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French Laundry Chef Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

French Laundry Chef information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$7

$12

$16

How much do french laundry chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for french laundry chef in Raleigh, NC is $12.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.49 and $14.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do chefs at French laundry make?

Chefs at the French Laundry, a high-end restaurant, typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience and position. Executive chefs and sous chefs may earn higher salaries, often supplemented with tips and benefits, reflecting the restaurant's prestigious reputation and demanding environment.

Is French laundry hard to get into?

Becoming a French Laundry chef is highly competitive due to the restaurant's reputation for excellence and demanding standards. Candidates typically need extensive culinary experience, strong technical skills, and a proven ability to work in a high-pressure environment. The hiring process often involves multiple interviews and skill assessments.

What does a French Laundry Chef do?

A French Laundry Chef is responsible for overseeing the kitchen operations at The French Laundry, a renowned fine dining restaurant known for its innovative and meticulously crafted cuisine. The chef designs seasonal tasting menus, sources high-quality ingredients, and leads a team of cooks to deliver exceptional dishes. They also ensure strict adherence to culinary techniques, food safety standards, and the restaurant’s exacting standards of excellence. The role requires creativity, leadership, and a deep passion for French and contemporary cuisine.

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

To thrive as a French Laundry Chef, you need expert culinary skills, deep knowledge of French and modernist cuisine, and experience in fine-dining kitchens, often supported by formal culinary education. Mastery of advanced kitchen equipment, plating techniques, and food safety certifications are typically required. Creativity, meticulous attention to detail, leadership, and the ability to perform under pressure are standout soft skills for this position. These competencies are essential to uphold the restaurant’s world-class standards, deliver exceptional dining experiences, and maintain a cohesive, high-performing kitchen team.

How much does The French Laundry chef cost?

The salary for a French Laundry chef varies based on experience and position, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually. Highly skilled chefs or those in executive roles may earn higher compensation, often supplemented with benefits and bonuses.

What are some common challenges faced by a French Laundry Chef, and how can they be addressed?

A French Laundry Chef often faces the challenge of maintaining the restaurant's exceptionally high standards for quality, consistency, and presentation, all while managing a fast-paced kitchen. Precision, attention to detail, and an ability to adapt quickly are essential, as dishes must meet exact specifications and timing is critical. To address these challenges, chefs often rely on strong organizational skills, clear communication with their team, and a commitment to continuous learning and refinement of their craft. Collaborating closely with sous chefs, line cooks, and front-of-house staff ensures a seamless dining experience and helps uphold the restaurant’s world-class reputation.

Who is the current chef at The French Laundry?

The current executive chef at The French Laundry is David Breeden. He oversees the restaurant's kitchen and culinary operations, maintaining its reputation for fine dining and innovative cuisine.

What is the difference between French Laundry Chef vs Sushi Chef?

AspectFrench Laundry ChefSushi Chef
CredentialsFormal culinary training, often in French cuisineSpecialized training in sushi preparation, certifications like JSA or equivalent
Work EnvironmentFine dining restaurant, often in upscale settingsSushi bars, Japanese restaurants, upscale or casual
Industry UsageHigh-end restaurants, luxury diningJapanese cuisine, seafood-focused establishments
Common Search IntentComparing fine dining chefs, culinary expertiseSpecialized sushi preparation, Japanese culinary skills

The French Laundry Chef and Sushi Chef both require specialized culinary skills and training. While the French Laundry Chef focuses on French haute cuisine in upscale dining environments, the Sushi Chef specializes in Japanese sushi preparation, often in sushi bars or Japanese restaurants. Both roles demand precision, culinary artistry, and specific certifications, but they differ significantly in cuisine focus and work setting.

What job categories do people searching French Laundry Chef jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for French Laundry Chef jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for French Laundry Chef jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most French Laundry Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various French Laundry Chef job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $26,694 per year, or $12.8 per hour.

$13 - $15/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Earn between $13 - $15 an hour! We guarantee you will receive an additional $3 an hour above your base pay rate. How does this work? If the tip pool falls short, we make up the difference to guarantee you make a minimum of $13 an hour.

Summary:
The Team Member is responsible and accountable for performing specific tasks and duties assigned within the Restaurant including Guest Service, Food prep, Restaurant Cleanliness and Teamwork.


Job Expectations:

The Team Member will work productively in a fast-paced environment, maintain a fast speed of service, interact with Guests, work closely with other Team Members to complete tasks, follow all safety and security procedures, and conduct other duties assigned by the Restaurant Management Team.


Duties:

  • Follow the steps outlined in the DHC Training Program to learn new skills, duties, and responsibilities
  • Abide by the rules and direction given by the Restaurant Management Team and refrain from insubordination
  • Communicate to their immediate supervisor when additional training guidance and practice is needed
  • Understand how each job responsibility impacts Guests, the Team, and overall Restaurant Operations and success
  • Greet Guests, record orders, and serve food and beverages with a consistently positive and helpful attitude, including answering questions
  • Work together with other Teammates to prepare items on the DHC menu while following cooking instructions, safety procedures, and sanitary requirements
  • Communicate effectively with Team Members and Management to resolve any interpersonal issues as needed
  • Use specific kitchen machinery/equipment such as ice cream dispensers, fryers, warmers, etc.
  • Ensure Restaurant cleanliness daily by clearing tables, sweeping, and mopping floors, washing/sanitizing/disinfecting kitchen utensils and high touch-point areas, and servicing restrooms
  • Handle Guests' concerns and complaints professionally and calmly to resolve problems according to Restaurant Policy
  • Maintain a neat and tidy appearance by wearing a uniform and adhering to the DHC Uniform Policy
  • Follows all company guidelines for food and cash controls; follows all cost control guidelines to maintain and minimize Restaurant costs and effectively uses all products, supplies, and equipment facilities
  • Are performance-oriented and performance driven; understand performance expectations and are aware of performance results

Requirements:
  • Current student or high school diploma/GED preferred
  • Must be at least 16 years old
  • Flexibility to work nights, weekends, holidays, opening and closing shifts
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time and work in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to bend and stoop and lift 50 - 75 lbs. comfortably
  • Ability to work in close quarters and around heat
  • Positive attitude while conducting any and all duties
  • Commitment to guest satisfaction. Looks at Restaurant operations from the Guest's point of view
  • Effective communicator with Teammates and the Restaurant Management Team
  • Excellent Time Management Skills

Transportation & Accessibility:
  • Must have reliable transportation to work
  • Must have telephone or other reliable method of communicating with Restaurant Management Team and Teammates

About Dave's Hot Chicken:
Dave's Hot Chicken was created by best friends Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, and Tommy and Gary Rubenyan. Dave, a chef trained in Thomas Keller's (French Laundry) organization set out to create the perfect Hot Chicken by searching, tasting, and frying. The four friends scrounged up $900 to put a tiny stand in an East Hollywood parking lot. The menu was simple, and the chicken was the star. And what chicken it is! Sourced and prepared to be the juiciest and most tender imaginable with each piece topped with Dave's own mix of spices ranging from No Spice to "The Reaper."
Arman created Instagram buzz and the lines began to grow. Two nights later, Eater/LA showed up to see what the fuss was about. The next morning's headline read "East Hollywood's Late Night Chicken Stand Might Blow Your Mind." Almost instantly, the lines stretched around the block.
A year later, the boys had the money to open a shop in a hip strip-mall with decor by local street artists, where the crowds continued to grow with wait-times of an hour and more. From there, the incredibly craveable "Hot and Spicy" varieties have created a cult following with rave reviews across the U.S. and Canada.