Mountain (SKI) Town / Lead Chef / Sous Chef

Izakaya Cabin | Crested Butte, Colorado

Izakaya Cabin is seeking an accomplished Chef and/ or Sous Chef to help lead our kitchen operations at 8,900 feet in Crested Butte, Colorado. This is a full-time, hands-on leadership role within a high-volume ski-town sushi bar ( IZAKAYA ), where standards are high, service is demanding, and the rewards extend well beyond the kitchen.

This is not a traditional 40-hour position. Service days can be long, the pace intense, and peak seasons ( summer and winter ) require full commitment. In return, this role offers a rare benefit in the hospitality industry: meaningful, uninterrupted time away from work.

Beginning in year two, the position includes eight weeks (two months) of paid vacation annually, designed for professionals who understand the value of sustained effort followed by genuine rest. During the first year, the same two-month seasonal break is provided on an unpaid basis. Spring Break = Mid-April to Late May ( close of ski season to memorial day ). Fall Break = Halloween to Mid-December.

Crested Butte is a true mountain town. There are no traffic lights, the air is clean, and the community relies on a free public transit system. Life here favors those who value mountain vistas over metropolitan convenience. We are seeking a chef who can thrive in this environment, ideally someone who skis or snowboards, or is eager to embrace the mountain lifestyle. Leadership here requires calm confidence, consistency, and the stamina to perform night after night at a high level.

A deep respect for Japanese cuisine is essential. We value technique, restraint, consistency, and flavor above ego. The Chef will be responsible for leading the kitchen, shaping menus, mentoring staff, and maintaining a standard that reflects both the room and the community we serve. In return, you will join a close-knit team, a loyal local clientele, and a restaurant that takes food, culture, and quality of life seriously.

Izakaya Cabin does not provide employee housing. Candidates are responsible for securing their own accommodations. However, we offer first month s rent paid as a signing bonus, with no repayment obligation. This season were seeing more workforce housing options in teh community than in the past 5 years.

This role is physically demanding and requires prolonged standing, frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds, repetitive knife and hand work, and the endurance necessary to perform consistently in a fast-paced, high-altitude kitchen environment.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

• Professional guest interaction and the ability to read and engage customers
  

• Functional English communication skills
  

• Fish fabrication, including salmon filleting and bluefin tuna breakdown
  

• Understanding of super-freezer usage and fish handling standards
  

• Experience working with sushi robotics (AUTEC)
  

Applicants without hands-on experience preparing sashimi, nigiri, or sushi platters should not apply for sushi chef positions.

• Professional yet relaxed environment
  

• Traditional chef attire with personal expression welcomed
  

• Strong emphasis on preparation, teamwork, and hospitality
  

• Core menu of sushi staples balanced with spontaneous creativity
  

• Sushi-roll-forward menu driven by guest demand
  

• Omakase offerings that encourage creativity within structure
  

• Tight-knit team culture with strong mutual support
  

• Work schedules aligned with ski town rhythms (lifts open at 9:00 a.m.; shifts begin at 3:00 p.m.)
  

Our menu and operations adapt to tourism cycles:

• Winter: High volume; sushi service
  

• Spring: Slow season
  

• April: Closed for one month
  

• Summer: High volume; sushi service
  

• Fall: Slow season
  

• November: Sushi paused; ramen-only service
  

This is a full-time, year-round (10-month active) position.

Compensation Structure

• Year One (trial): Hourly pay, + overtime at 1.5x, + tips
  

• • two months off, unpaid seasonal break ( fall and spring scheduled restaurant closures )
    

  • Appx $84k/ year
    

• Year Two and Beyond: Salaried position with eight weeks paid vacation annually.
  

• • Potential for partnership opportunity

• Sushi Bar: 8 seats
  

• Main Bar: 12 seats
  

• Izakaya Dining: 30 seats
  

• Sushi Loft: 48 seats
  

• Outdoor Patio (summer only): 40 seats
  

At peak, service can exceed 300 sushi rolls per night.

1. Submit a resume, including links to Instagram or other platforms showcasing your work
   

2. Initial Zoom interview and virtual restaurant tour
   

3. In-person interview
   

4. Secure housing
   

Housing in Crested Butte is competitive. While we will assist with guidance, candidates must independently secure a lease. As noted, the first month s rent will be covered as a signing bonus.

Please submit resumes and supporting materials via the contact information available on our website:

www.izakayacabin.com

Izakaya Cabin is a high-energy, professional, and creative workplace. We take our craft seriously, respect the community we live in, and value the rare balance between intensity and quality of life that Crested Butte offers.