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French Laundry Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TKRG proudly represents The French Laundry, Per Se, The Surf Club Restaurant, Bouchon Bistro, Bouchon Bakery, Ad Hoc, and RO Restaurant & Lounge. The properties and people Chef Keller inspires are ...

Host

Yountville, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20/hr

TKRG proudly represents The French Laundry, Per Se, The Surf Club Restaurant, Bouchon Bistro, Bouchon Bakery, Ad Hoc, and RO Restaurant & Lounge. The properties and people Chef Keller inspires are ...

Bartender

Yountville, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

TKRG proudly represents The French Laundry, Per Se, The Surf Club Restaurant, Bouchon Bistro, Bouchon Bakery, Ad Hoc, and RO Restaurant & Lounge. The properties and people Chef Keller inspires are ...

TKRG proudly represents The French Laundry, Per Se, The Surf Club Restaurant, Bouchon Bistro, Bouchon Bakery, Ad Hoc and RO Restaurant & Lounge. The properties and people Chef Keller inspires are ...

Line Cook

New York, NY · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

At HUSO, Chef Lo together with Head Chef, Lois Picken - who trained under Chef Thomas Keller at The French Laundry and worked as a sous chef at a 3 Michelin star restaurant the Core by Clare Smyth in ...

Receiver

Surfside, FL · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

TKRG proudly represents The French Laundry, Per Se, The Surf Club Restaurant, Bouchon Bistro, Bouchon Bakery, Ad Hoc, and RO Restaurant & Lounge. The properties and people Chef Keller inspires are ...

Lead Host

Yountville, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

TKRG proudly represents The French Laundry, Per Se, The Surf Club Restaurant, Bouchon Bistro, Bouchon Bakery, Ad Hoc, and RO Restaurant & Lounge. The properties and people Chef Keller inspires are ...

About Chef Elliot and Charlie's: Elliot Bell, a 10-year veteran of Thomas Keller's world-renowned The French Laundry, has opened a restaurant of his own named Charlie's after his four-year old son.

Line Cook

Saint Helena, CA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

About Chef Elliot and Charlie's: Elliot Bell, a 10-year veteran of Thomas Keller's world-renowned The French Laundry, is set to open a restaurant of his own named Charlie's after his four-year old ...

Be Seen First

Our Chefs have worked 40 plus years in some of the most respected restaurants in the US and abroad from the The French Laundry, Jean George's and Le Bernardin to Michelin starred restaurants in Italy ...

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French Laundry Chef information

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$8

$14

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How much do french laundry chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for french laundry chef in the United States is $14.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $15.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chef at The French Laundry make?

A chef at The French Laundry typically earns a salary that varies based on experience and position, often ranging from $50,000 to over $100,000 annually. Compensation may include benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development in a high-end culinary 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 experienced or executive chefs may earn higher compensation, often supplemented with benefits and bonuses in a fine dining environment.

Who is the current chef at French laundry?

As of October 2023, the executive chef at French Laundry is David Breeden. He oversees the restaurant's kitchen and culinary operations, maintaining its reputation for innovative fine dining. The head chef position may change, so checking the latest updates is recommended.

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.

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.

More about French Laundry Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for French Laundry Chef jobs? Cities with the most French Laundry Chef job openings:
What states have the most French Laundry Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for French Laundry Chef jobs include:
What job categories do people searching French Laundry Chef jobs look for? The top searched job categories for French Laundry Chef jobs are:
Infographic showing various French Laundry Chef job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 44% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,195 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

$16.90/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Chef Thomas Keller's Yountville destination, RO Restaurant & Lounge, is looking for individuals who are enthusiastic about food, beverage, and hospitality to join the team as a Server.
RO Restaurant & Lounge is a new destination from Chef Thomas Keller offering Asian-inspired cuisine with a California twist, combining refined simplicity and seasonality through local ingredients of the highest quality.

Qualified candidates must have 1 year of previous service experience in a chef-driven environment.

Our company culture is founded on mentorship and providing a solid foundation of skills to support our profession. We are proud to offer:

  • Opportunities for growth and advancement
  • Peer mentorship
  • Scholarship programs
  • Company sponsored medical and dental plans
  • Voluntary plans such as vision, life insurance, accident, short- and long-term disability insurance, and pet insurance
  • 401K with no waiting periods and the opportunity to receive up to 4.0% of your salary as matching contributions
  • Employee discounts at Chef Thomas Keller’s casual properties
  • Family meal
  • Gym membership programs

Who we are:

With more than 10 properties and 800 employees, the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group (TKRG) has grown from one restaurant to a large family of businesses.

TKRG proudly represents The French Laundry, Per Se, The Surf Club Restaurant, Bouchon Bistro, Bouchon Bakery, Ad Hoc, and RO Restaurant & Lounge. The properties and people Chef Keller inspires are known for setting new standards in cuisine, service and employment experiences. Our goal is to collaborate with talented restaurant professionals and offer opportunities to learn and grow within the hospitality profession. As we have expanded over time, the expectations that set apart our restaurants have not changed: ensuring that every guest feels special, and every guest experience is exceptional. A guest can walk into The French Laundry or one of the Bouchon Bakeries and have the most enjoyable, unique and memorable experience. A chef will find the same blue aprons and green tape in each of our kitchens—symbols of a common striving for excellence. Outside the kitchens, every action we take must reflect the generosity, nurturing and finesse within. As members of the TKRG family, we have the responsibility to ensure this consistency. Beyond it all is a mission, perhaps summed up best by Chef Keller himself. “To make people happy, one guest at a time,” he says. “That is what cooking is all about.”

Looking for other opportunities with our group? Check out open positions on: ThomasKeller.com/careers

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

*Company contribution depends on your plan selection. Benefit offerings are subject to change over time.

More detail about RO Restaurant & Lounge part of Thomas Keller, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/327516-RO-Restaurant-%2526-Lounge