Executive Chef - Legend's Bar & Grill

JOB SUMMARY

Legends Bar & Grill, located within our newly updated hotel property, is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead our culinary operations and elevate the guest dining experience. This role oversees all kitchen operations, creates profitable and innovative menus, builds a high-performing culinary team, and ensures the delivery of consistent, high-quality food in a fast-paced, upscale bar & grill environment.

The ideal candidate brings strong hotel restaurant experience, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for creating memorable guest experiences while maintaining disciplined cost controls and operational excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Culinary Leadership & Guest Experience

• Lead all back-of-house operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, presentation, and execution.
• Develop and maintain seasonal menus, daily specials, and event menus aligned with guest preferences and brand standards.
• Ensure dishes are prepared and delivered in a timely manner, maintaining high culinary standards.
• Model and reinforce professional, courteous, and guest-focused service at all times.

Team Management

• Hire, train, coach, and mentor kitchen staff to build a cohesive, high-performing culinary team.
• Provide ongoing development, performance reviews, and clear direction to all BOH team members.
• Foster a positive, collaborative kitchen culture built on respect, communication, and accountability.
• Ensure staff complete all required training (food safety, alcohol service, safety, HR, accounting procedures, etc.).

Operational Excellence

• Oversee purchasing, inventory, and cost controls to meet financial goals and reduce waste.
• Maintain all kitchen equipment and ensure work areas meet cleanliness and sanitation standards.
• Create accurate work schedules based on business levels, events, and forecasting tools.
• Personally oversee VIP, large-scale, or high-profile events to ensure flawless execution.
• Develop, monitor, and manage departmental budgets, using financial data to guide decision-making.

Brand, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with hotel, restaurant, state, local, and federal regulations.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards.
• Uphold Hotels and Legends Bar & Grill brand expectations in all menu, service, and operational areas.

Innovation, Sales & Marketing Support

• Conduct market and cost analyses to set profitable pricing and identify trends.
• Partner with management on promotions, events, entertainment bookings, and marketing initiatives to grow revenue.
• Collaborate with the hotel leadership team to support property-wide events and community engagement.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Minimum 5 years of progressive culinary leadership in restaurant or hotel settings.
• Strong culinary technique and commitment to high-quality, consistent food execution.
• Proven experience managing kitchen teams, schedules, budgets, costs, and vendor relationships.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal leadership skills.
• Ability to multitask, problem-solve, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong computer skills, basic math competency, and ability to manage inventories and costs.

Preferred

• Prior Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef experience in a hotel, resort, or high-volume upscale bar & grill.
• Culinary or Food Science degree or formal culinary training.
• Experience with menu engineering, cost controls, and P&L accountability.
• Experience overseeing events, banquets, or multi-outlet food operations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying throughout shift.
• Exposure to hot surfaces, steam, kitchen equipment, knives, and cleaning chemicals.
• Must wear slip-resistant footwear and follow all safety procedures.

OTHER INFORMATION

• Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.
• Duties may be revised or assigned as needed to support the hotel's business needs.

TOTAL REWARDS

This full-time, exempt position offers a estimated pay range of $70,000–$85,000 annually based on job-related experience, skills, and qualifications.

We offer an exceptionally competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and overall well-being. Full-time employees enjoy:

• Medical insurance for just $50 per month for employees, with highly discounted rates for spouses and dependents
• Dental and vision coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Optional voluntary life and AD&D
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• A competitive 401(k) plan with company participation
• Free financial advisor services
• Additional wellness and employee support programs

This role typically requires 40+ hours per week, including nights and weekends as business needs require.

Join our team and experience a workplace that invests in your success, rewards your expertise, and supports you at every stage of your career.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.