As a Research and Development Chef, you will play a pivotal role in conceptualizing and developing unique menu offerings that highlight our commitment to quality and creativity in the culinary arts.
Quick apply
As a Research and Development Chef, you will play a pivotal role in conceptualizing and developing unique menu offerings that highlight our commitment to quality and creativity in the culinary arts.
Executive Chef
Costa Mesa, CA · On-site
$100K - $110K/yr
This role requires a balanced leader - creative and strategic in recipe and menu development, yet fully capable of stepping onto the line during high-volume rush periods to ensure flawless execution.
Executive Chef
Costa Mesa, CA · On-site
$100K - $110K/yr
This role requires a balanced leader - creative and strategic in recipe and menu development, yet fully capable of stepping onto the line during high-volume rush periods to ensure flawless execution.
Sous Chef
$53K - $72K/yr
As a Sous Chef, you will be responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in menu development, recipe creation, and food preparation. You will also be responsible for ensuring that all food is ...
Sous Chef
$53K - $72K/yr
As a Sous Chef, you will be responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in menu development, recipe creation, and food preparation. You will also be responsible for ensuring that all food is ...
Corporate Executive Chef
$120K - $130K/yr
Strong background in menu development, food costing, P&L management, and operational systems. * Proven success with restaurant openings, training, and concept development. * Experience in upscale ...
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Corporate Executive Chef
$120K - $130K/yr
Strong background in menu development, food costing, P&L management, and operational systems. * Proven success with restaurant openings, training, and concept development. * Experience in upscale ...
Sous Chef
$53K - $72K/yr
As a Sous Chef, you will be responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in menu development, recipe creation, and food preparation. You will also be responsible for ensuring that all food is ...
Sous Chef
$53K - $72K/yr
As a Sous Chef, you will be responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in menu development, recipe creation, and food preparation. You will also be responsible for ensuring that all food is ...
Sous Chef
$53K - $72K/yr
As a Sous Chef, you will be responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in menu development, recipe creation, and food preparation. You will also be responsible for ensuring that all food is ...
Sous Chef
$53K - $72K/yr
As a Sous Chef, you will be responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in menu development, recipe creation, and food preparation. You will also be responsible for ensuring that all food is ...
Sous Chef
$53K - $72K/yr
As a Sous Chef, you will be responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in menu development, recipe creation, and food preparation. You will also be responsible for ensuring that all food is ...
Sous Chef
$53K - $72K/yr
As a Sous Chef, you will be responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in menu development, recipe creation, and food preparation. You will also be responsible for ensuring that all food is ...
What You'll Create Menu Development & Culinary Excellence * Collaborate on weekly menu planning with emphasis on seasonal, farm-to-table, scratch cooking * Develop creative menu items while ...
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What You'll Create Menu Development & Culinary Excellence * Collaborate on weekly menu planning with emphasis on seasonal, farm-to-table, scratch cooking * Develop creative menu items while ...
CDC - Chef de Cuisine
$70K - $96K/yr
Oversee menu planning and development, taking into account customer preferences, seasonal ingredients, and culinary trends. * Create and refine recipes, ensuring consistent quality, taste, and ...
CDC - Chef de Cuisine
$70K - $96K/yr
Oversee menu planning and development, taking into account customer preferences, seasonal ingredients, and culinary trends. * Create and refine recipes, ensuring consistent quality, taste, and ...
Cook
Saint Helena, CA · On-site
$1.3K - $1.3K/wk
Contribute to menu development and seasonal offerings. Experience/Qualifications * Proven cooking experience with focus on quality and portion control. * Maintain strict food safety and sanitation ...
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Cook
Saint Helena, CA · On-site
$1.3K - $1.3K/wk
Contribute to menu development and seasonal offerings. Experience/Qualifications * Proven cooking experience with focus on quality and portion control. * Maintain strict food safety and sanitation ...
CDC - Chef de Cuisine
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$70K - $96K/yr
Oversee menu planning and development, taking into account customer preferences, seasonal ingredients, and culinary trends. * Create and refine recipes, ensuring consistent quality, taste, and ...
