Head Chef

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An award-winning craft distillery and cocktail bar in the heart of Chester County, PA. is expanding its hospitality experience with a full-service restaurant as part of a $2 million renovation. The new concept will feature an upscale Neapolitan pizza program, chef-driven entrées, and innovative small plates, all served in a lively, community-focused environment. The organization seeks an experienced and creative Head Chef to lead the opening and culinary direction of its brand-new restaurant. The ideal candidate is a proven leader with a strong background in restaurant openings, team development, and contemporary cuisine. The Head Chef plays a hands-on role in menu creation, kitchen operations, and staff management, ensuring an exceptional dining experience.

Compensation & Benefits:

Base Salary: $70,000-$80,000 (flexible for exceptional candidates), strong bonus potential, benefits, including health care (BlueCross), 401(k) with 50% match up to 6%, PTO (2 weeks, increasing to 3 weeks after 5 years), and employee perks across the organization. With multiple new café and restaurant openings planned, this role offers significant potential for advancement within a growing hospitality group.

Key Responsibilities

• Leads all aspects of the kitchen’s launch, from hiring and training staff to establishing kitchen systems and workflows.

• Collaborates with ownership and a top culinary consultant to develop an upscale Neapolitan pizza and modern European-inspired menu.

• Oversees daily culinary operations to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency.

• Manages food and labor costs, inventory, and vendor relationships to achieve targeted financial goals ($1–1.5 million in projected annual revenue).

• Fosters a positive, motivated kitchen culture that emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and excellence.

• Maintains the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and compliance with health and safety regulations.

• Continuously evolves the menu based on seasonality, guest feedback, and market trends.

• Partners with ownership to drive sales growth and align the culinary program with overall business objectives.

Key Qualifications

• Demonstrates proven success in opening and managing full-service restaurants.

• Exhibits strong team leadership and people management skills with a track record of building cohesive, high-performing kitchen teams.

• Shows financial acumen, including cost control, budgeting, and profit optimization.

• Possesses culinary creativity with a deep understanding of modern and European-inspired cuisines.

• Communicates effectively and demonstrates strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.

• Exhibits a passion for hospitality, community, and delivering memorable dining experiences.

Application

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply today or submit an updated resume to James Nolan at james@horizonhospitality.com