Executive Kitchen Manager / Head Chef

Job Description

Job Description

The Role: Executive Leadership, Culinary Strategy, and Operational Ownership The Vibe: Upscale Casual | Scratch-Kitchen | Historic Destination Compensation: Executive-Level Salary + Performance Bonus + Growth Opportunity

About the Opportunity Food & Friends has been a cornerstone of downtown Lewisburg for over 3 decades. We are seeking an Executive Kitchen Manager and Head Chef to lead our kitchen into its next chapter. Located in the heart of "America's Coolest Small Town," our restaurant serves a sophisticated mix of local regulars and global travelers visiting the nearby Greenbrier Resort. This is a career-defining move for a chef who wants creative influence and operational ownership. We aren't just looking for a kitchen manager; we are looking for a steward of our 30-year legacy who has the craftsmanship to refine our American-International menu and the leadership to mentor a high-standard team.

What Makes This Role Unique

* Creative Authority: Real influence over menu direction, seasonal specials, and culinary identity. * Operational Ownership: Autonomy to build systems, manage vendor relationships, and drive profitability. * Professional Culture: The opportunity to shape a kitchen culture based on excellence, mutual respect, and mentorship. * Heritage & Stability: Lead a well-established, respected institution with a deeply loyal clientele. * Growth Vision: Strong ownership support with a focus on long-term evolution and excellence.

Key Responsibilities

* Culinary Leadership: Oversee all BOH operations, ensuring every plate—from our hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood to our signature "flower pot bread"—exceeds expectations. * Innovation & Legacy: Drive seasonal menu development and specials that keep our brand fresh while protecting the consistent quality our guests love. * Business Discipline: Maintain food cost targets, manage inventory, and optimize kitchen labor and efficiency. * Team Development: Recruit, train, and inspire a professional culinary team; foster a "lead by example" environment. * Quality Control: Maintain rigorous standards for food safety, presentation, and scratch-made consistency.

Ideal Candidate Profile We are seeking a chef who combines Craftsmanship + Leadership + Business Discipline. Qualifications:

* 5+ years of leadership experience (Executive Chef or Senior Sous) in high-volume, upscale casual or fine dining environments. * Culinary Mastery: Deep expertise in American-International cuisine, seafood, and steakhouse standards. * Leadership Chops: A calm, decisive leader who thrives under pressure and prioritizes staff retention. * Operational Acumen: Strong focus on food cost management and kitchen profitability. * Certifications: ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification required.

Bonus Strengths:

* Experience in destination dining or resort markets. * Expertise in seasonal menu planning and farm-to-table sourcing. * Passion for community engagement and local culinary events.