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Pre Opening Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FTK Hospitality Miami

Head Chef

Miami, FL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Head Chef - Full Time FTK Hospitality Miami | Miami, FL Join our dynamic team at FTK Hospitality ... Collaborate with operations and venue leadership on pre-opening buildout, systems, and standards.

e Fiori

Chef De Cuisine

Birmingham, MI · On-site

$63K - $86K/yr

Chef de Cuisine | Flagship Italian Concept Location: Birmingham, MI The Opportunity: A Defining ... Lead the "pre-opening" charge--standardizing recipes, organizing stations, and refining workflows ...

Big Time Restaurant Group

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Sous Chef

Burlington, MA · On-site

$65K/yr

The Sous Chef will work closely with the Executive Chef to ensure exceptional food quality, kitchen efficiency, and team development--playing a key role from pre-opening through ongoing success. JOB ...

We Guide, You Grow LLC.

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Sous Chef

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$42K - $62K/yr

Sous Chef - New & Upcoming Restaurant | Canonsburg, PA A new and exciting upscale dining concept is ... pre-opening through ongoing operations. Responsibilities * Assist in managing daily kitchen ...

New

e Fiori

Chef De Cuisine

Birmingham, MI · On-site

$63K - $86K/yr

Chef de Cuisine | Flagship Italian Concept Location: Birmingham, MI The Opportunity: A Defining ... Lead the "pre-opening" charge--standardizing recipes, organizing stations, and refining workflows ...

We Guide, You Grow LLC.

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

New York, NY · On-site

$42K - $62K/yr

Sous Chef - New & Upcoming Restaurant | Canonsburg, PA A new and exciting upscale dining concept is ... pre-opening through ongoing operations. Responsibilities * Assist in managing daily kitchen ...

New

Big Time Restaurant Group

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

Burlington, MA · On-site

$65K/yr

The Sous Chef will work closely with the Executive Chef to ensure exceptional food quality, kitchen efficiency, and team development--playing a key role from pre-opening through ongoing success. JOB ...

We Guide, You Grow LLC.

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

Canonsburg, PA · On-site

$42K - $62K/yr

Sous Chef - New & Upcoming Restaurant | Canonsburg, PA A new and exciting upscale dining concept is ... pre-opening through ongoing operations. Responsibilities * Assist in managing daily kitchen ...

New

Maple

Maple Hospitality Group - Corporate Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

Champion profitable innovation by aligning all culinary creativity with pre opening financial plans ... Collaborate directly with the Culinary Director and Chef Partner Danny Grant to safeguard culinary ...

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Pre Opening Chef information

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How much do pre opening chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for pre 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 unique challenges does a Pre Opening Chef face when setting up a new restaurant kitchen?

A Pre Opening Chef plays a critical role in establishing the kitchen's operations before a restaurant opens. Common challenges include designing an efficient kitchen layout, selecting and training the culinary team, developing menus that align with the restaurant's concept, and ensuring all equipment and supplies are in place and functional. This role requires strong project management skills, adaptability to unforeseen delays, and close collaboration with contractors, suppliers, and management to ensure a smooth launch. Successfully overcoming these challenges sets the foundation for the restaurant's long-term success.

What is a Pre Opening Chef?

A Pre Opening Chef is a culinary professional responsible for overseeing the setup and launch of a new restaurant, hotel kitchen, or food service operation before it officially opens. This role involves tasks such as designing menus, sourcing ingredients, hiring and training kitchen staff, setting up kitchen equipment, and establishing food safety standards. The Pre Opening Chef ensures that all culinary operations are ready for a smooth opening and that the team is prepared to deliver high-quality food from day one. Their expertise is crucial in creating efficient workflows and establishing a strong culinary foundation for the new establishment.

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

To thrive as a Pre Opening Chef, you need strong culinary expertise, leadership experience, and a proven track record in restaurant openings, typically supported by a culinary degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with kitchen design, equipment procurement, menu development, and food safety certifications are crucial for setting up new operations. Exceptional organizational skills, adaptability, and effective team communication help navigate the unique challenges of launching a new kitchen. These competencies ensure a seamless pre-opening process, high-quality standards, and a successful launch of the culinary operation.

What is the difference between Pre Opening Chef vs Kitchen Manager?

AspectPre Opening ChefKitchen Manager
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degreesManagement certifications, culinary background
Work EnvironmentKitchen, food preparation, menu planningKitchen oversight, staff management
Employer & Industry UsageUsed during restaurant setup, opening phasesOngoing operational management
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles during restaurant openingManaging kitchen operations post-opening

The Pre Opening Chef focuses on preparing the kitchen, developing menus, and ensuring readiness before a restaurant opens. In contrast, the Kitchen Manager oversees daily kitchen operations, manages staff, and maintains quality standards after the opening. Both roles require culinary skills, but their responsibilities differ mainly by timing and scope within the restaurant lifecycle.

Infographic showing various Pre Opening Chef job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Executive Chef

MARCUS SAMUELSSON RESTAURANT GROUP

Detroit, MI • On-site

$95K - $100K/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

The Executive Chef will assist with pre-opening projects and upon opening will be responsible for the success of the culinary operations of the restaurant, first and foremost fostering and developing an extraordinary team culture.

The Executive Chef will be a dynamic self-starter, responsible for menu planning, financial management, execution of exemplary guest experience, and continuous training, development and accountability of the team, aimed to motivate and deliver best-in-class teamwork and hospitality. This hands-on executive management role provides a high level of event oversight, technical proficiency and operational/personnel support to ensure the smooth execution of day-to-day operations and scheduled events.

We are seeking passion, skill and commitment!

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

  • An inspiring, influential, hands-on leader who has proven skills rallying a team to achieve its highest potential and then driving it to the next level

  • Proven experience as an Executive Chef or similar executive role

  • Experience in planning and budgeting

  • Acute financial management skills

  • Knowledge of business process and functions (finance, budgeting, food cost, procurement, etc.)

  • Experience managing payroll and schedules

  • Strong analytical ability

  • Effective verbal and written English communication skills

  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish cooperative working relationships

  • Outstanding organizational and leadership skills

  • Problem-solving aptitude

  • Proven record of effective conflict resolution and service recovery

  • Excellent professional presentation

  • Experience with restaurant openings, hiring, training, and maintaining ongoing operational excellence

  • Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

  • Comfortable with dealing with the media, public speaking, and VIP groups

  • Familiar with sanitation procedures, as well as standard food and beverage equipment maintenance

  • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience

  • Working knowledge of various computer software programs (MS Office, restaurant management software, POS)

  • Able to walk/stand for extended periods of time, with frequent bending, twisting, squatting and reaching overhead

  • Must be able to lift / carry items up to 40 lbs. and push / pull items up to 75 lbs.