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Novi, MI
Executive Chef -Full-Time | New Restaurant Opening (August 2026)
We are seeking a passionate, creative, and operationally strong Executive Chef to lead the culinary vision for an exciting new upscale casual restaurant opening in Novi this August. This is a unique opportunity to build a kitchen culture from the ground up, lead a high-profile opening, and put your stamp on a concept projected to reach $4 million in annual volume.
This chef-driven concept will feature elevated American fare with a strong focus on quality, consistency, creativity, and guest experience. Ownership is seeking a chef with a true passion for menu innovation, leadership, and operational excellence while maintaining a few established signature menu items central to the brand.
Why This Opportunity as a Chef Stands Out
- Primary culinary autonomy with creative menu influence
- Opportunity to lead a high-profile New Restaurant Opening (NRO)
- Upscale casual, chef-driven concept
- Projected $4+ million annual volume
- Five-day work week averaging approximately 50 hours
- Discretionary bonus potential
- 8 paid holidays annually
- Healthcare stipend offered in lieu of traditional benefits
- Opportunity to build and lead your own culinary team from the ground up
- 200-seat restaurant with strong growth potential
What You’ll Do as a Chef
- Lead all back-of-house operations for a high-volume upscale casual restaurant
- Create and execute innovative American fare while maintaining key signature menu staples
- Oversee menu development, costing, plating standards, and seasonal features
- Build kitchen systems, SOPs, prep structures, and operational procedures during the opening process
- Hire, train, mentor, and develop BOH staff while fostering a strong culture of accountability and teamwork
- Manage food cost, labor, inventory, ordering, vendor relationships, and overall kitchen performance
- Ensure exceptional food quality, consistency, cleanliness, and execution during all service periods
- Partner closely with ownership and leadership throughout the opening and growth phases
- Maintain all health department, sanitation, and food safety standards
- Drive creativity, innovation, and continuous improvement within the culinary program
What We’re Looking for in a Chef
- Previous Executive Chef experience in upscale casual or chef-driven concepts
- New Restaurant Opening (NRO) experience strongly preferred
- Passion for menu innovation and elevated American cuisine
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and develop teams
- Proven background managing high-volume kitchen operations
- Experience with food costing, labor management, inventory, and P&L accountability
- Ability to balance creativity with operational execution and consistency
- Hands-on leadership style with strong communication and organizational skills
- Stable career progression and commitment to hospitality excellence
This is an outstanding opportunity for a chef who wants more than simply running a kitchen — it’s a chance to help build a destination restaurant from day one.
JOB ID: 175758
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Michael Steffke