CDC - Chef de Cuisine
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$70K - $96K/yr
Oversee menu planning and development, taking into account customer preferences, seasonal ingredients, and culinary trends. * Create and refine recipes, ensuring consistent quality, taste, and ...
What You'll Create Menu Development & Culinary Excellence * Collaborate on weekly menu planning with emphasis on seasonal, farm-to-table, scratch cooking * Develop creative menu items while ...
Quick apply
What You'll Create Menu Development & Culinary Excellence * Collaborate on weekly menu planning with emphasis on seasonal, farm-to-table, scratch cooking * Develop creative menu items while ...
Sous Chef
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$26/hr
What You'll Create Menu Development & Culinary Excellence * Collaborate on weekly menu planning with emphasis on seasonal, farm-to-table, scratch cooking * Develop creative menu items while ...
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Sous Chef
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$26/hr
What You'll Create Menu Development & Culinary Excellence * Collaborate on weekly menu planning with emphasis on seasonal, farm-to-table, scratch cooking * Develop creative menu items while ...
Executive Chef
Palo Alto, CA · On-site
$115K - $128K/yr
Responsibilities include all food production and menu development including that used for the restaurant, banquet functions and other outlets, while monitoring food purchase specifications and ...
Executive Chef
Palo Alto, CA · On-site
$115K - $128K/yr
Responsibilities include all food production and menu development including that used for the restaurant, banquet functions and other outlets, while monitoring food purchase specifications and ...
Executive Chef
Palo Alto, CA · On-site
$115K - $128K/yr
Responsibilities include all food production and menu development including that used for the restaurant, banquet functions and other outlets, while monitoring food purchase specifications and ...
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Executive Chef
Palo Alto, CA · On-site
$115K - $128K/yr
Responsibilities include all food production and menu development including that used for the restaurant, banquet functions and other outlets, while monitoring food purchase specifications and ...
Prep Cook and Pizza Dough Master
Solvang, CA · On-site
$20 - $25/hr
... or menu development ✔️ Organized, and able to turn ideas into repeatable systems Why Join Us? Competitive pay Set schedule Great team, great vibes Apply in person 436 Alisal Rd Solvang, Ca or ...
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Prep Cook and Pizza Dough Master
Solvang, CA · On-site
$20 - $25/hr
... or menu development ✔️ Organized, and able to turn ideas into repeatable systems Why Join Us? Competitive pay Set schedule Great team, great vibes Apply in person 436 Alisal Rd Solvang, Ca or ...
Prep Cook and Pizza Dough Master
Solvang, CA · On-site
$20 - $25/hr
... or menu development ✔️ Organized, and able to turn ideas into repeatable systems Why Join Us? Competitive pay Set schedule Great team, great vibes Apply in person 436 Alisal Rd Solvang, Ca or ...
Quick apply
Prep Cook and Pizza Dough Master
Solvang, CA · On-site
$20 - $25/hr
... or menu development ✔️ Organized, and able to turn ideas into repeatable systems Why Join Us? Competitive pay Set schedule Great team, great vibes Apply in person 436 Alisal Rd Solvang, Ca or ...
Prep Cook and Pizza Dough Master
Solvang, CA · On-site
$20 - $25/hr
Training & development
Venue/Stadium Chef
$139K - $180K/yr
You'll strengthen culinary execution by supporting menu development, large-scale catering, recipe creation, food safety standards, and frontline and manager training. This role also plays a key part ...
Venue/Stadium Chef
$139K - $180K/yr
You'll strengthen culinary execution by supporting menu development, large-scale catering, recipe creation, food safety standards, and frontline and manager training. This role also plays a key part ...
Global Menu & Culinary Manager
Pasadena, CA · On-site
$100K - $115K/yr
The Global Menu & Culinary Manager supports the evolution, development, and implementation of International and Dual Brands food and beverage programs. This role bridges culinary and beverage ...
Global Menu & Culinary Manager
Pasadena, CA · On-site
$100K - $115K/yr
The Global Menu & Culinary Manager supports the evolution, development, and implementation of International and Dual Brands food and beverage programs. This role bridges culinary and beverage ...
