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Opening Executive Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Greenville, SC

$67K - $92K/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

Omaha, NE

$70K - $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

Greenville, SC · On-site

$67K - $92K/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

Greenville, SC · On-site

$67K - $92K/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

Omaha, NE

$70K - $80K/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 ...

Cobalt Smoke & Sea

Executive Chef

Saint Louis, MO

$80K - $95K/yr

We are looking for an Executive Chef who wants more than a kitchen-management position. This is an ... Establish daily prep lists, production systems, station standards, and opening and closing ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$75K - $80K/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

Omaha, NE · On-site

$70K - $80K/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

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$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 ...

Cobalt Smoke & Sea

Executive Chef

Creve Coeur, MO

$80K - $95K/yr

We are looking for an Executive Chef who wants more than a kitchen-management position. This is an ... Establish daily prep lists, production systems, station standards, and opening and closing ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Columbus, OH · On-site

$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 ...

DALTON GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

Be Seen First

Executive Chef

Dalton, GA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

EXECUTIVE CHEF DALTON GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB DALTON, GEORGIA EXECUTIVE CHEF OPPORTUNITY AT DALTON GOLF ... The Club has recently served as host site for the Georgia Open and the NAIA Men's Golf Championship ...

Noble 33

Executive Chef

Miami, FL

$66K - $91K/yr

We're thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of Toca Madera - Miami the newest addition to the ... This position is for the Executive Chef for our upcoming location Toca Madera - Miami! This chef ...

Noble 33

Executive Chef

Miami, FL

$66K - $91K/yr

We're thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of Toca Madera - Miami the newest addition to the ... This position is for the Executive Chef for our upcoming location Toca Madera - Miami! This chef ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Omaha, NE

$70K - $80K/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 ...

Aba

Executive Chef

Dallas, TX

$85K - $110K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Dallas, TX Pay: $85,000-$110,000/year Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is ... Support new openings and multi-unit operations as needed Requirements * Extensive culinary ...

Trinity Health

Executive Chef

Westerville, OH · On-site

$68K - $95K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for successfully coordinating and directing all culinary ... open issues and to encourage open dialogue for suggested process improvements. Outlines ...

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Opening Executive Chef information

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$40K

$86.9K

$130K

How much do opening executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an opening executive chef?

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 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.

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.

Do opening executive chefs get paid well?

Opening executive chefs typically earn higher salaries compared to other culinary roles due to their leadership responsibilities and experience requirements. Compensation varies based on the size and location of the establishment, but they often receive competitive wages, bonuses, and benefits. Strong leadership skills and culinary expertise can positively impact earning potential in this role.

Is an opening executive chef a stressful job?

An opening executive chef role can be stressful due to the high level of responsibility for kitchen operations, staff management, and meeting quality standards. The job often involves long hours, tight deadlines, and the need to quickly adapt to new environments and menus.

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:

Opening Executive Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Opening Executive Chef job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,886 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Executive Chef

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Greenville, SC

$67K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 88 rated restaurants

Job description

Overview

Our Executive Chefs are responsible for all back of house team members, operations, and food production. Our Executive Chefs develop and lead team members by coaching and providing feedback on job performance. This individual is accountable for creating a positive environment that sets expectations for food quality and a clean, organized kitchen. This individual must be able to remain calm and composed in high pressure situations. Our Executive Chefs play a vital role in the execution of hospitality.

Responsibilities

What we expect of you:

  • Manages back of house team members, operations and food production for the restaurant and FIREBAR
  • Trains and develops Sous Chef
  • Provides direction and training to team members by coaching, counseling and providing feedback on job performance
  • Cross trains team members-evaluates, encourages, and teaches team members to improve and widen their kitchen knowledge on each station
  • Supervises and participates in butchering and portion control on each shift
  • Responsible for creating a positive environment that sets the expectation for quality food and a neat, clean and organized kitchen
  • Responsible for team development by interviewing and hiring back of house team members to maintain staffing goals
  • Accountable for ordering produce, seafood, and main food orders
  • Conducts inventory bi-weekly in a team effort
  • Comfortable working in a team driven kitchen and closely works with all managers
Qualifications

Qualifications:

  • 2+ years high volume, full service restaurant experience in an Executive Chef position
  • Warm, passionate, and committed to the industry
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to remain calm, cool, and collected under pressure
  • Self-Actualized and motivated
  • Self-discipline; maintained professional appearance
  • Butchering experience required
  • Scratch Kitchen Experience preferred

What's in it for you:

  • Excellent earning potential
  • Attainable bonus paid every other pay period
  • Comprehensive training
  • Three weeks paid time-off annually
  • 401k + company match
  • Competitive benefits-Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance
  • New store openings- several growth opportunities for all team members!
  • Holiday closures- closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving Day; early closures on Christmas Eve!

If you are seeking a position with growth opportunities, in depth learning and development, and supportive team members, then spark the flame and apply to Firebirds today!

Firebirds is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

#FBGRILL

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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