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Custom Culinary Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Pismo Beach, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

... culinary expertise, with experience in seafood-focused, scratch-kitchen, or elevated dining environments preferred. Our Restaurant Group Includes * Custom House - Avila Beach * Mr. Ricks - Avila ...

Culinary Lead

San Rafael, CA ยท On-site

$22.04/hr

As a Culinary Lead (what we call a Kitchen Lead at Sweetgreen), you are the food quality expert in ... Team Member Merch Shop - earn and buy custom Sweetgreen gear *Depending on eligibility Minimum ...

Culinary Lead

Forest Knolls, CA ยท On-site

$22.04/hr

As a Culinary Lead (what we call a Kitchen Lead at Sweetgreen), you are the food quality expert in ... Team Member Merch Shop - earn and buy custom Sweetgreen gear *Depending on eligibility Minimum ...

Culinary Lead

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$21.43/hr

As a Culinary Lead (what we call a Kitchen Lead at Sweetgreen), you are the food quality expert in ... Team Member Merch Shop - earn and buy custom Sweetgreen gear *Depending on eligibility Minimum ...

Culinary Lead

Corte Madera, CA ยท On-site

$22.04/hr

As a Culinary Lead (what we call a Kitchen Lead at Sweetgreen), you are the food quality expert in ... Team Member Merch Shop - earn and buy custom Sweetgreen gear *Depending on eligibility Minimum ...

Culinary Lead

Larkspur, CA ยท On-site

$22.04/hr

As a Culinary Lead (what we call a Kitchen Lead at Sweetgreen), you are the food quality expert in ... Team Member Merch Shop - earn and buy custom Sweetgreen gear *Depending on eligibility Minimum ...

Culinary Lead

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$21.43/hr

As a Culinary Lead (what we call a Kitchen Lead at Sweetgreen), you are the food quality expert in ... Team Member Merch Shop - earn and buy custom Sweetgreen gear *Depending on eligibility Minimum ...

Showing results 21-40

Custom Culinary information

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in Custom Culinary roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working in Custom Culinary roles often encounter challenges such as adapting recipes to meet specific client needs, managing tight production timelines, and ensuring consistent quality across batches. Successfully addressing these challenges requires strong collaboration with product development, sales, and quality assurance teams, as well as excellent organizational skills. Embracing feedback, staying updated on food trends, and continuously honing culinary techniques are also key strategies for overcoming these hurdles and excelling in the role.

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

To thrive in a Custom Culinary role, you need expertise in food science, recipe development, and culinary techniques, often backed by a degree in culinary arts or food science. Familiarity with industrial kitchen equipment, flavor analysis tools, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Creativity, strong communication, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills for collaborating with clients and translating culinary concepts into scalable products. These abilities are crucial for delivering innovative, high-quality food solutions that meet both client specifications and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Custom Culinary vs Pastry Chef?

AspectCustom CulinaryPastry Chef
CredentialsFood safety certifications, culinary degreeFood safety certifications, culinary degree, pastry-specific training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, catering, food productionBakery, pastry shops, hotels, restaurants
Industry UsageBroad culinary roles including menu developmentSpecialized in baked goods and desserts

Custom Culinary professionals focus on a wide range of food preparation and menu creation, often working in diverse settings. Pastry Chefs specialize in desserts and baked goods, requiring specific pastry skills. While both roles require culinary credentials, their work environments and focus areas differ significantly.

What is a Custom Culinary professional?

A Custom Culinary professional specializes in creating tailored food products, recipes, and flavor solutions for restaurants, food service companies, and manufacturers. They work closely with clients to develop unique seasonings, sauces, marinades, and other culinary products that meet specific taste, dietary, and operational requirements. Their expertise combines culinary creativity with food science to deliver innovative and consistent products. These professionals often collaborate with chefs, food scientists, and marketing teams to bring new flavors and menu items to market.
What are popular job titles related to Custom Culinary jobs in California? For Custom Culinary jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Custom Culinary jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Custom Culinary jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Custom Culinary job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

$85K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Executive Chef - Full Service Restaurant
Pismo Beach, CA
Full-Time Salaried Leadership Role
Pay Range
$85,000 - $115,000 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and performance
Bonus potential available
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Executive Chef to lead the culinary program for a high-volume, upscale oceanfront restaurant on the Central Coast. This concept operates exclusively as a dinner-only restaurant. The Executive Chef will oversee daily kitchen operations, maintain food quality and consistency, support and develop the BOH team, and ensure strong execution during service.
The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, organization, and culinary expertise, with experience in seafood-focused, scratch-kitchen, or elevated dining environments preferred.
Our Restaurant Group Includes
  • Custom House - Avila Beach
  • Mr. Ricks - Avila Beach
  • Mission Pizza - Avila Beach
  • Ventana Grill - Pismo Beach
  • Wooly's - Pismo Beach
  • Oyster Loft - Pismo Beach
  • Westerly - Pismo Beach
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
  • Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and mentor all BOH staff
  • Establish kitchen culture focused on professionalism, accountability, and teamwork
  • Conduct performance reviews and manage discipline as needed
  • Ensure compliance with company policies and labor laws

Culinary & Menu Execution
  • Help develop, execute, and maintain menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Ensure consistency, quality, and presentation across all dishes
  • Create standardized recipes with accurate costing and portion controls
  • Update menus as needed and in collaboration with leadership

Operations, Cost Control & Inventory
  • Manage food, labor, and operating costs to meet financial targets
  • Oversee ordering, vendor relationships, and inventory controls
  • Conduct regular inventory counts and manage waste reduction
  • Maintain kitchen equipment and oversee cleanliness and organization

Safety, Sanitation & Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal health regulations
  • Maintain ServSafe and food safety standards
  • Uphold OSHA, workplace safety, and sanitation best practices

Opening & Cross-Location Support
  • Assist with pre-opening kitchen setup, ordering, and staffing
  • Collaborate with General Manager and Operations team on launch planning
  • Support or train at sister locations as needed prior to opening
Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive salary with performance-based bonus potential
  • Health insurance options
  • Paid time off
  • Meals while working
  • Growth opportunities within a multi-concept restaurant group
  • Opportunity to lead and shape a brand-new kitchen from the ground up
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under California or federal law.
Employment Statement
Employment is at-will, in accordance with California law.
Please visit this website to view our privacy practices - CA Consumer Protection Act Notice to Employees and Applicants - Custom House
Requirements
Qualifications
  • Minimum 5+ years of Executive Chef or equivalent leadership experience
  • Proven success managing kitchen teams in high-volume or full-service restaurants
  • Strong understanding of food costing, labor management, and budgeting
  • Experience with breakfast, lunch, and dinner service preferred
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
  • Food Protection Manager Certification (or ability to obtain)
  • Passion for food, beverage, and hospitality
  • Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs (e.g., trays, cases, kegs); reasonable accommodations available
  • Capable of working 8+ hour shifts on your feet
  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
  • Passion for food, beverage, and hospitality
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary Description
$85,000 - $115,000 annually