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Opening Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Beautemps Inc

Experienced Sushi chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

We are looking for a Sushi Chef to join our team for the renewal open. Chef responsibilities include studying recipes, setting up menus, and preparing high-quality dishes. You should be able to ...

Beautemps Inc

Experienced Sushi chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

We are looking for a Sushi Chef to join our team for the renewal open. Chef responsibilities include studying recipes, setting up menus, and preparing high-quality dishes. You should be able to ...

Chef's Catering

Be Seen First

Catering Chef

Spencerport, NY · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

... Chef's" procedures and the way we do things ● Strict cleanliness and sanitation as well as ... Open Availability(nights/ weekends)

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef

Woodstock, VA

$50K - $52K/yr

Title: Sous Chef Salary: $52k Bonus: Yes Relo: No Upscale restaurant in the Shenandoah Valley is ... Open / Close restaurant Teach / Train team members Able to run expo, ordering, inventory and ...

New

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef-Apex Restaurant

Park City, UT

$70K - $80K/yr

Location - Park City, UT (Open to Relo) Salary - $70K-$80K and 5% bonus Benefits - Medical, Dental ... Qualifications * 2+ years of Sous Chef or culinary leadership experience * High-volume upscale ...

New

The Chef Agency

Executive Chef - New York

New York, NY · On-site

$78K - $107K/yr

M/D/V, PTO A high-profile luxury hospitality group is seeking an Executive Chef to lead the opening of a new flagship restaurant in New York City. This concept blends elevated dining with high-energy ...

the Chef Agency

Executive Chef - New York

New York, NY

$150K - $200K/yr

M/D/V, PTO A high-profile luxury hospitality group is seeking an Executive Chef to lead the opening of a new flagship restaurant in New York City. This concept blends elevated dining with high-energy ...

Chef Point

Sous Chef - Colleyville

Colleyville, TX · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

Taking charge of kitchen opening, closing and other side duties as directed by the Executive Chef Qualifications : the perfect applicant should have some cooking experience, basic knife skills, the ...

Pacific Hospitality Group

OPENING Executive Chef

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$71K - $97K/yr

... Chef is the culinary visionary and operational leader responsible for defining, launching, and ... Hiring Date May 2026 Key Responsibilities Pre-Opening & Concept Development * Lead culinary ...

buschgroupphg

OPENING Executive Chef

Phoenix, AZ

$71K - $97K/yr

... Chef is the culinary visionary and operational leader responsible for defining, launching, and ... Hiring Date May 2026 Key Responsibilities Pre-Opening & Concept Development * Lead culinary ...

buschgroupphg

OPENING Executive Chef

Phoenix, AZ

$71K - $97K/yr

... Chef is the culinary visionary and operational leader responsible for defining, launching, and ... Hiring Date May 2026 Key Responsibilities Pre-Opening & Concept Development * Lead culinary ...

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Opening Chef information

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$10

$24

$44

How much do opening chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for opening chef in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 35 too late to become a chef?

There is no age limit to becoming a chef, and many successful chefs start their careers later in life. Experience, culinary skills, and dedication are more important than age, and some culinary programs accept mature students seeking to enter the profession.

What are some common challenges faced by Opening Chefs when launching a new restaurant, and how can they be addressed?

Opening Chefs often encounter challenges such as establishing kitchen workflows, training new staff, and ensuring consistency across the menu during a restaurant launch. They must quickly adapt recipes and procedures to real-world kitchen conditions, troubleshoot supply chain issues, and maintain high standards under tight deadlines. Successfully addressing these challenges involves thorough planning, clear communication with both front-of-house and back-of-house teams, and flexibility to adjust processes as needed. Building a strong team culture and conducting regular feedback sessions can also help ensure a smooth opening and ongoing operations.

What does an Opening Chef do?

