Topography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT THE LAKE:
The Lake is a new private social club opening in October 2026 in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Spanning 26,000 square feet, the clubhouse will feature a classic brick-and-limestone exterior paired with stylish contemporary interiors, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting. Designed to foster a vibrant, welcoming community, The Lake will center around an exceptional food and beverage program and bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a love of gathering with family and friends. The club will offer three distinct restaurants, including a French-inspired brasserie, a British American restaurant, and an Italian trattoria. In addition, members will enjoy two cocktail bars, a members’ wine cellar, a roof terrace, three guest rooms, all thoughtfully designed to create a dynamic and curated experience.
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ABOUT TOPOGRAPHY:
Topography is a hospitality company founded by Liam Krehbiel in 2021 that develops and operates a collection of luxurious hotels and clubs, with a vision to build a world-class company known for excellence in guest experience, employee satisfaction, financial performance, and environmental stewardship. The Lake will be Topography’s first property to open, with additional projects in development across Wisconsin, New England, and North Carolina.
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CULINARY, BEVERAGE & SERVICE PHILOSOPHY:
The Lake’s restaurants will honor timeless classics across three distinct types of cuisine. We believe truly exceptional hospitality is defined by the quality of food, beverage, and service—delivered with the precision, warmth, and personality of the world’s best independent restaurants. Rather than replicating conventional luxury club dining, our ambition is to exceed it by creating experiences that feel personal, intentional, and deeply memorable.
Leaders at The Lake are expected to champion standards of food, beverage, and service that are:
• Chef- and craft-driven, not formulaic
• Technically excellent, yet warm and human
• Consistently refined, without becoming rigid or impersonal
This philosophy must be evident in every interaction, including the creativity, precision, and presentation of the pastry and dessert program.
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ABOUT THE POSITION:
The Pastry Chef will lead the development, execution, and ongoing evolution of The Lake’s pastry and dessert program across all dining venues. This role is responsible for creating a cohesive and elevated offering—from plated desserts to breads, breakfast pastries, and special event production—while maintaining the highest standards of quality, consistency, and creativity.
The ideal candidate is both highly technical and creatively driven, with a passion for classic and contemporary pastry, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-outlet environment.
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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Pastry Program Leadership & Execution
• Oversee all pastry production across the club, including desserts, breads, breakfast pastries, and specialty items.
• Develop and execute menus that align with each restaurant concept while maintaining a cohesive overall identity.
• Ensure consistent quality, presentation, and execution across all outlets and service periods.
• Lead daily production and service, ensuring efficiency, organization, and excellence.
Culinary Creativity & Menu Development
• Design seasonal dessert menus, tasting components, and specialty offerings that reflect The Lake’s culinary philosophy.
• Balance creativity with approachability, ensuring offerings are refined, memorable, and member-focused.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and culinary leadership on menu integration and concept development.
Quality Control & Standards
• Establish and maintain recipes, plating standards, and production processes.
• Conduct regular quality checks to ensure consistency and adherence to standards.
• Maintain strict food safety, sanitation, and storage practices.
Team Leadership & Development
• Foster a culture of discipline, creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide mentorship and development opportunities to build a strong and sustainable team.
• Lead by example with professionalism, organization, and attention to detail.
Financial Performance & Controls
• Manage pastry-related food costs through proper sourcing, portioning, and waste reduction.
• Oversee ordering, inventory, and vendor relationships for pastry ingredients and specialty items.
• Support labor planning and scheduling to align with business needs.
Member Experience & Collaboration
• Contribute to a memorable dining experience through exceptional desserts and pastry offerings.
• Collaborate with front-of-house leadership to ensure proper presentation and service of pastry items.
• Support private events, celebrations, and custom requests, including cakes and specialty desserts.
Pre-Opening & Strategic Planning
• Play a key role in pre-opening, including pastry kitchen setup, equipment selection, and vendor sourcing.
• Develop production systems, prep lists, and workflows to ensure operational readiness.
REPORTS TO:
Executive Chef
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CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:
The Lake is seeking candidates who bring both technical excellence and creative vision to the pastry program.
Professional Experience:
• 5+ years of experience in pastry roles, including experience as a Pastry Chef or Pastry Sous Chef in high-quality restaurants, luxury hotels, or similar environments.
• Strong foundation in classical pastry techniques, baking, and dessert presentation.
• Experience overseeing pastry production across multiple outlets is highly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead a team and manage production in a high-volume, high-standard environment.
• Experience with pre-opening concepts is a plus.
Core Values Alignment:
Candidates should demonstrate alignment with Topography’s core values:
• Drive
• Teamwork
• Empathy
• Excellence
• Integrity
• Judgment
• Creativity
• Positive Attitude
• Self-Awareness
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COMPENSATION:
The Lake offers a competitive compensation package that includes a base salary, annual bonus, and a 401(k) plan. Additionally, The Lake provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and paid vacation. Topography Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer.