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Opening Chef Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Atria Senior Living

Kitchen Utility Worker

Rochester, NY · On-site

$16 - $19.20/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 Executive Director to keep residentssatisfied with food ...

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.

Palmer Food Service

Line Cook

Rochester, NY · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Works with the Prepared Foods Manager when applicable on menu and chef case items * Knows and ... Opens and/or closes the kitchen properly and assists others in closing the kitchen and Market

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 ...

Wegmans

Entry Level Manager

Fairport, NY · On-site

$21.75 - $22.50/hr

Gold Pan Meals, Chef Eric (Video, Opens in Modal) Developing delicious meals Learn More * Meet Hachi (Video, Opens in Modal) Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Learn More * Behind the ...

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Opening Chef information

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$44

How much do opening chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 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
Kitchen Utility Worker

Kitchen Utility Worker

Atria Senior Living

Rochester, NY • On-site

$16 - $19.20/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Holiday by Atria rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

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!


  • Build positive and strong relationships with employees, coworkers and residents.
  • Focused and dedicated to provide excellent customer service.
  • Demonstrate a positive can-do attitude.
  • Able to handle multiple jobs and priorities.
  • Accept and effectively follow direction from superiors or other experienced staff.
  • Share job knowledge or resident information with others as needed.
  • Give and welcome feedback.
  • Must abide by company uniform policy.
  • Must demonstrate high standards of ethics and personal accountability.

The following essential functions are the fundamental job duties of the position to be completed with or without appropriate reasonable accommodation.

  • Maintain kitchen and dish room area in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition at alltimes.
  • Provide a high level of customer service and promote a restaurant style diningatmosphere.Work closely with the Executive Chef and/or Executive Director to keep residentssatisfied with food and dining programs.
  • Adhere to cleaning schedules as assigned.
  • Wash and store all dishes and equipment in accordance with policy andprocedures.
  • Keep kitchen floors clean (sweeps and mops) and trash emptied.
  • Maintain dish machine after each meal by thoroughly cleaning and maintainingtemperature logs.
  • Assist with the transportation and proper storage of food and supplies.
  • Complete assigned food preparation as required.
  • Adhere to standard food safety practices.
  • Assist cooks and wait staff as requested.
  • Assist with preparation and execution of special events, banquets, and theme meals.
  • Attend pre-meal stand up in kitchen prior to meal service.
  • May perform other duties as assigned.

The wage range for this position is $16.00/hr - $19.20/hr, dependent on prior work history and experience

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