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Side Chef Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Executive Chef

Detroit, MI · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

As the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for leading and mentoring the back-of-house team ... The menu boasts an extensive collection of bone-in steaks as well as fresh seafood, signature side ...

Executive Chef

Novi, MI · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

Description Executive Chef - Toasted Oak Grill & Market $80,000 - $90,000 annually plus bonus ... culinary side. We are team players that work with our operations team to provide the best ...

Sous Chef

Detroit, MI · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

You have tremendous culinary aptitude and are just beginning your journey to understanding the financial side of the business, and are eager to learn more. THE ROLE The Sous Chef reports to and works ...

Sous Chef

Detroit, MI · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

You have tremendous culinary aptitude and are just beginning your journey to understanding the financial side of the business, and are eager to learn more. THE ROLE The Sous Chef reports to and works ...

Executive Chef

Novi, MI · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

Description Executive Chef - Toasted Oak Grill & Market $80,000 - $90,000 annually plus bonus ... culinary side. We are team players that work with our operations team to provide the best ...

Taking charge of kitchen opening, closing and other side duties as directed by the Executive Chef Report to Culinary Director who oversees two hotels and restaurants in New Buffalo. Bring creativity ...

Sous Chef

Clarkston, MI · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

And it's crafted with hickory on the smoke side and apple and cherry wood on the pizza side. These ... POSITION SUMMARY A Sous Chef is responsible for oversight of the kitchen portion of the restaurant.

Sous Chef

Clarkston, MI

$51K - $69K/yr

And it's crafted with hickory on the smoke side and apple and cherry wood on the pizza side. These ... POSITION SUMMARY A Sous Chef is responsible for oversight of the kitchen portion of the restaurant.

If so, then being a Pizza Chef at CPK may be for you! Our team members bring California creativity ... They maintain the proper temperature of equipment and perform station opening/closing and side work ...

If so, then being a Pizza Chef at CPK may be for you! Our team members bring California creativity ... They maintain the proper temperature of equipment and perform station opening/closing and side work ...

If so, then being a Pizza Chef at CPK may be for you! Our team members bring California creativity ... They maintain the proper temperature of equipment and perform station opening/closing and side work ...

If so, then being a Pizza Chef at CPK may be for you! Our team members bring California creativity ... They maintain the proper temperature of equipment and perform station opening/closing and side work ...

If so, then being a Pizza Chef at CPK may be for you! Our team members bring California creativity ... They maintain the proper temperature of equipment and perform station opening/closing and side work ...

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Side Chef information

See Michigan salary details

$8

$20

$36

How much do side chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for side chef in Michigan is $20.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $24.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are side chefs and what do they do?

A side chef, often referred to as a sous chef, is the second-in-command in a professional kitchen. They assist the head chef in managing kitchen operations, supervising other staff, and ensuring that dishes are prepared to high standards. Side chefs are responsible for tasks like preparing ingredients, overseeing cooking stations, and helping with menu planning. Their role is essential for maintaining kitchen efficiency and food quality.

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

To thrive as a Side Chef, you need a solid understanding of culinary techniques, food safety, and kitchen operations, often gained through culinary school or relevant kitchen experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management software, and safe food handling certifications is commonly required. Strong teamwork, time management, and communication skills help Side Chefs excel in fast-paced kitchen environments. These abilities ensure efficient food preparation, maintain high standards of quality and safety, and support overall kitchen success.

What are some common challenges a Side Chef faces when supporting the Head Chef in a busy kitchen?

