Executive Chef

Wooden City | Chattanooga, TN

Wooden City is looking for an Executive Chef to lead our kitchen in downtown Chattanooga, TN.

Wooden City is a busy, chef-driven restaurant centered around comforting American cuisine, great drinks, and sincere hospitality.

We are looking for a chef who can lead a high-volume kitchen, develop a strong team, and take full ownership of the day-to-day culinary operation while continuing to push the restaurant forward.

The Executive Chef is responsible for leading all aspects of the kitchen, from daily service and food quality to team development, organization, financial performance, and the continued development and improvement of the food program.

This is a hands-on leadership position. We are looking for someone who is comfortable on the line and actively involved in service while also being capable of managing the larger operational responsibilities of the kitchen.

The Executive Chef will work closely with the General Manager and ownership to maintain the standards and culture of Wooden City while continuing to develop the restaurant and the people within it.

• Lead and oversee all day-to-day BOH operations
  

• Maintain a consistently high standard for food quality, execution, and presentation
  

• Lead service with composure, urgency, organization, and attention to detail
  

• Hire, train, develop, and retain a strong kitchen team
  

• Develop Sous Chefs and other BOH leaders and hold the team accountable to clearly defined standards
  

• Collaborate with ownership on menu development, seasonal changes, specials, and the continued evolution of the food program
  

• Oversee scheduling, ordering, prep systems, and kitchen organization
  

• Manage food and labor costs while maintaining quality and appropriate staffing levels
  

• Maintain strong standards for cleanliness, sanitation, and food safety
  

• Communicate effectively with FOH leadership and maintain a strong relationship between the kitchen and dining room
  

• Identify problems early, develop solutions, and take ownership of the overall performance of the kitchen
  

We're looking for someone who:

• Is an excellent and technically proficient cook
  

• Has leadership experience in a high-volume, scratch-driven kitchen
  

• Leads with composure, urgency, consistency, and positive energy
  

• Sets clear standards and follows through on them
  

• Is highly organized and comfortable managing the administrative and financial side of a kitchen
  

• Takes pride in developing cooks and building a strong kitchen culture
  

• Believes strong leadership starts with setting the example and models the consistency, professionalism, balance, and sustainable habits we expect from our team
  

• Understands food cost, labor management, inventory, ordering, and kitchen systems
  

• Communicates clearly and works well with both BOH and FOH leadership
  

• Is ambitious about food without losing sight of consistency, accessibility, and the needs of a busy restaurant
  

Previous Executive Chef experience is preferred, although we are also open to accomplished Executive Sous Chefs or Chefs de Cuisine who are ready to take full ownership of a kitchen.

$80,000-$90,000 starting salary, based on experience, plus annual bonus potential

Benefits include:

• Paid time off
  

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  

• Paid family leave
  

• Dining discounts
  

• Wellness stipend
  

• Annual bonus potential
  

• Opportunities for continued growth within our restaurant group
  

Relocation assistance provided for candidates moving to Chattanooga for the role.

Please apply with your resume and a brief cover letter telling us a little about yourself, why Wooden City appeals to you, and why you believe you would be a strong fit for the Executive Chef position.