UPRIVER SOCIAL HOUSE — WE ARE HIRING | 9254 Nowell Street, Chilliwack BC | Farm · River · Community
Executive Chef
Full-Time — Salary · $70,000 – $75,000 CAD / year (based on experience) · Upriver Social House · 9254
Nowell Street, Chilliwack BC
About Upriver Social House
Upriver Social House is a new upscale casual farm-to-table restaurant opening in downtown Chilliwack, BC at 9254
Nowell Street. We are built around a simple idea: buy the best ingredients from the Fraser Valley, and then get out of
their way.
Our menu celebrates what grows, swims, and grazes within 100 kilometres of our kitchen — BC salmon, Fraser Valley
lamb, Chilliwack berries, locally made burrata. We cook with intention and serve with genuine warmth.
Our name says it all. Going upriver means moving against the easy current — toward something wilder, truer, and more
nourishing. That spirit lives in every plate we send out, and in every person who is part of this team.
“Farm · River · Community” — This is not just a tagline. It is how we make every decision, from which farm we call
on Monday morning to how we treat every guest who walks through our door.
Job Type Full-Time, Permanent — Salaried
Start Date Immediately — this is a founding role
Schedule Tuesday–Sunday. Evenings + weekends required. Weekend brunch included.
Location 9254 Nowell Street, Downtown Chilliwack, BC — in-person only
Reports To Owner / Operator
THE ROLE
This is a founding position. The Head Chef of Upriver Social House will build the kitchen from the ground up — hiring
the team, developing the menu with the owner, establishing all kitchen systems, and setting the standard for everything
that comes out of the pass.
This is not a role for someone looking for a job. This is a role for someone looking for a home.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Lead all kitchen operations for 60-seat upscale casual service, Tuesday–Sunday, plus weekend brunch
- Develop and refine the seasonal menu alongside the owner — farm-to-table, Fraser Valley-sourced
- Hire, train, and mentor the full kitchen brigade (Sous Chef, Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, Kitchen Porters)
- Build and maintain relationships with Fraser Valley suppliers (Driediger Farms, Rocky Ridge Farm, Pacific Wild
Seafood, and others)
- Own food cost and kitchen labour cost — target 28–32% food cost
- Write weekly prep lists, order guides, and mise en place standards
- Ensure full Fraser Health compliance at all times — HACCP logs, food safety, sanitation
- Create and maintain the kitchen recipe book and staff training materials
- Be the standard-bearer: cook with intention, taste constantly, take pride in every plate
UPRIVER SOCIAL HOUSE — WE ARE HIRING | 9254 Nowell Street, Chilliwack BC | Farm · River · Community
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- 5+ years of professional kitchen experience, with at least 2 years in a Head Chef or senior chef role
- Strong knowledge of Canadian seafood, particularly BC salmon, halibut, sablefish, and shellfish
- Experience with farm-to-table, seasonal, or locally sourced cooking concepts
- Proven ability to manage food cost, write prep lists, and run a clean, organized kitchen
- FOODSAFE Level 2 (or Level 1 + commitment to obtain Level 2 within 60 days)
- Experience with pasta making, butchery, or whole-animal cookery is a significant asset
- A genuine passion for the Fraser Valley and BC food culture
- Calm under pressure, kind to your team, direct with feedback
WHAT WE OFFER
- Competitive salary: $70,000 – $75,000 based on experience
- Founding team opportunity — you shape this kitchen from day one
- Creative freedom to evolve the menu with the seasons and your vision
- A dining room that respects the kitchen: no shortcuts, no compromises
- Staff meals, industry discounts, and a genuine community of people who care about food .
HOW TO APPLY
We would love to hear from you. Send us:
- Your resume (PDF preferred)
- A brief note about why Upriver excites you — we read every one
- Any relevant certifications (FOODSAFE, Serving It Right, etc.)
Email: [email protected] · Subject line: Executive Chef
We will contact shortlisted candidates within 1 week. Successful candidates will be invited for a paid working trial shift.
Upriver Social House is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. We
are committed to a diverse and inclusive kitchen and dining room.
Pay: $70,000.00-$75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
