ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Opening Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

the girl & the fig

Chef

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

We are currently hiring experienced Chefs and Sous Chefs to join our opening team. Dead Letter will bring a fresh perspective to our group's approach to food, hospitality, and dining experiences.

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

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

Candela Cucina

Chef

New Bedford, MA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Chef Location: Candela Cucina, South Coast, MA Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced ... Open Availability Company Overview: Candela Cucina is the newest hotspot on the South Coast ...

Eagle & Ivy

Be Seen First

Sou Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

As a member of our opening leadership team, you'll play a key role in establishing culinary systems ... Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager experience preferred * High-volume restaurant experience * Strong food ...

New

Eagle & Ivy

Be Seen First

Sou Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

As a member of our opening leadership team, you'll play a key role in establishing culinary systems ... Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager experience preferred * High-volume restaurant experience * Strong food ...

New

Shokunin

Sushi Chef

Austin, TX

Work with an open mind and be ready to learn from the experience of the Head Chef * Maintain a neat and organized station * Be able to interact with our guests * Be able to communicate with your team

Eagle & Ivy

Be Seen First

Sou Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

As a member of our opening leadership team, you'll play a key role in establishing culinary systems ... Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager experience preferred * High-volume restaurant experience * Strong food ...

New

DIG INN Chefs-In-Training

Sous Chef, Boston

Boston, MA

$54.30K - $73.30K/yr

As a Sous Chef, you will support our Restaurant Leaders to drive culinary and hospitality ... Successfully open and close the restaurant using the checklists and thorough communication with the ...

Live Fire Chefs

Executive Chef (Ocala)

Ocala, FL

$64K - $88.20K/yr

Company Description Live Fire Chefs is dedicated to providing high-quality culinary experiences ... Strong culinary skills in menu design, food preparation, and live fire or open-flame cooking ...

Candela Cucina

Chef

New Bedford, MA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Chef Location: Candela Cucina, South Coast, MA Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced ... Open Availability ABOUT THE COMPANY Company Overview: Candela Cucina is the newest hotspot on the ...

Eagle & Ivy

Be Seen First

Sou Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

As a member of our opening leadership team, you'll play a key role in establishing culinary systems ... Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager experience preferred * High-volume restaurant experience * Strong food ...

New

DIG INN Chefs-In-Training

Sous Chef, Boston

Boston, MA

$54.30K - $73.30K/yr

As a Sous Chef, you will support our Restaurant Leaders to drive culinary and hospitality ... Successfully open and close the restaurant using the checklists and thorough communication with the ...

DIG INN Chefs-In-Training

Sous Chef, Boston

Boston, MA · On-site

$54.30K - $73.30K/yr

As a Sous Chef, you will support our Restaurant Leaders to drive culinary and hospitality ... Successfully open and close the restaurant using the checklists and thorough communication with the ...

Lester's

Sous Chef

Savannah, GA

$60K - $75K/yr

During the opening months of operation, the sous chef will work closely with Chef Jonathan and Chef Larson to establish standards, systems, and rhythm, with increasing autonomy over time. The ideal ...

Gecko Hospitality

Executive Chef

Jacksonville Beach, FL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Executive Chef | New Restaurant Opening (Mid-June) Jacksonville Beach, FL | Confidential Hospitality Group The Opportunity This is not a maintenance role--it's an opportunity to build and lead from ...

900 Degrees Ristorante

Head Chef

Utica, MI · On-site

$1.50K - $2.10K/wk

We are looking for a full-time head chef to run our kitchen in our Italian Restaurant. We make ... opening and closing procedures -consistent compliance with ownerships standards in portion and ...

Neighborhood Sushi - Dallas

Sous Chef

Dallas, TX

$49.50K - $66.80K/yr

🍣 Lead the Kitchen at One of Dallas' Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings! Neighborhood Sushi is bringing its acclaimed blend of elevated sushi, chef-driven cuisine, and genuine hospitality to ...

RHS WINE LLC

Sous Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$54.90K - $74.20K/yr

Sous Chef Porter House Bar and Grill, opened in 2006, is located on the 4th floor of The Shops at Columbus Circle, at 59th Street. Long established as one of NYC's top steak and seafood destination ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsOpening Chef Jobs

Opening Chef information

See salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do opening chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 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.

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.

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 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

Sous Chef - Colleyville

Chef Point Bar & Restaurant

Colleyville, TX • On-site

$44.50K - $60.10K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Chef Point is a worldfamous but approachable neighborhood restaurant and bar, with award winning wine menu and dog friendly patio.
Mission statement: We are here to leave a lasting impression by creating delicious cuisine, giving incredible service, and fostering a culture of teamwork.
Apply online or Come visit us Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1PM - 4PM to fill out an application!
Job Responsibilities:
  • Preparing meals and food to meet the specifications of guests in a timely manner
  • Properly measuring kitchen ingredients and food portions
  • Ensuring kitchen staff adhere to set standards, procedures, department rules and sanitation requirements
  • Using kitchen knives and equipment such as grills, ovens, steamers and warmers in food preparation
  • Managing the kitchen inventory and ensuring supplies are fresh and of high quality
  • Ensuring proper food temperatures when cooking and proper storage afterward
  • Keeping the workstation and kitchen equipment clean, organized and sanitized
  • 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 ability to multitask, and attention to detail. The most important qualification is open mindedness and the willingness to learn.
  • Exceptional cooking skills
  • Ability to effectively manage the kitchen staff, motivate them and assign duties fairly
  • Familiarity with the best practices in the hotel and catering services industry
  • Knowledge of health and safety standards
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, Point of Sale and restaurant management software
  • Ability to multitask and work quickly under pressure
  • Advanced verbal and written communication skills
  • Attention to detail and organizational skills

*Work Location: COLLEYVILLE, TX
Benefits offered:
* Thorough Training
* Employee discounts
* Flexible schedules
* Workplace perks such as food/coffee and flexible work schedules
* Opportunities for Advancement
Pay Frequency:
*Weekly

Apply