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Opening Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mogao Hospitality

Chef

New York, NY

$85K - $95K/yr

Opening ChefHilton Garden Inn Flushing, QueensLead the Opening of the Culinary Program for a Brand ... The Executive Chef will oversee an 80-seat signature restaurant , 200-seat banquet and event ...

AMFM Healthcare

Chef- Adolescent Mental Health

Hopkins, MN · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Job Opening: Chef | AMFM Healthcare AMFM Healthcare is seeking a dedicated and experienced Chef to join our team at our private adolescent residential treatment facilities called Mission Prep Health ...

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 ...

HDG Legacy, LLC

Opening Executive Chef

Ocala, FL · On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

OPENING EXECUTIVE CHEF AC Hotel by Marriott - Downtown Ocala, Florida Operated by HDG Legacy Hotel Management About HDG Legacy HDG Legacy is a culture-driven hospitality company committed to creating ...

the Chef Agency

Head Chef - Mediterranean

New York, NY

$90K - $120K/yr

PTO Head Chef needed for a Mediterranean Restaurant Opening in Midtown NYC! Requirements: * -4+ years of Exec Chef/CDC experience at Mediterranean restaurants -Previous experience managing 400 ...

The Chef Agency

Head Chef - Mediterranean

New York, NY · On-site

$90 - $120K/hr

PTO Head Chef needed for a Mediterranean Restaurant Opening in Midtown NYC! Requirements: * -4+ years of Exec Chef/CDC experience at Mediterranean restaurants -Previous experience managing 400 ...

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef- Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA

$65K - $75K/yr

Strong communication skills and experience with new restaurant openings Responsibilities: * Support the Executive Sous Chef with all culinary operations and execution * Lead daily production, quality ...

the Chef Agency

Corporate Executive Chef

Los Angeles, CA

$120K - $130K/yr

Proven success with restaurant openings, training, and concept development. * Experience in upscale ... Mentor chefs and kitchen leaders while ensuring consistency in food quality, presentation, and ...

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef

Saint Petersburg, FL

$65K - $70K/yr

PTO, MDV, bonus eligibility A upscale Italian Concept that just opened in St. Pete, FL is looking to add a Sous Chef to their team! Qualifications * 2+ years of Sous Chef experience * Upscale high ...

the Chef Agency

Executive Chef

Naples, FL

$120K/yr

Title: Executive Chef Salary: $120k Benefits: Yes Relocation: Yes New Mediterranean Steakhouse opening in Naples, FL. Requirements: * High volume ($10M) * Steakhouse experience * New Opening ...

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 ...

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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 Aug 8, 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 25 too late to become an opening chef?

Becoming an opening chef at age 25 is generally feasible, as many culinary professionals start their careers in their early 20s or later. Success depends on gaining relevant skills, experience, and certifications such as food safety training, rather than age alone.

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.

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 get an opening chef job with no experience?

To get an opening chef job with no experience, focus on gaining basic culinary skills through cooking classes or volunteering in kitchens. Entry-level positions often require a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and good teamwork, and some employers may consider candidates with relevant certifications or culinary school training.

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.

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

the Chef Agency

White Plains, NY

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Location: Westchester County, NY / White Plains, NY
Salary: $120,000 - $140,000.
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

Social media

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