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Opening Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Perry' Restaurant Group

Sous Chef

Sugar Land, TX

$46K - $62K/yr

Log inventory nightly to ensure that the Opening Chef team is aware of their proper * Ensure that the kitchen is maintained at a high level of cleanliness throughout all back of house areas. * Assist ...

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-Driven Property

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL

$120 - $140K/hr

Very open to an Executive Chef from a primarily restaurant background! Executive Chef Responsibilities include: * Elevate and drive culinary program forward, including seasonal menu updates, scratch ...

Chef-Driven Property

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL

$120 - $140K/hr

Very open to an Executive Chef from a primarily restaurant background! Executive Chef Responsibilities include: * Elevate and drive culinary program forward, including seasonal menu updates, scratch ...

The Chef Agency

Sous Chef - Steakhouse - NYC

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$55.10K - $74.40K/yr

M/D/V, PTO New upscale, high-volume Steakhouse opening in Midtown Manhattan seeks a Sous Chef to help lead daily operations. Qualifications: * 5+ years as a Line Cook and/or Sous Chef in high-volume ...

the Chef Agency

Executive Chef

Grand Junction, CO

$100K - $120K/yr

Grand Junction, CO - open to relocating Salary : $100k-$120k Benefits : Bonus, PTO, MDV, 401K, relocation assistance A upscale hotel in Grand Junction, CO is looking for an Executive Chef for their ...

Pacific Hospitality Group

OPENING Executive Chef

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$71K - $97.80K/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 - $97.80K/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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How much do opening chef jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 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.

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.

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 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

Sous Chef

Home Team Management Company LLC

Mount Pleasant, SC • On-site

$62.50K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Home Team BBQ is seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to join our award-winning team. Known for our top-of-the-industry pay, unbeatable benefits, and nationally recognized cuisine, we offer more than just a job — we offer a place to grow your career and thrive.

Why Home Team BBQ?

We take care of our people. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Company-paid medical insurance premiums
  • Vision, dental, and voluntary life insurance
  • Generous restaurant comp tab
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Quarterly performance-based bonuses

Position Overview:

As a Sous Chef, you will report to the Executive Chef and Culinary Operations team. You’ll be responsible for overseeing daily back-of-house operations, ensuring quality, consistency, and efficiency across every shift. This leadership role involves supervising the kitchen staff, maintaining food and labor cost standards, and upholding the exceptional service and culinary quality Home Team is known for.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Staff Development:

  • Uphold and enforce company policies and procedures across the team
  • Set the tone through positivity, professionalism, and clear communication
  • Motivate, train, and support staff with consistency and fairness
  • Lead by example with punctuality, preparedness, and a strong work ethic

Kitchen Operations:

  • Manage BOH operations during assigned shifts, including food prep, execution, quality control, and cleanliness
  • Oversee labor management, corrective action, and workflow
  • Communicate effectively with FOH leadership, servers, and guests to ensure seamless service
  • Maintain daily prep, ordering, and inventory systems in line with company standards
  • Assist with menu development and ongoing staff training

Shift-Specific Duties:

  • Opening Chef: Oversee AM prep and line cooks, create daily specials, finalize prep lists, and ensure a clean and organized kitchen
  • Mid Chef: Lead lunch service and expo, place daily orders, manage transitions from AM to PM staff, and set the PM team up for success
  • Closing Chef: Run dinner service and expo, lead closing procedures, complete logs and cleaning checklists, and finalize orders for the following day

What We're Looking For:

  • Minimum 5 years of kitchen experience, preferably in a leadership role
  • Serve Safe Certified
  • Strong leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills
  • Passion for food quality, guest satisfaction, and teamwork
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and ability to learn POS systems
  • Ability to read, interpret, and execute operating procedures and reports
  • Strong organizational and time management skills

Physical Requirements:

  • Stand for extended periods (up to 95% of shift)
  • Frequent reaching, bending, stooping (75%)
  • Ability to lift at least 40 lbs
  • Ability to transport heavy trays and kitchen equipment
  • Must be able to withstand a fast-paced environment, extreme heat, and cleaning chemicals

Core Values We Live By:
Respect. Encouragement. Community. Gratitude.

If you're passionate about great food, great people, and great service — we want to hear from you. Apply today and become a part of the Home Team BBQ family!

Apply