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Job Description: Salary: $75,000-$95,000 Do You Love Great Food, Leadership, and Mountain Living? Work Hard. Play Hard. Live Fully in Crested Butte. At Elk Ave Hospitality, we are building teams for people who want more than just a job. We are looking for leaders who want to build strong teams, shape culinary culture, and help grow a multi-concept hospitality company in the Gunnison Valley. If you love developing chefs, creating disciplined kitchen systems, and translating culinary vision into consistent execution, we want to hear from you. Whether your passion is skiing first tracks, biking wildflower-lined trails, fishing alpine waters, or simply soaking in the beauty of the Rockies, this is an opportunity to build a meaningful culinary career while enjoying the lifestyle of one of Colorados most remarkable mountain communities. We are growing quickly and actively building career paths for people who want to expand their knowledge, strengthen their leadership, and contribute to a hospitality culture built around quality, accountability, and genuine care. What You Can ExpectA positive, team-oriented leadership environmentThe opportunity to shape culinary standards across multiple conceptsOngoing professional development and advancement opportunitiesEmployee housing opportunities, depending on availabilityCompetitive executive-level compensationHealth benefitsPaid time offThe opportunity to live and work in the Gunnison Valley This is a full-time salaried executive leadership position. Who Were Looking For You may be a strong fit if you:Lead through clear standards, strong systems, and hands-on supportTake pride in food quality, consistency, profitability, and executionCan develop chefs, sous chefs, cooks, and support teamsUnderstand how culinary creativity and financial discipline work togetherCommunicate clearly with senior leadership, venue managers, and kitchen teamsCan operate effectively across multiple concepts and service stylesThrive in a seasonal hospitality environment with changing prioritiesBring professionalism, humility, urgency, and accountability to work each dayCare deeply about building a culinary culture that can grow without losing quality Our core values are Communication, Humility, Accountability, Integrity, and Respect, and we are looking for a culinary leader who will model those values throughout the organization. What Will Be Expected of You In this role, you will be expected to:Maintain a professional appearance and model executive-level leadershipWork mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours when business needs requireTravel between concepts and remain present in the kitchens you supportCommunicate clearly and constructively with senior leadership, chefs, managers, and hourly team membersProtect culinary standards while remaining adaptable to each conceptBuild systems that support quality, cleanliness, safety, labor efficiency, and cost controlLead with consistency, urgency, and a company-first mindsetStep into operations directly when additional leadership, stabilization, or coverage is needed Cross-Training and Growth We believe strong culinary leaders understand the entire operation, not merely the menu. The Executive Chef will work across multiple concepts, service styles, and leadership teams to build a shared culinary standard while respecting the identity of each venue. This role offers the opportunity to shape the long-term culinary direction of Elk Ave Hospitality, develop future culinary leaders, and create systems that support sustainable growth across the company. About Elk Ave Hospitality Elk Ave Hospitality is a growing family of restaurants and hospitality businesses in Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley. Our concepts range from elevated dining to high-volume casual hospitality, historic mountain-town service, destination dining, events, bakery, market, and provisions. Our current portfolio includes Elk Prime, Bruhaus, Wooden Nickel, Bar 47, Mules Ear Market and Provisions, and a growing events operation. We believe hospitality can be both a craft and a career. With multiple concepts, varied service models, and meaningful opportunities for advancement, we are building a company for people who want to work hard, contribute to a strong culture, and grow their skills over time. Opportunities Available Elk Ave Hospitality is hiring for the following opportunity:Executive Chef Position Summary As Executive Chef, I lead culinary standards, systems, people development, and operational performance across Elk Ave Hospitality. I am responsible for ensuring each concept delivers food that is consistent, well executed, financially responsible, and aligned with its brand. I work closely with senior leadership, venue leaders, chefs, and sous chefs to establish clear expectations, strengthen kitchen systems, and develop culinary teams capable of performing at a high level. I balance culinary creativity with operational discipline. I understand that strong food programs depend on more than recipes. They require effective purchasing, accurate inventory, thoughtful menu development, labor planning, training, sanitation, communication, and consistent follow-through. Benefits and PerksCompetitive executive-level compensationHealth benefitsPaid time offEmployee housing opportunities, depending on availabilityOpportunities for long-term growth within Elk Ave HospitalityThe chance to lead culinary development across multiple conceptsThe opportunity to live and work in one of Colorados most remarkable mountain communities Key Responsibilities Culinary Vision and Brand LeadershipAs Executive Chef, I establish and protect culinary standards across Elk Ave Hospitality.I ensure each concept maintains a clear culinary identity while meeting company expectations for quality, consistency, and execution.I partner with senior leadership and venue chefs to develop menus, specials, and culinary initiatives that support the brand and the business.I evaluate menu performance, guest response, operational feasibility, and profitability before and after implementation.I create culinary systems that allow creativity to thrive without sacrificing discipline or consistency. Multi-Concept Kitchen OversightI maintain regular presence across the concepts I support.I evaluate kitchen readiness, execution, staffing, cleanliness, communication, and leadership performance.I identify operational gaps and work with venue leadership to create clear corrective action.I provide direct leadership support during transitions, high-volume periods, special events, and staffing challenges.I ensure culinary teams understand both company-wide standards and concept-specific expectations. Chef and Team DevelopmentI coach, train, and develop chefs, sous chefs, cooks, and stewards.I establish clear expectations for leadership behavior, kitchen performance, and professional growth.I help culinary leaders build effective training plans, station