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Opening Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

the Chef Agency

Executive Chef

Midland, MI · On-site

$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+ ...

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 ... Key Responsibilities Pre-Opening & Concept Development * Lead culinary planning and execution for ...

Bar Harry

Chef

Los Angeles, CA

$70K - $82K/yr

Executive Chef - Restaurant, Bar & Lounge | Toluca Lake A highly anticipated new Restaurant, Bar & Lounge opening in the heart of Toluca Lake is seeking an experienced and passionate Executive Chef ...

Citrus & Salt

Executive Chef

Burlington, MA · On-site

$77K - $107K/yr

NOW HIRING - Executive Chef Citrus & Salt | Burlington, MA Chef Jason Santos is opening the newest Citrus & Salt in Burlington, MA, and we're looking for an exceptional Executive Chef to lead the ...

New

Goodwin Recruiting

Executive Chef

Naples, FL

$67K - $92K/yr

A soon-to-open steakhouse in Naples is seeking a skilled Executive Chef to lead the opening and ongoing culinary direction of this ambitious new restaurant. Backed by a respected hospitality group ...

J C Beach Haven Tavern LLC

$75K - $100K/yr

... and are always open to fresh ideas to satisfy ever evolving market demands. Known for our ... Minimum 7 years experience with at least half of that as sous chef / chef

Gecko Hospitality (Brian Blum)

Executive Chef

Needham, MA · On-site

$110K - $115K/yr

Executive Chef New Restaurant Opening | Mediterranean Concept Needham, MA Build Something Extraordinary from the Ground Up We are seeking an innovative and entrepreneurial Executive Chef to lead the ...

Gecko Hospitality

Executive Chef

Needham, MA

$110K - $115K/yr

Executive Chef New Restaurant Opening | Mediterranean Concept Needham, MA Build Something Extraordinary from the Ground Up We are seeking an innovative and entrepreneurial Executive Chef to lead the ...

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Opening Chef information

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How much do opening chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 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 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.
What cities are hiring for Opening Chef jobs? Cities with the most Opening Chef job openings:
Opening Chef jobs near you
Executive Chef

Executive Chef

the Chef Agency

Midland, MI • On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Location: 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+ years of Executive Chef experience within upscale hotel operations.
  • Strong financial and analytical acumen, including menu costing, payroll management, budgeting, and inventory control.
  • Proven ability to lead and develop teams, oversee multiple outlets, and successfully execute large-scale banquet operations.
Responsibilities:
  • Collaborates closely with the General Manager, Director of Food & Beverage, Sales, Banquets, and property partners to support events, programming, and key strategic initiative.
  • Recruits, trains, develops, and retains a high-performing culinary team while setting clear expectations and fostering a positive, professional, and growth-oriented environment.
  • Oversees all kitchen operations, including ordering, inventory management, food production, sanitation, food safety compliance, and equipment maintenance.
  • Maintains accountability for culinary financial performance, including food cost, labor cost, inventory management, and adherence to departmental budgets.
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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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