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Opening Chef Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

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)

Spa at the Del Monte

Sous Chef

Pittsford, NY

$20/hr

Job Responsibilities As a Sous Chef , you will directly supervise associates in the Kitchen and ... opening and closing procedures are completed per checklists. • Ensure compliance with food safety ...

Spa at the Del Monte

Sous Chef

Pittsford, NY · On-site

$20/hr

Job Responsibilities As a Sous Chef , you will directly supervise associates in the Kitchen and ... opening and closing procedures are completed per checklists. • Ensure compliance with food safety ...

DelMonte Hotel Group

Sous Chef

Rochester, NY · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Job Responsibilities As a Sous Chef , you will directly supervise associates in the Kitchen and ... opening and closing procedures are completed per checklists. • Ensure compliance with food safety ...

Gorbel

Banquet Sous Chef

Victor, NY

$25/hr

... and is open and flexible to change as we continue to improve our operations. We are looking for ... Assisting the Head Banquet Chef and the Executive Chef in managing the kitchen operations.

New

mystanns

Sous Chef (Webster Campus)

Webster, NY · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Re-make food items or have plan in place to account for run outs. • Maintains open and ongoing communication regarding all facets of the Food Service Department with the Executive Chef at all times ...

DelMonte Hotel Group

Sous Chef

Pittsford, NY · On-site

$20/hr

Job Responsibilities As a Sous Chef , you will directly supervise associates in the Kitchen and ... opening and closing procedures are completed per checklists. • Ensure compliance with food safety ...

Spa at the Del Monte

Sous Chef

Rochester, NY

$20 - $26/hr

Job Responsibilities As a Sous Chef , you will directly supervise associates in the Kitchen and ... opening and closing procedures are completed per checklists. • Ensure compliance with food safety ...

St. Ann's Community

Sous Chef (Webster Campus)

Webster, NY · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Re-make food items or have plan in place to account for run outs. • Maintains open and ongoing communication regarding all facets of the Food Service Department with the Executive Chef at all times ...

Holiday by Atria

Prep Cook

Rochester, NY

$13.50 - $17/hr

Atria Senior Living's family of brands has openings for individuals looking for a career with ... Work closely with the Executive Chef and/or Sous Chef to keep residents satisfied with food and ...

Atria Senior Living

Prep Cook

Rochester, NY

$16.50 - $19.80/hr

Atria Senior Living's family of brands has openings for individuals looking for a career with ... Work closely with the Executive Chef and/or Sous Chef to keep residents satisfied with food and ...

Atria Senior Living, Inc.

Prep Cook

Rochester, NY · On-site

$16.50 - $19.80/hr

Atria Senior Living's family of brands has openings for individuals looking for a career with ... Work closely with the Executive Chef and/or Sous Chef to keep residents satisfied with food and ...

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Opening Chef information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do opening chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for opening chef in Rochester, NY is $24.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $30.58 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.
Opening Chef jobs near you
Catering Chef

Catering Chef

Chef's Catering

Spencerport, NY • On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

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Job description

Responsiblities:

● Position requires flexibility as well as versatility

● Must be reliable and responsible for your own transportation

● Capable of driving company vehicles including operating food trucks(mobile for on site events)

● Strong Knife, Cooking skills

● Ability to be coachable, trained on “Chef’s” procedures and the way we do things

● Strict cleanliness and sanitation as well as organization

● Capable of managing themselves as well as others if asked to(on-site)

● Putting away orders

● Capable of firing jobs

● Rotating/FIFO procedures

● Working seamlessly with Chef/ Chef De Cuisine on production

● Capable of working in cooperation with front of the house coordinator and or point of contact on catering events

● Communicating with Chef concerning management of inventory and ordering

● Responsible for checklist, required food as well as equipment for on site events

● Work with kitchen staff to guarantee planning(logistics), coordination, and execution of BEOs

● Capable of closing kitchen down properly

● Taking inniative, recognizing (doing without being asked) in day to day work from filling in with cleanup/ garbage/ dishes etc. willing to help where you are needed

Qualifications:

● Clean drivers license

● ServeSafe Certificate(willing to get it)

● Previous experience 3-5 years

Availability:

● Open Availability(nights/ weekends)