An Opening Chef is responsible for launching the kitchen operations of a new restaurant or food venue. Their duties include designing the kitchen layout, creating menus, hiring and training kitchen staff, and establishing food safety and quality standards. They oversee the initial setup to ensure smooth service once the restaurant opens, often working closely with management and suppliers. Opening Chefs play a crucial role in setting the culinary tone and operational standards for the business.

How to start as a chef with no experience?

Starting as an opening chef with no experience involves gaining basic culinary skills through entry-level positions, such as dishwasher or prep cook roles, and learning on the job. Volunteering or taking short culinary courses can also help develop foundational knowledge and demonstrate commitment to employers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Opening Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Opening Chef, you need strong culinary expertise, experience in menu development, and a proven track record in kitchen management, often supported by culinary school training or equivalent experience. Familiarity with inventory management systems, point-of-sale (POS) software, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Leadership, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating new teams and establishing kitchen workflows. These skills ensure smooth restaurant launches, consistent food quality, and successful team integration during crucial opening phases.

How to start off as a chef?

To start as an opening chef, gain basic culinary skills through formal training or culinary school, and seek entry-level positions such as prep cook or line cook to gain experience in a professional kitchen. Developing knowledge of food safety, knife skills, and kitchen operations is essential, and certifications like ServSafe can enhance your qualifications.

What is the difference between Opening Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectOpening ChefSous Chef
Credentials Culinary degree or equivalent, food safety certifications Culinary degree or equivalent, food safety certifications
Work Environment Kitchen, restaurant opening or prep phase Kitchen, active service, supervising staff
Employer & Industry Usage Used during restaurant openings or renovations Commonly found in daily kitchen operations
Search & Comparison Intent Understanding roles during restaurant setup Clarifying leadership in kitchen staff

Opening Chefs focus on preparing kitchens for new restaurant openings, overseeing setup, and initial food prep. Sous Chefs manage daily kitchen operations, supervise staff, and assist the Executive Chef. While both roles require culinary skills and certifications, Opening Chefs are key during launch phases, whereas Sous Chefs are integral to ongoing kitchen management.

How much does a starting chef get paid?

A starting chef typically earns between $12 and $15 per hour, depending on the location, establishment, and level of experience. Entry-level chefs may also receive benefits such as meal discounts and opportunities for skill development in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
What cities are hiring for Opening Chef jobs? Cities with the most Opening Chef job openings:
Opening Chef jobs near you
Executive Chef - Italian Fine-Dining - Westchester County, NY

Executive Chef - Italian Fine-Dining - Westchester County, NY

The Chef Agency

New York, NY • On-site

$78K - $107K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

23rd June, 2026
Location: Westchester County, NY / White Plains, NY
Salary: $120,000 - $150,000.
Benefits: KPI bonus up to 20%, Subsidized M/D/V, PTO, and Relocation Assistance.
New Coastal Italian-Mediterranean Restaurant seeks an Executive Chef to lead a refined opening kitchen.
Qualifications:
  • 10+ years of fine-dining culinary experience with 5+ years in culinary management.
  • Opening, chef-driven restaurant, NYC, Westchester County, and/or Fairfield County experience strongly preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of seafood, crudo, handmade pasta, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisines.
  • Experience with food cost, labor cost, inventory, sanitation, ordering, and team training.

Responsibilities:
  • Lead daily back-of-house operations, kitchen standards, prep, service, and presentation.
  • Train, mentor, and manage the culinary team through pre-opening and daily execution.
  • Oversee ordering, receiving, inventory, recipe costing, food cost, labor cost, and waste control.
  • Maintain food safety, cleanliness, consistency, and polished guest-focused culinary execution.
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About Chef Agency

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THE MOST TALENTED RECRUITING TEAM IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. With our support, you’ll have exclusive access to top-tier clients, a robust candidate database, insight from industry experts, and the necessary training and tools needed to build your book of business. Reach out today, and create your own work-life balance while achieving success in the recruiting world.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2013

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