1

Restaurant Executive Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Executive Chef

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$27.27 - $34.27/hr

Earn a $250 referral bonus for Team Member positions and $500 for restaurant management positions ... The Assistant Kitchen Culinary Manager or Assistant Executive Chef assists in managing the ...

Assistant Executive Chef

Norman, OK · On-site

$66K - $86K/yr

Earn a $250 referral bonus for Team Member positions and $500 for restaurant management positions ... The Assistant Kitchen Culinary Manager or Assistant Executive Chef assists in managing the ...

Earn a $250 referral bonus for Team Member positions and $500 for restaurant management positions ... The Assistant Kitchen Culinary Manager or Assistant Executive Chef assists in managing the ...

Assistant Executive Chef

Norman, OK · On-site

$23.08 - $30.07/hr

Earn a $250 referral bonus for Team Member positions and $500 for restaurant management positions ... The Assistant Kitchen Culinary Manager or Assistant Executive Chef assists in managing the ...

Assistant Executive Chef

Aurora, CO · On-site

$27.27 - $34.27/hr

Earn a $250 referral bonus for Team Member positions and $500 for restaurant management positions ... The Assistant Kitchen Culinary Manager or Assistant Executive Chef assists in managing the ...

Earn a $250 referral bonus for Team Member positions and $500 for restaurant management positions ... The Assistant Kitchen Culinary Manager or Assistant Executive Chef assists in managing the ...

Assistant Executive Chef

Aurora, CO · On-site

$77K - $98K/yr

Earn a $250 referral bonus for Team Member positions and $500 for restaurant management positions ... The Assistant Kitchen Culinary Manager or Assistant Executive Chef assists in managing the ...

Assistant Executive Chef

Aurora, CO · On-site

$77K - $98K/yr

Earn a $250 referral bonus for Team Member positions and $500 for restaurant management positions ... The Assistant Kitchen Culinary Manager or Assistant Executive Chef assists in managing the ...

Earn a $250 referral bonus for Team Member positions and $500 for restaurant management positions ... The Assistant Kitchen Culinary Manager or Assistant Executive Chef assists in managing the ...

Earn a $250 referral bonus for Team Member positions and $500 for restaurant management positions ... The Assistant Kitchen Culinary Manager or Assistant Executive Chef assists in managing the ...

WDH Executive Chef

Haverford, PA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

EXECUTIVE CHEF POSITION AT FEARLESS RESTAURANT GROUP What makes Fearless Restaurants special and a great place to work?! Cuz' we give a damn! We are part of Fearless Restaurant Group; a multi-concept ...

Assistant Executive Chef

Norman, OK · On-site

$66K - $86K/yr

Earn a $250 referral bonus for Team Member positions and $500 for restaurant management positions ... The Assistant Kitchen Culinary Manager or Assistant Executive Chef assists in managing the ...

Executive Chef Location: Naples, FL Salary: $80,000-$100,000 Benefits: Comprehensive benefits ... Strong background in restaurant operations, catering, production kitchens, and prepared foods

Earn a $250 referral bonus for Team Member positions and $500 for restaurant management positions ... The Assistant Kitchen Culinary Manager or Assistant Executive Chef assists in managing the ...

Showing results 21-40

Restaurant Executive Chef information

See salary details

$40K

$86.9K

$130K

How much do restaurant executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for restaurant 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 a restaurant executive chef?

Restaurant Executive Chefs are the head chefs responsible for overseeing the entire kitchen operation in a restaurant. They develop menus, manage kitchen staff, ensure food quality and safety standards, and often handle budgeting and inventory. Executive chefs also collaborate with restaurant management to create dining experiences that align with the restaurant's brand and goals. Their leadership and culinary expertise are crucial to a restaurant's success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a restaurant executive chef?

To thrive as a Restaurant Executive Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu development expertise, and significant kitchen management experience, typically supported by formal culinary education or certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications (such as ServSafe) is essential. Leadership, creativity, and strong communication are standout soft skills for effectively managing a team and delivering an exceptional dining experience. These skills ensure operational efficiency, high food quality, and the ability to inspire and lead culinary teams in a competitive restaurant environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a restaurant executive chef, and how can they be managed?

As a Restaurant Executive Chef, you'll often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistency and quality across all dishes, managing food costs, and leading a diverse kitchen team. Balancing creativity with operational efficiency is crucial, as is adapting quickly to changes in customer preferences or supply chain issues. Effective communication and delegation, regular staff training, and implementing standardized procedures can help manage these challenges and ensure smooth kitchen operations.

What is the difference between Restaurant Executive Chef vs Restaurant Sous Chef?

AspectRestaurant Executive ChefRestaurant Sous Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, extensive experience, leadership skillsCulinary training, experience as a line cook or chef de partie
Work EnvironmentOversees entire kitchen operations, manages staffAssists head chef, manages specific kitchen sections
ResponsibilitiesMenu creation, staff management, budgetingFood preparation, station management, supporting the executive chef

The Restaurant Executive Chef is responsible for overall kitchen management, menu development, and staff leadership. The Sous Chef supports the executive chef by managing daily kitchen operations and food prep. While both roles require culinary expertise, the executive chef holds a higher leadership and strategic position within the restaurant.

What cities are hiring for Restaurant Executive Chef jobs?

Cities with the most Restaurant Executive Chef job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Restaurant Chef jobs?

The most popular types of Restaurant Chef jobs are:

What states have the most Restaurant Executive Chef jobs?

States with the most job openings for Restaurant Executive Chef jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Restaurant Executive Chef jobs?

