Italian Chef Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Job description

TITLE: Executive Chef

LOCATION: Burleson, TX (Old Town)

CONCEPT: High-volume, upscale Italian steakhouse

REPORTS TO: Owner/Operator

We are seeking a passionate, hands-on Executive Chef to lead the kitchen of an exciting new upscale Italian steakhouse concept opening in Old Town Burleson.

This is the sister restaurant of a highly successful, family-owned Italian restaurant that has been serving guests for more than 42 years. Backed by a proven ownership team and a strong reputation for quality, hospitality, and excellence, this is a rare opportunity to help build something special from the ground up with a proven team.

This is not a desk job. We are looking for a working chef who thrives in the kitchen, leads from the front, develops strong teams, and takes pride in creating exceptional guest experiences every day.

For the right candidate, this position offers significant growth potential, future multi-unit leadership opportunities, and potential partnership consideration.

WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY IS DIFFERENT

Lead the culinary execution of a brand-new upscale Italian steakhouse concept

Work alongside an accomplished culinary team that includes an Iron Chef competitor and a 4x James Beard Award nominee

Showcase your talents within a unique “Steak on the Rocks” dining experience unlike anything else in the market

Operate from a brand-new, fully equipped kitchen with modern equipment and systems

Join a stable, family-owned company with a 42-year track record of success

Play a key role in shaping the culture, standards, and future growth of the concept

RESPONSIBILITIES

Kitchen Leadership & Operations:

• Lead all back-of-house operations with a hands-on, lead-from-the-front approach
• Work all stations as needed, especially during high-volume service (200–300 covers)
• Ensure consistent execution of all menu items
• Maintain strong kitchen discipline, urgency, and teamwork during service
• Step in seamlessly during staffing shortages or high-pressure situations

Team Development & Management:

• Train, mentor, and develop line cooks and prep staff into high-performing team members
• Enforce accountability, work ethic, and professional behavior across the team
• Assist in hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and performance management
• Build a culture of respect, urgency, and pride in craft
• Promote a positive attitude and atmosphere within the restaurant both for guests and employees

Quality Control & Culinary Execution:

• Maintain strict standards for authentic Italian cuisine
• Oversee preparation and execution of Fresh pasta (dough, fermentation, baking techniques), Sauces and traditional Italian dishes as well as some French inspired cuisine and steakhouse staples
• Ensure food quality, consistency, and presentation meets brand reputation
• Conduct line checks, tastings, and quality audits daily
• Inventory, Cost & Compliance Management
• Manage food cost, waste, and inventory levels
• Control purchasing and vendor relationships
• Maintain health, safety, and sanitation standards
• Ensure kitchen efficiency and profitability

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:

• 5+ years in a leadership kitchen role (Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Executive Chef)
• Experience in high-volume, upscale casual or fine dining Italian restaurants
• Proven ability to run a full kitchen independently

Technical Culinary Skills:

• Strong foundation in authentic Italian cooking techniques - pasta making (handmade & extruded), dough fermentation, oven handling, sauce development and regional Italian cuisine
• Ability to execute under pressure with speed and consistency

Leadership & Operational Skills

• Lead by example on the line
• Manage multiple stations during peak service
• Recruit, train, and retain team members
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure
• High standards for cleanliness, organization, and structure

Performance Expectations

• Comfortable working long hours in a physically demanding environment
• Willing to step into any role necessary for team success
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and accountability

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience opening or scaling restaurants
• Experience working with new/green kitchen staff if need be
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Culinary school training

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Up to $100,000 base salary (depending on experience)

• Lucrative performance-based bonus program

• Growth opportunities including future multi-unit leadership

• Potential partnership opportunities for exceptional candidates

• Brand-new kitchen and equipment

• Stable, family-owned company with long-term vision and great reputation

• Two weeks paid vacation

• Closed on major holidays including Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

• Strong ownership support and investment in your success

• Performance-based bonuses (potential)

• Growth opportunities including multi-unit leadership

What's in it for you as an Executive Chef?

• Up to 100K base
• Bonus program
• 2 weeks vacation
• Closed on New Years Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas
• and so much more

If you’re a chef who takes pride in your craft, enjoys building teams, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and wants the opportunity to help shape the future of an exciting new restaurant concept, backed by a 42 year old sister restaurant we’d love to hear from you!

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

From the 42 year old fine dining favorite La Bistro Italian Grill in Hurst, Texas On The Rocks brings a truly unique interactive dining concept to the Burleson community. Showcasing handmade pasta, curated meats, chicken, veal, seafood, bourbon, cocktails... On The Rocks brings a welcoming approach to elevated authentic Italian dining. Just like we have done it for the past 40 years. Family owned and operated and we treat our employees like family as well.