Menu Development information
See California salary details
$49.3K - $60.4K
15% of jobs
$60.4K - $71.5K
0% of jobs
$71.5K - $82.6K
3% of jobs
$86.6K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$82.6K - $93.7K
19% of jobs
The median wage is $101.1K / yr.
$93.7K - $104.7K
19% of jobs
$114K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$104.7K - $115.8K
22% of jobs
$115.8K - $126.9K
3% of jobs
$126.9K - $138K
3% of jobs
$138K - $149.1K
3% of jobs
$149.1K - $160.1K
3% of jobs
$160.1K - $171.2K
9% of jobs
$49.3K
$106.3K
$171.2K
How much do menu development jobs pay per year?
As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for menu development in California is $106,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,800.00 and $119,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a Menu Development job?
A Menu Development job involves creating, testing, and refining food and beverage menus for restaurants, cafes, or catering businesses. Professionals in this role research food trends, balance flavors, and ensure profitability while maintaining brand identity. They collaborate with chefs, suppliers, and marketing teams to design appealing and cost-effective menu items. Additionally, they may consider dietary restrictions, sustainability, and customer preferences to enhance the dining experience.
What are typical daily responsibilities for someone working in Menu Development?
In a Menu Development role, daily tasks often include researching food trends, developing and testing new recipes, analyzing menu performance data, and collaborating with chefs, nutritionists, and procurement teams. Menu developers may also be responsible for adjusting existing menus to optimize profitability and catering to customer preferences while ensuring quality and consistency. Regular meetings and tastings are part of the job, as is working closely with marketing teams to create visually appealing menu descriptions. This collaborative environment allows you to have a direct impact on both culinary creativity and the business success of the organization.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Menu Development position, and why are they important?
Excelling in Menu Development requires a strong understanding of culinary trends, nutrition, recipe costing, and food safety, often backed by experience in culinary arts or hospitality management. Familiarity with menu engineering software, inventory systems, and culinary certifications such as ServSafe are commonly beneficial. Creativity, collaboration, and attention to detail help professionals design attractive and cost-effective menus that align with brand standards. These skills ensure menus are innovative, profitable, and meet customer and operational needs.
What are the most commonly searched types of Menu Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Menu Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Menu Development jobs in California? For Menu Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Menu Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Menu Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Menu Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Menu Development job openings:
Research and Development Chef - Award Winning Restaurant
San Francisco, CA
$90K - $100K/yr
Full-time
Re-posted 20 hours ago
Job description
Description
NextGen Hospitality Solutions is excited to announce an opening for a Research and Development Chef at our award-winning restaurant located in vibrant San Francisco. This full-time, on-site position offers an exceptional opportunity to lead culinary innovation and create extraordinary dining experiences that define our brand.
As a Research and Development Chef, you will play a pivotal role in conceptualizing and developing unique menu offerings that highlight our commitment to quality and creativity in the culinary arts. Collaborating closely with our talented kitchen team, you will be responsible for experimenting with new techniques, flavors, and presentation styles that cater to diverse palates, ensuring our restaurant remains a leader in the industry.
We offer a competitive salary range of $90,000 - $100,000 annually, along with a supportive environment that encourages personal and professional growth.
Responsibilities- Develop innovative recipes and menu items that enhance brand identity
- Research and experiment with emerging culinary trends and techniques
- Collaborate with the kitchen team to optimize food preparation processes
- Conduct tastings and solicit feedback to refine menu offerings
- Oversee kitchen staff training on new dishes and cooking methods
- Ensure consistency in food quality and presentation
- Manage food costing and inventory for new menu items
- Establish relationships with local suppliers for fresh ingredients
- Proven experience in a senior culinary role, preferably as a chef
- Strong background in menu development and kitchen leadership
- Excellent understanding of flavor profiles and culinary techniques
- Ability to think creatively and work collaboratively
- Exceptional communication and organizational skills
- Passion for food and commitment to high culinary standards
- Experience with food costing and inventory management
- Relevant culinary qualifications or degrees are preferred