For Restaurant Executive Chef jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Restaurant Executive Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $86,886 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Restaurant Executive Chef de Cuisine

Canon City, CO • On-site

Royal Gorge Route Railroad
51 - 200 employees

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead daily kitchen operations alongside the Executive Chef

  • Execute seasonal and evolving menus with precision and consistency

  • Hire, train, coach, and mentor culinary team members


Job description

Description:
Executive Chef de Cuisine
Reports To: Founding Executive Chef
FLSA Status: Full-Time | Salaried | Exempt
Compensation: $90,000-$100,000 annually
Relocation Assistance: Available for qualified candidates
Benefits
  • Competitive salary of $90,000-$100,000, based on experience
  • 100% employer-paid medical, dental and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with up to 8% company match
  • Paid vacation and holidays
  • Employee housing options available
  • Professional development and continuing culinary education
  • Outstanding advancement opportunities within a growing hospitality organization

Be Part of Culinary History
This is your opportunity to become a founding culinary leader of one of Colorado's most anticipated fine dining restaurants.
Opening in August 2026, Antithesis will redefine destination dining in Southern Colorado. Located inside the beautifully restored historic Royal Gorge Mansion, this ambitious restaurant combines timeless hospitality, world-class cuisine, and one of the most remarkable settings in the American West.
As a founding member of the leadership team, you'll help shape the kitchen culture, mentor future culinary talent, establish systems and standards, and leave your mark on a restaurant from day one.
Even more uniquely, you'll work alongside acclaimed Founding Executive Chef Johnny Church. Chef Church brings decades of experience leading award-winning restaurants and is known for developing exceptional chefs, fostering creativity, and building kitchens grounded in excellence, professionalism, and mentorship.
If you've been waiting for the opportunity to help build something extraordinary-not simply inherit someone else's systems-this is that opportunity.
About Antithesis
Welcome to old-world grandeur with modern sophistication.
Antithesis occupies the historic Royal Gorge Mansion (originally built in the 1880s), situated on four beautifully landscaped acres at the entrance to the breathtaking Royal Gorge.
The estate features towering trees, historic architecture, expansive gardens, firepits, fountains, and unmatched views, creating one of Colorado's most memorable dining destinations.
As part of the Royal Gorge Route Railroad family, Antithesis is positioned to serve guests from around the world who travel specifically to experience the region's iconic scenery, luxury train excursions, and exceptional hospitality.
Our vision is simple:
Create one of Colorado's premier fine dining experiences where remarkable food, genuine hospitality, and unforgettable surroundings come together.
Position Summary
The Executive Chef de Cuisine serves as the Founding Executive Chef's right hand and plays a critical leadership role in the daily operation of the kitchen.
This position combines hands-on culinary excellence with operational leadership. You'll help oversee all culinary operations, maintain the highest standards of food quality and consistency, mentor and develop the culinary team, and ensure every guest receives an exceptional dining experience.
We're looking for a chef who thrives in high-performance kitchens, leads by example, remains calm under pressure, and is passionate about building a culture of professionalism, accountability, and creativity.
Essential Responsibilities
Culinary Leadership
  • Lead daily kitchen operations alongside the Executive Chef
  • Execute seasonal and evolving menus with precision and consistency
  • Ensure exceptional presentation, quality, and execution of every dish
  • Uphold the restaurant's culinary standards during every service
  • Maintain excellence across all kitchen stations

Team Leadership
  • Hire, train, coach, and mentor culinary team members
  • Foster a positive, respectful, and performance-driven kitchen culture
  • Lead by example with professionalism, humility, and integrity
  • Assist with scheduling and labor management
  • Conduct training and ongoing performance development

Operations
  • Assist with inventory management, ordering, and receiving
  • Monitor food costs and minimize waste
  • Ensure proper product rotation and storage
  • Maintain kitchen cleanliness and organization
  • Oversee food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards
  • Collaborate with leadership to improve systems and efficiencies

Culinary Excellence
  • Assist in menu development and seasonal features
  • Support recipe consistency and documentation
  • Evaluate products and ingredients for quality
  • Contribute creative ideas while maintaining the restaurant's culinary vision

Additional Duties
  • Support banquet, special event, and private dining operations
  • Participate in leadership meetings
  • Perform additional responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications
  • Culinary degree preferred or equivalent professional experience
  • 5+ years of progressive leadership in upscale or fine dining kitchens
  • Previous experience as Executive Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Senior Sous Chef preferred
  • Strong understanding of modern culinary techniques
  • Experience leading high-performing kitchen teams
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills
  • Proven ability to coach, mentor, and inspire others
  • Passion for hospitality and guest experience
  • Ability to perform successfully in a fast-paced environment

Current Food Safety Manager Certification (ServSafe or equivalent) required or ability to obtain upon hire.
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate is:
  • A servant leader who enjoys developing people
  • Passionate about fine dining and elevated hospitality
  • Calm, composed, and decisive during busy service
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented
  • Financially responsible with strong food and labor cost awareness
  • Adaptable, creative, and eager to grow
  • Excited by the opportunity to build something lasting from the ground up

Working Conditions
  • Fast-paced fine dining kitchen
  • Exposure to heat, steam, sharp equipment, and kitchen noise
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds
  • Nights, weekends, and holidays required
  • Minimum 50-hour workweek

Why Join the Royal Gorge Route Railroad Family?
Working here means more than preparing exceptional food.
You'll be joining one of Colorado's premier hospitality organizations, serving hundreds of thousands of guests each year from across the country and around the world.
Our restaurants, luxury train experiences, historic properties, and hospitality offerings continue to grow, creating meaningful opportunities for ambitious culinary professionals looking to build long-term careers.
At Antithesis, you'll have the rare opportunity to help establish a restaurant's identity from its very first service while working under the mentorship of one of Colorado's most accomplished chefs.
For chefs who aspire to create something truly special, opportunities like this are exceptionally rare.
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you require an accommodation in order to apply, please call (719) 276-4000.