standards, checklists, and systems of accountability.I create development pathways for employees who want to advance within the culinary organization.I address performance concerns directly, fairly, and in alignment with company standards.I help build a culture where feedback is clear, growth is expected, and strong performance is recognized. Food Quality and ExecutionI ensure food is prepared, seasoned, portioned, plated, and presented according to approved recipes and specifications.I evaluate food quality through regular observation, tasting, and review.I ensure recipes, menu guides, prep standards, and plating specifications are current and consistently followed.I protect product quality during high-volume service and seasonal business changes.I work with culinary leaders to resolve execution issues quickly and prevent them from becoming recurring problems. Inventory, Purchasing, and Cost ControlI oversee culinary inventory, ordering, receiving, storage, and product rotation systems.I work with culinary leaders to maintain accurate inventory counts and investigate variances.I monitor food cost, waste, yields, portioning, and product usage.I support vendor relationships, purchasing decisions, and product specifications that balance quality and financial responsibility.I use Craftable and company reporting systems to evaluate performance and identify opportunities for improvement.I help ensure culinary spending is authorized, planned, and aligned with budget expectations. Labor Planning and ProductivityI support culinary labor planning across concepts based on sales forecasts, operating needs, and production requirements.I work with chefs and managers to build schedules that support service while protecting labor goals.I monitor productivity, staffing levels, overtime, and operational coverage.I help culinary leaders adjust plans when sales, staffing, or business conditions change.I ensure labor decisions support both team well-being and business performance. Events and Special ProjectsI provide culinary leadership for private events, large-format functions, menu rollouts, and special projects.I collaborate with the Events Department, venue leaders, and banquet teams to ensure menus and production plans are executable.I review BEOs, guest counts, timelines, equipment needs, staffing plans, and production requirements.I ensure event food is executed with the same quality and discipline expected in daily restaurant operations.I support off-site and large-scale event execution when additional culinary leadership is required. Sanitation, Safety, and ComplianceI ensure all kitchens remain clean, organized, sanitary, and compliant with health and safety requirements.I maintain complete knowledge of proper food handling, sanitation procedures, allergen awareness, and company policies.I ensure culinary leaders maintain equipment, storage areas, production spaces, and receiving areas to standard.I support health inspections and ensure identified issues are corrected promptly.I promote a culture where cleanliness and safety are daily operating expectations, not emergency projects humans suddenly remember before an inspection. Systems, Reporting, and CommunicationI establish clear culinary systems, responsibilities, standards, and reporting expectations.I review culinary performance through P&Ls, inventory reports, labor reports, menu analysis, and operational observations.I communicate priorities, challenges, and results clearly to senior leadership and venue teams.I participate in leadership, financial, operational, and culinary meetings as required.I ensure decisions and action items are documented, assigned, and followed through to completion.I continually ask how our food, systems, teams, and financial performance can improve. QualificationsSignificant culinary leadership experience requiredExecutive Chef, Senior Executive Chef, Multi-Unit Chef, or comparable leadership experience strongly preferredDemonstrated success leading culinary operations in full-service restaurantsExperience developing chefs, managers, and hourly culinary teamsStrong understanding of food quality, menu development, purchasing, inventory, labor, and cost controlExcellent communication and organizational skillsStrong problem-solving ability and confidence making decisions in real timeAbility to balance culinary creativity with financial and operational disciplineAbility to lead effectively across multiple concepts and teamsAbility to maintain professionalism, composure, and standards during high-volume periods Preferred Skills and ExperienceMulti-unit or multi-concept culinary leadership experienceExperience with elevated dining, casual high-volume restaurants, events, bakery, market, or provisions operationsStrong understanding of kitchen systems, production planning, prep organization, and line executionExperience with restaurant inventory systems and ordering processesProficiency with Craftable or similar inventory management softwareComfort with scheduling, spreadsheets, reporting tools, and Microsoft OfficeExperience with recipe management software and kitchen administrative systemsStrong financial awareness, including food cost, labor cost, budgeting, and P&L reviewServSafe Food Manager CertificationStrong written and verbal communication skills in EnglishAbility to communicate in Spanish is appreciatedStrong mathematical skills and attention to detail Physical and Position RequirementsMust be able to stand and move for extended periods of timeMust be able to walk, bend, reach, stoop, stretch, climb, and lift throughout the workdayMust be able to work efficiently in crowded, fast-paced kitchen environmentsMust be capable of adjusting to changing priorities, staffing needs, and business volumeMust be able to lift at least 50 poundsMust be able to work mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as neededMust be able to travel regularly between Elk Ave Hospitality conceptsMust be able to work in environments involving temperature fluctuations, hot surfaces, sharp tools, kitchen equipment, cleaning chemicals, and loud background noise Important Position Information This is a full-time salaried executive leadership position. Benefits include health benefits and paid time off. The Executive Chef supports multiple Elk Ave Hospitality concepts and is expected to maintain regular presence across the portfolio. What Success Looks Like in This Role Success in this position means building culinary teams and systems that perform consistently without requiring constant rescue. I create clarity, develop leaders, protect food quality, and strengthen financial performance across the company. I communicate directly, live the core values, and lead with professionalism, humility, and accountability. Because of my leadership, our kitchens are cleaner, our teams are stronger, our standards are clearer, our food is more consistent, and each concept delivers a culinary experience that reflects the identity and expectations of Elk Ave Hospitality.