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Opening Chef Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Shabib Holdings

Line Cook

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Completes opening and closing checklists. * Ensures the preparation station and the kitchen is ... Reports to the Executive/Head Chef and follow instructions on the Daily Prep List. * Understands ...

Metz Culinary Management

Cook

Rochester, NY · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have openings for Rock Star Cooks who shares our passion ... Prepare and present DELICIOUS meals and IMPRESSIVE presentations following our Executive Chef Menus.

Metz Culinary Management

Foodservice Worker

Rochester, NY · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

We are looking to fill immediate openings in our kitchen. Our staff roster is almost full but we ... Prepare and present DELICIOUS meals and IMPRESSIVE presentations following our Executive Chef Menus.

NewYork-Presbyterian

CRNA

Rochester, NY

$270K - $335K/yr

In April of 2018, we opened the state-of-the-art David H. Koch Ambulatory Surgery Center that has become the focal point of ambulatory surgery at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. In 2020, we expanded ...

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Opening Chef information

See Rochester, NY salary details

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How much do opening chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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 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.

Opening Chef jobs near you

Prep Cook

Holiday by Atria - Fleming Point

Rochester, NY

$16.50 - $19.80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Overview

We create communities where employees thrive in their work, helping our residents thrive in their homes.

Atria Senior Living's family of brands has openings for individuals looking for a career with outstanding benefits, including:

  • Paid holidays and PTO
  • Employees may receive annual anniversary rewards dependent on classification, starting at $500 for Full Time employees
  • Employees may be eligible to receive an Annual Scores Reward of $500 (Full Time) or $250 (Part Time) based on community survey results
  • Benefits package also includes Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
  • Retirement Savings Plan / 401(k) employer match
  • Tuition reimbursement (U.S Based Communities)

*Enrollment in benefits varies by employee classification; anniversary reward amounts vary by location

As a valued team member at Atria, you'll work in a supportive environment that provides advancement opportunities and promotes a healthy work-life balance. Apply now!

Qualifications
  • Effectively read, write and communicate in English with residents and other employees.
  • Food handlers permit as required by provincial law/local/state and/or Company standards.
  • Serv safe is required
  • Able to follow and read recipes and production guides.
  • Knowledge of food handling, preparation, cooking and service.
Responsibilities

Assist with the preparation and presentation of meals.   

  • Provide a high level of customer service.
  • Work closely with the Executive Chef and/or Sous Chef to keep residents satisfied with food and dining programs.
  • Maintain kitchen in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition at all times.
  • Adhere to cleaning schedules as assigned.
  • Ensure that all food is received, stored, and prepared according to company standards.
  • Assist cook with preparation and presentation of meals and snacks in accordance with Company recipes and production guides.
  • Keep kitchen floors clean (sweeps and mops) and trash emptied.
  • Assist with the transportation and storage of food and supplies.
  • Assist cooks as requested.
  • Adhere to standard food safety practices.
  • Assist with preparing and executing special events, banquets, and theme meals.
  • Operate and maintain kitchen equipment in a clean and sanitary manner.
  • Will attend pre-meal stand-up in the kitchen prior to meal service.
  • May perform other duties as needed and/or assigned.
Salary RangeThe wage range for this position is $16.50/hr - $19.80/hr, dependent on prior work history and experienceEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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