Quiltmaker Cafe

Company Description

The Quiltmaker Café is a nonprofit, counter-service restaurant that will offer a full menu in a welcoming, community-focused setting. Guests are invited to participate through pay-what-you-can and volunteer options, removing traditional barriers to accessing healthy food. The café's mission is to provide nutritious meals and a sense of belonging to all people, regardless of their ability to pay. Team members will contribute to a purpose-driven environment that values dignity, community, and shared responsibility.

Role Description

The Executive Chef is a full-time, on-site role based in Pittsboro, NC. This position oversees all kitchen operations, including menu planning, food preparation, and daily execution of service. The Executive Chef will design affordable, healthy, and appealing dishes that align with the café's mission and operational model. Responsibilities include ordering and managing inventory, supervising kitchen staff and volunteers, ensuring food safety and sanitation compliance, and maintaining consistent quality standards. The role also involves collaborating with leadership on cost control, supporting community engagement, and fostering an inclusive, respectful work environment.

Qualifications

• Professional culinary expertise, including experience as an Executive Chef, Head Chef, or similar leadership role in a restaurant or food service setting.
• Strong skills in menu development, recipe creation, and planning nutritious, cost-effective meals for diverse guests.
• Demonstrated ability to manage kitchen operations, including staff scheduling, training, and supervision of employees and volunteers.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, ServSafe or equivalent certification, and commitment to maintaining high sanitation standards.
• Experience with inventory management, ordering, and basic cost control to support a sustainable nonprofit model.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a mission-driven, community-oriented environment.
• Ability to work on-site in Pittsboro, NC, with flexibility to support evenings or weekends as needed.
• Passion for food justice, community service, or nonprofit work; prior experience in community-focused or pay-what-you-can settings is a plus.
• Formal culinary training or equivalent practical experience; bilingual skills or local community knowledge are beneficial.