Overview
Chez Wa, a new wine and sake bar, is seeking a Head Chef to lead our kitchen and shape a menu that pairs seamlessly with our wine and sake program. This is a ground-floor opportunity: you'll build culinary systems from scratch, set the tone for a new kitchen team, and define the food identity of a bar guests will come back to again and again. If you want ownership over a menu and a kitchen culture from day one, this is that role.
Responsibilities
- Lead and supervise the kitchen team, fostering a positive, disciplined, and collaborative environment as we establish Chez Wa's operations
- Oversee food preparation and cooking to ensure dishes complement our wine and sake offerings and meet consistent quality standards
- Manage food handling and hygiene practices in full compliance with food safety regulations
- Develop a menu that pairs thoughtfully with wine and sake, reflects current culinary trends, and stays consistent as the bar scales
- Coordinate with suppliers for fresh, quality ingredient sourcing and manage inventory efficiently, working closely with the operations team on costing and waste tracking
- Train kitchen staff in prep techniques, food safety protocols, and service standards
- Monitor kitchen operations during service to ensure smooth workflow and an excellent guest experience
- Partner with the Assistant Operations Manager on kitchen systems — costing, waste, inventory, and standard operating procedures
Requirements
- Proven kitchen leadership experience in a fast-paced restaurant, bar, or hospitality setting
- Strong food preparation and cooking skills, ideally with experience or interest in cuisine that pairs well with wine and sake
- Experience managing kitchen operations end-to-end: team management, scheduling, and supplier coordination
- Solid knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and hygiene regulations
- Excellent leadership and communication skills to build and motivate a new team
- Comfort working in a startup-style environment, helping build systems and processes rather than just following established ones
- Passion for pairing food with wine and sake, and curiosity about culinary trends in that space
Join Chez Wa as our Head Chef and help define what our kitchen becomes. This is a chance to build a culinary program and team culture from the ground up in a new, vibrant wine and sake bar.
Pay: $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Discounted or free food
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
