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Opening Executive Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Ave Maria, FL · On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and Leadership. We are seeking a Culinary Leader, with a passion ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Henderson, TN · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and Leadership. We are seeking a Culinary Leader, with a passion ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and Leadership. We are seeking a Culinary Leader, with a passion ...

Gecko Hospitality

Executive Chef

Jacksonville Beach, FL

$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 ...

Noble's Restaurants - NC

Executive Chef

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

This is a unique opportunity to join the opening leadership team and help build a restaurant from ... The Executive Chef will play a critical role in the opening process, including hiring, training ...

Crawford's | Bar & Grill

Executive Chef

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$71K - $98K/yr

Executive Chef - New Concept Opening Location: Sioux Falls, SD Compensation: Competitive salary + performance incentives Employment Type: Full-Time About the Role We are launching an exciting new ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Sellersville, PA · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and Leadership. We are seeking a Culinary Leader, with a passion ...

Big Fish

Executive Chef

Myrtle Beach, SC · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

This is a pre-opening role you'll help build the kitchen, the menu, and the BOH team from scratch. The Role The Executive Chef owns everything that comes out of our kitchen menu development, food ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Amityville, NY · On-site

$73K - $101K/yr

Experience in healthcare or senior living dining is a plus Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and ...

Altura Concepts

Executive Chef

Mcallen, TX

$67K - $93K/yr

Executive Chef Company: Altura Concepts Location: McAllen, Tx Employment Type: Full-Time At Altura ... Experience opening or stabilizing restaurant concepts Why Altura Concepts * Competitive salary ...

Altura Concepts

Executive Chef

Mcallen, TX

$67K - $93K/yr

Executive Chef Company: Altura Concepts Location: McAllen, Tx Employment Type: Full-Time At Altura ... Experience opening or stabilizing restaurant concepts Why Altura Concepts * Competitive salary ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Plano, TX

$75K - $85K/yr

Our Executive Chefs develop and lead team members by coaching and providing feedback on job ... New store openings- several growth opportunities for all team members! * Holiday closures- closed ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Dania Beach, FL

$70K - $96K/yr

Our Executive Chefs are responsible for all back of house team members, operations, and food ... New store openings-- several growth opportunities for all team members! * Holiday closures-- closed ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Wichita, KS

$75K - $80K/yr

Our Executive Chefs are responsible for all back of house team members, operations, and food ... New store openings-- several growth opportunities for all team members! * Holiday closures-- closed ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Dania Beach, FL

$70K - $96K/yr

Our Executive Chefs develop and lead team members by coaching and providing feedback on job ... New store openings-- several growth opportunities for all team members! * Holiday closures-- closed ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Richmond, VA

$75K - $85K/yr

Our Executive Chefs are responsible for all back of house team members, operations, and food ... New store openings-- several growth opportunities for all team members! * Holiday closures-- closed ...

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Opening Executive Chef information

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$86.9K

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How much do opening executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for opening executive chef in the United States is $86,886.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Opening Executive Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Opening Executive Chef, you need expertise in culinary arts, menu development, kitchen management, and typically a degree in culinary studies or relevant experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory software, and food safety certifications (like ServSafe) is essential. Leadership, organization, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for guiding teams and establishing kitchen culture. These competencies enable successful restaurant launches, consistent food quality, and efficient operations from day one.

What is the difference between Opening Executive Chef vs Executive Chef?

AspectOpening Executive ChefExecutive Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, extensive experience, leadership skillsCulinary degree, experience, leadership skills
Work EnvironmentPre-opening planning, menu development, team hiringOverseeing daily kitchen operations, staff management
Employer & Industry UsageUsed during restaurant or hotel openingsUsed for ongoing kitchen management
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles during restaurant launchesManaging existing kitchen operations

The Opening Executive Chef focuses on preparing a new restaurant or kitchen for launch, including menu creation and team setup. The Executive Chef manages daily kitchen operations once the establishment is open. Both roles require culinary expertise and leadership, but their focus differs based on the stage of the restaurant's lifecycle.

What is an Opening Executive Chef?

An Opening Executive Chef is a culinary professional responsible for launching the kitchen operations of a new restaurant, hotel, or food establishment. They develop menus, hire and train kitchen staff, set up kitchen workflows, and ensure that all culinary standards are met before and during the opening. Their goal is to establish high-quality food service from day one and set the foundation for long-term success. This role requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to work under tight deadlines.

What are some common challenges faced by an Opening Executive Chef during the launch of a new restaurant?

An Opening Executive Chef often faces challenges such as creating and standardizing a new menu, training a brand-new kitchen staff, and establishing efficient kitchen workflows under tight deadlines. Additionally, they must collaborate closely with management, suppliers, and front-of-house teams to ensure seamless coordination for a successful opening. Balancing high-quality food preparation with cost control and adapting quickly to unforeseen issues are also key aspects of this dynamic role.
More about Opening Executive Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Opening Executive Chef jobs? Cities with the most Opening Executive Chef job openings:
What states have the most Opening Executive Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Opening Executive Chef jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Opening Executive Chef jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Opening Executive Chef jobs are:
Opening Executive Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Opening Executive Chef job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,886 per year, or $41.8 per hour.
Executive Chef

Executive Chef

Metz Culinary Management

Ave Maria, FL • On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Metz Culinary Management rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 64 rated caterers

Job description

Position Title: Executive Chef
Location: Ave Maria University, Ave Maria FL
Salary: 80-83K
Now seeking a talented and experienced Executive Chef to lead our AMAZING Culinary Team in a busy and multi-outlet University Dining setting. We are seeking a culinary master with a mentoring leadership style, and polished communication skills. Experience in a Higher Education setting is desired, but will consider Chefs with institutional background that includes retail, catering, and cafe operations experience in a large multi-outlet setting.
Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and Leadership. We are seeking a Culinary Leader, with a passion for Food, Service and AMAZING Presentations.
Our Executive Chef must have a mentoring management style creating a culture of fun, creativity and growth. If you have the CULINARY CHOPS and passion for current, trending and diverse menus, and are ready to hit the ground running in a fast paced, high volume setting, we would like to hear from you! Must have Executive and/or Sous Chef experience in preferably an institution style, multi-outlet setting such as Hospital, School, College, Senior Living or Corporate Dining setting.
Requirements:
  • 3-5+Plus Years in a Supervisory Experience as Sous Chef or Executive Chef
  • High Volume background
  • Institutional facility or multi-outlet experience preferred
  • Impeccable communication Skills
  • Strong Restaurant Management knowledge
  • Thorough knowledge of Menu implementation with STUNNING presentation ideas
  • Strong Catering Experience
  • Culinary Degree strongly preferred

Metz Culinary Management Values are what separates us from the competition. Our Leaders share our Values, Attributes, and Strategic Focus reinforcing our culture and values every day to our Team Members creating an environment for personal growth, enrichment and career success.
As one of the fastest growing companies in the industry, we continually seek talented and dedicated individuals who share our commitment to excellence. Join our team of over 7,000 team members who share a passion for Onsite Dining and Support Services, working together toward one common goal, excellence, in quality and service. We are committed to providing the atmosphere, opportunity, and benefits that enable us to be an employer of choice in the industry.
We are a family-driven company that delivers restaurant-inspired hospitality to everyone we serve.

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