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Opening Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

the Chef Agency

Executive Chef

Detroit, MI

$120K - $135K/yr

... Pet Insurance Relocation - Open to Relo A luxury boutique hotel in Detroit is seeking an ... Minimum 5 years of Executive Chef experience in an upscale/Fine Dining Restaurant * Strong creative ...

Pacific Hospitality Group

OPENING Executive Chef

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$71K - $97K/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 · On-site

$71K - $97K/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 · On-site

$71K - $97K/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 ...

the Chef Agency

Executive Chef - New York

New York, NY

$150K - $200K/yr

M/D/V, PTO A high-profile luxury hospitality group is seeking an Executive Chef to lead the opening of a new flagship restaurant in New York City. This concept blends elevated dining with high-energy ...

The Chef Agency

Executive Chef - New York

New York, NY · On-site

$78K - $107K/yr

M/D/V, PTO A high-profile luxury hospitality group is seeking an Executive Chef to lead the opening of a new flagship restaurant in New York City. This concept blends elevated dining with high-energy ...

the Chef Agency

Executive Chef

Midland, MI

$110K - $130K/yr

Midland, MI - open to relocating Salary : $110k-$130k Benefits : Bonus, PTO, MDV, 401K, relocation assistance A upscale hotel in Midland, MI is looking for an Executive Chef! Requirements : * 5+ ...

the Chef Agency

Executive Chef

Ocean City, MD

$70K - $80K/yr

Open (Coastal candidates preferred) A premier oceanfront steakhouse is seeking a hands-on Executive Chef to lead all culinary operations. Qualifications: * 3-5+ years of Executive Chef and Butchering ...

Chef Point

Sous Chef - Colleyville

Colleyville, TX

$44K - $60K/yr

Taking charge of kitchen opening, closing and other side duties as directed by the Executive Chef Qualifications : the perfect applicant should have some cooking experience, basic knife skills, the ...

Gecko Hospitality

Yakitori Chef

Honolulu, HI

$58K - $60K/yr

Yakitori Chef / Cook New Japanese Restaurant Opening Are you a talented Chef or Cook with experience in yakitori, Japanese cuisine, or live-fire cooking? We are seeking skilled Yakitori Chefs and ...

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef

Raleigh, NC

$60K - $68K/yr

Yes Relo: No High volume restaurant in Raleigh, NC is looking to add a Sous Chef to their team ... Open / Close restaurant Teach / Train team members Able to run expo, ordering, inventory and ...

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Opening Chef information

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$10

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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 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

the Chef Agency

Detroit, MI

$120K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Location - Detroit, MI
Salary - Up to $135,000
Bonus - Up to 20%
Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, 401K with 2% match, Life Insurance, Pet Insurance
Relocation - Open to Relo
A luxury boutique hotel in Detroit is seeking an experienced and creative Executive Chef to lead all culinary operations and elevate the property's dining and event experiences.
Qualifications:
  • Minimum 5 years of Executive Chef experience in an upscale/Fine Dining Restaurant
  • Strong creative background with an emphasis on seasonal and locally sourced cuisine
  • Experience managing food and labor costs with operational discipline
Requirements:
  • Oversee and execute all culinary operations, including menu development and service standards
  • Ensure consistency, quality, and presentation across all outlets and events
  • Partner with management to drive profitability and guest satisfaction
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About Chef Agency

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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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