Test Kitchen Recipe Development Chef Jobs in Washington, DC

At Sixty Vines, great food, wine and company come together to create unforgettable moments. Our wine-country-inspired cuisine, sixty wines on tap and craft cocktails transport Guests to renowned regions around the world through approachable pours and thoughtful pairings, all without the commitment of a bottle. An open exhibition kitchen and chef’s table anchor the dining room, featuring wood-fired pizzas, handcrafted charcuterie boards and seasonal dishes made for sharing and bringing people together. 

We are reimagining wine culture while reducing our carbon footprint. We want leaders who geek out over great food and wine, build teams that share that same energy and bring their passion to a brand growing nationwide. 

JOB SUMMARY 

We are seeking a hands-on Executive Chef to lead Sixty Vines’ culinary operations. In partnership with the General Manager and Director of Culinary, you will oversee menu execution, food cost, kitchen systems and the daily development of our culinary team. 

Our ideal Executive Chef combines strong business judgment with a passion for wine-country cuisine, consistent execution and developing the next generation of Chefs. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS  

Salary Range: $75,000–$95,000 per year, plus monthly profit share 

BENEFITS: THE GOOD STUFF 

• Flexible schedules 

• Potential for a four-day workweek once a month 

• Up to 17 days of Paid Time Off 

• 401(k) match 

• Medical, dental and vision insurance after 60 days 

• Wine-country trips 

• Free access to mental health services 

• Growth and leadership development opportunities 

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS 

• 3–5 years of culinary management experience in a high-volume, full-service restaurant 

• Experience leading menu rollouts and implementing kitchen systems 

• Strong understanding of food cost, culinary labor, inventory and purchasing 

• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop culinary teams 

• Advanced knowledge of scratch cooking, recipe execution and presentation standards 

• Strong communication, organization and problem-solving skills 

• Entrepreneurial, energetic and detail-oriented leadership style 

• Food Manager certification required 

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training preferred 

• Ability to work days, evenings, weekends and holidays as business needs require 

• Must be able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

CULINARY DIRECTION 

• Partner with the General Manager and Director of Culinary to execute and advance our culinary vision 

• Own the food menu, food cost and culinary team responsible for its execution 

• Ensure each dish reflects Sixty Vines’ Brand DNA and complements our wine program 

• Maintain a hands-on presence throughout preparation and service 

• Research culinary techniques and trends to keep our menu relevant and ahead of the curve 

• Support private events and special food-and-wine experiences 

MENU EXECUTION 

• Lead new menu launches and seasonal rollouts from planning through implementation 

• Train culinary leaders and Team Members on recipes, preparation methods and presentation standards 

• Ensure the kitchen has the products, equipment and training required for each rollout 

• Monitor food quality, consistency and Guest feedback and correct execution gaps promptly 

• Maintain accurate recipes, production procedures and training materials 

BUSINESS PARTNER 

• Manage food cost, culinary labor, purchasing, inventory and kitchen-related expenses 

• Review financial results and take corrective action when performance does not meet established goals 

• Control waste, portioning and product usage without compromising quality 

• Oversee culinary scheduling based on forecasted business levels 

• Maintain productive relationships with approved vendors and supplier partners 

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability while protecting the Guest experience 

PEOPLE CHAMPION 

• Hire, train, coach and retain talented culinary Team Members 

• Develop the next generation of Chefs through hands-on training and accountability 

• Establish clear expectations and provide fair, direct and consistent feedback 

• Build a positive culinary culture centered on teamwork, curiosity and continuous improvement 

• Foster strong communication between the culinary and front-of-house teams 

QUALITY AND SAFETY LEADER 

• Maintain our standards for food quality, kitchen cleanliness and organization 

• Ensure products are received, stored, labeled, rotated and prepared properly 

• Enforce all recipe, portion and presentation standards 

• Lead food safety, sanitation, regulatory compliance and product education 

• Maintain required culinary records, certifications and operational documentation 

If you are passionate about developing culinary talent, creating wine-country-inspired food and helping reimagine wine culture, we invite you to apply. 

We participate in the E-Verify program. As part of our commitment to maintaining a legal workforce, we verify the employment eligibility of all new hires through E-Verify. 

Equal Opportunity Employer