As a Side Chef, one of the most common challenges is managing multiple tasks simultaneously, such as prepping ingredients, ensuring food quality, and assisting with plating, all while maintaining clear communication with the Head Chef and other team members. The fast-paced environment requires strong organizational skills and the ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities or sudden high-volume orders. Additionally, Side Chefs are often responsible for stepping in during absences or rush periods, which demands flexibility and a strong understanding of kitchen operations. Developing efficient workflows and fostering positive teamwork are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Side Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectSide ChefLine Cook
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary trainingFood safety certification, culinary training
Work EnvironmentAssists main kitchen staff, supports prep and platingPrepares dishes on the line during service
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, catering, hotelsRestaurants, hotels, catering
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Side Chef and a Line Cook is that a Side Chef typically supports the kitchen team by assisting with prep, plating, and other tasks, while a Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes during service on the kitchen line. Both roles require culinary skills and certifications, but the Side Chef often has a broader support role, whereas the Line Cook is more directly involved in cooking during busy hours.

Executive Chef

Executive Chef

Sullivan's Steakhouse

Detroit, MI • On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

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Job description

Lead the Culinary Vision of Detroit’s Premier Fine Dining Restaurant

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Executive Chef to oversee the culinary direction of our fine dining, made-from-scratch kitchen. As the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for leading and mentoring the back-of-house team, managing kitchen operations, and driving the execution of exceptional cuisine in a refined, high-volume setting.

This role requires a strategic leader who thrives in a hands-on environment, with a deep understanding of ingredient sourcing, classic and modern techniques, and systemized kitchen operations. You will work in partnership with the General Manager and lead all culinary operations with an unwavering focus on quality, consistency, and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring execution of made-from-scratch dishes that align with our fine dining standards.
  • Execute world-class recipes with every dish made to exact specifications, ensuring consistency, presentation, and quality.
  • Execute and maintain world-class systems and processes for recipe, prep lists, inventory control, quality assurance, and sanitation.
  • Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing culinary team with a focus on mentorship, cross-training, and retention.
  • Follow and implement our structured training programs and SOPs for all BOH positions, including line cooks, prep cooks, and sous chefs.
  • Collaborate with the General Manager and Service Managers to ensure seamless kitchen-to-dining room execution.
  • Manage kitchen scheduling, labor costs, food cost and theoretical targets within budget parameters.
  • Conduct regular line checks, tastings, and staff meetings to uphold culinary and safety standards.
  • Ensure Facility is in proper repair and standards
  • Ensure full compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations at all times.
  • Drive consistency and excellence across every plate, every shift.

Qualifications & Skills

  • Minimum 5 years of experience as an Executive Chef or Chef de Cuisine in a fine dining or upscale, scratch-kitchen environment.
  • Proven leadership ability with experience managing large kitchen teams in high-pressure settings.
  • Ability to lead the team from the front, training and coaching along the way
  • Deep understanding of classic cooking techniques, modern plating, and seasonal ingredient use.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and implement kitchen systems, training manuals, and standard operating procedures.
  • Strong knowledge of inventory, food costing, portion control, and BOH budgeting.
  • ServSafe Certification or equivalent required.
  • Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills.
  • Passion for culinary excellence, mentorship, and continuous improvement.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive Salary: From $90,000/year, depending on experience
  • Performance-Based Bonus Potential
  • 401(k) with Employer Matching
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off & Paid Training
  • Employee Meals & Discounts
  • Opportunities for Culinary Development & Growth

Why Join Us?

We’re committed to the craft of exceptional dining and hospitality. As Executive Chef, you will shape a scratch-made culinary program in one of Detroit’s most respected restaurants. Your leadership will directly impact the experience of every guest—and the growth of every team member.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or disability.

Company Description

Sullivan’s Steakhouse is a distinguished steakhouse brand providing a relaxed dining experience rooted in tradition, with high-quality service and a consistently vibrant, friendly atmosphere. The menu boasts an extensive collection of bone-in steaks as well as fresh seafood, signature side dishes, homemade desserts, and sophisticated cocktails, including Sullivan’s favorites like The Knockout Martini, Crispy Shanghai Calamari, and House-Cut Steaks. With a vibrant bar area and live entertainment for weekly ‘Swingin’ at Sully’s’ happy hours, Sullivan’s Steakhouse is the ultimate dining destination for a big night out on the town any night of the week.