Executive Chef

Restaurant Associates

Position Title: Executive Chef

Salary: $110,000 - $125,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus Plan

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industrys leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards- Best Places to Work, This is R/A !

Job Summary

Were opening a new 140-seat New American restaurant in Philadelphia, built to be a neighborhood favorite with the polish to host celebrations. The space includes a lively bar, a private dining room, and an atmosphere that feels welcoming, energetic, and rooted in the citys food culture.

Were looking for a Philadelphia-based Executive Chef who wants real ownership, someone excited to build a kitchen, shape a menu, and lead a team with pride. This is a chance to put your stamp on a restaurant from day one and grow something lasting.

About the Role

As Executive Chef, youll be the culinary voice of the restaurant. Youll lead menu development, kitchen operations, and team culture while working closely with ownership to bring the concept to life. From selecting equipment to hiring the opening team, this role is hands-on, collaborative, and deeply connected to the guest experience.

This is not a desk job; were looking for a chef who wants to cook, lead from the line, and be present in the dining room and the neighborhood.

What Youll Do

• Own all culinary operations, from daily service to long-term menu direction
• Create a New American menu that highlights seasonality, approachability, and strong technique
• Collaborate on kitchen layout, equipment selection, and opening-day readiness
• Hire, train, and lead a kitchen team with clear standards and mutual respect
• Set the tone for kitchen culture; organized, calm, accountable, and inclusive
• Manage food costs, ordering, inventory, and waste with a practical, restaurant-first mindset
• Build strong relationships with local purveyors and vendors
• Maintain high standards for food safety, cleanliness, and execution
• Work closely with the bar and front-of-house teams to deliver a cohesive guest experience
• Be a visible presence in the restaurant and an active part of the Philadelphia dining community

What Were Looking For

• Experience leading kitchens in independent restaurants, chef-driven concepts, or elevated casual dining
• A hands-on leadership style; comfortable on the line, engaged with the team
• Strong understanding of New American cuisine and seasonal menu development
• Practical experience managing food costs, prep systems, and service flow
• Ability to balance creativity with consistency and execution
• Comfort running both everyday service and events
• Culinary training through experience, formal education, or a mix of both
• Several years of leadership experience as a Chef de Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef, or Executive Chef
• A collaborative, grounded approach, excited to build something with a team, not just run it
• Pride in hospitality and a desire to create a restaurant the city shows up for

Apply to Restaurant Associates today!

Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Associates at Restaurant Associates are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Restaurant Associates maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_RA.pdf

Req ID: 1533130

Restaurant Associates

Michael Abbey

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