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Menu Development Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

Lead Cook

Laguna Beach, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Creative input on specials and menu development * Supportive and team-focused work environment * Hands-on involvement in building kitchen systems and culture * Performance-based growth opportunities ...

Lead Cook

Laguna Beach, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Creative input on specials and menu development * Supportive and team-focused work environment * Hands-on involvement in building kitchen systems and culture * Performance-based growth opportunities ...

Kitchen And Grill Cook

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

This role also involves monitoring inventory levels, reporting shortages, and occasionally assisting with menu development or specials. Qualifications * Foundational cooking skills, including ...

Lead Cook

Laguna Beach, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Creative input on specials and menu development * Supportive and team-focused work environment * Hands-on involvement in building kitchen systems and culture * Performance-based growth opportunities ...

Corporate Chef

Riverside, CA · On-site

$140K/yr

Reporting to executive leadership, the Corporate Chef will play a key role in menu development, culinary consistency, operational performance, and future company growth. The position is based out of ...

Pastry Chef

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$69K - $93K/yr

... menu development to ensure park menus keep pace with changing public tastes, trends, and food cost goals, including the research, development, testing and sampling of new recipes and putting the ...

Multi-Unit Manager

Orange, CA · On-site

$73K - $74K/yr

... Menu Development • Curate and maintain an extensive beverage menu, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. • Stay updated with industry trends, introducing new and innovative drinks to the ...

Lead training and field execution of new menu items and programs * Support product development and assist with implementation in the field * Identify operational improvements to improve cost ...

Lead training and field execution of new menu items and programs * Support product development and assist with implementation in the field * Identify operational improvements to improve cost ...

Chef - Dim Sum

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Work closely with the Executive Chef and dim sum production team to support menu development and new product launches * Assist with the development of new dumpling formats for retail, delivery, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Menu Development information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$53.7K

$115.6K

$186.2K

How much do menu development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for menu development in Irvine, CA is $115,601.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $130,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is menu development?

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 does someone in menu development do?

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 menu development?

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 popular job titles related to Menu Development jobs in Irvine, CA?

For Menu Development jobs in Irvine, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Menu Development jobs in Irvine, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Menu Development jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Menu Development jobs?

Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Menu Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Menu Development job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $115,601 per year, or $55.6 per hour.

Food Service Aide/Cook

PILGRIM PLACE IN CLAREMONT

Claremont, CA • On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 23 hours ago


Job description

Join Pilgrim Place, a welcoming senior living community in Claremont, where teamwork, respect, and service guide everything we do. We are seeking an experienced and dependable Food Service Cook to join our Dining Services team and help prepare nutritious, high-quality meals for our residents.

In this role, you will prepare daily meals, therapeutic diets, and special menu items while helping maintain a safe, efficient, and sanitary kitchen environment. You may also provide direction to team members in the Food Service Supervisor's absence.

If you enjoy cooking, thrive in a team environment, and want your work to positively impact others every day, we encourage you to apply.

Schedule Requirement: This position requires full open availability, including weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Shifts may vary based on operational needs.

 What We Offer
  • Full-time position with medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Generous paid time off, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays
  • Meaningful work in a mission-driven senior living community
  • Supportive, team-oriented workplace
  • Opportunity to make a direct impact on residents’ daily quality of life
 What You’ll Do
  • Prepare meals for residents, including therapeutic diets, mechanically altered diets, special menu requests, and substitutions.
  • Ensure meals are prepared according to recipes, dietary guidelines, and quality standards.
  • Maintain food safety and sanitation standards by following HACCP principles.
  • Monitor and document food temperatures, refrigeration/freezer temperatures, and sanitizer logs.
  • Communicate meal counts, substitutions, and resident dietary needs with food service aides.
  • Receive food deliveries, rotate stock, store inventory properly, and communicate supply needs.
  • Ensure ingredients and supplies are available at least two days in advance of meal service.
  • Assist with recipe updates and menu development.
  • Monitor resident meal satisfaction and dining room meal acceptance.
  • Provide direction to team members in the absence of the Food Service Supervisor.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment.
  • Support departmental meetings, committees, and special events as assigned.
What You Bring
  • Minimum 2 years of quantity cooking experience required
  • Experience preparing therapeutic or special diets preferred
  • Healthcare, senior living, or institutional food service experience strongly preferred
  • Ability to read recipes, follow written/verbal instructions, and perform recipe-related calculations
  • Leadership skills and/or experience directing team members preferred
  • Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation practices
  • Dependable attendance and punctuality
  • Professionalism, sound judgment, and respect for confidentiality