportunity to leave your mark on a beloved regional brand while helping shape its future. You'll work alongside passionate team members who value authenticity, innovation, hospitality, and community.


If you're equally comfortable around a smoker, in a test kitchen, in front of a camera, or presenting the next big menu idea to leadership, we'd love to meet you. 


Join Sonny's BBQ and help write the next chapter of great BBQ.

Requirements:


What Sonny's BBQ employees say

Pay

Benefits

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