Head Chef

The Hotel Monroe – Monroe, LA

Head Chef – Heirloom Restaurant

Job Description

Do you believe exceptional cuisine begins with exceptional leadership? Are you passionate about creating unforgettable dining experiences while leading a talented culinary team?

Heirloom Restaurant, located inside the beautiful Hotel Monroe, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel, is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our culinary program and continue building one of Monroe’s most unique dining destinations. The property also has a rooftop bar, Star Bar, a ballroom and meeting space.

Heirloom isn’t just another restaurant.

We are proud to be a completely gluten-free restaurant and the very first certified gluten-free hotel in America, providing guests with an elevated dining experience where every dish is crafted with creativity, precision, and confidence. From guests with food sensitivities to those simply seeking exceptional cuisine, our kitchen is built around quality ingredients, innovative techniques, and uncompromising standards. This property has been in the news nationally and continues to draw customers from across the country looking for stellar gluten-free dining. We’re looking for a culinary leader who shares that passion.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

As Head Chef, you’ll oversee every aspect of our culinary operation while inspiring and developing an exceptional kitchen team.

Culinary Leadership

• Lead all daily kitchen operations for Heirloom Restaurant, banquets and the rooftop.
• Work with the Regional Culinary Director to create seasonal, innovative menus that reflect elevated gluten-free Southern cuisine with modern influences.
• Develop and execute creative specials and featured menu offerings.
• Ensure every plate leaving the kitchen meets the highest standards for quality, consistency, and presentation.

Kitchen Management

• Recruit, train, coach, and mentor culinary team members.
• Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative kitchen culture.
• Manage scheduling and labor to meet business needs.
• Maintain efficient kitchen operations during both restaurant service and special events.
• Ensure food and beverage options continue to meet criteria to be certified gluten-free.

Food Safety & Quality

• Ensure strict compliance with all food safety and sanitation standards.
• Maintain the integrity of our 100% gluten-free kitchen, following best practices to protect guests with gluten sensitivities.
• Monitor inventory, ordering, food costs, and waste reduction.
• Maintain exceptional cleanliness and organization throughout the kitchen.

Collaboration

• Partner with hotel leadership to support restaurant promotions, catering, banquets, and special events.
• Work closely with the Food & Beverage leadership team to continually enhance the guest experience.
• Help develop new ideas that keep Heirloom a culinary destination in Northeast Louisiana.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Required Qualifications

• 2 years of leadership experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or similar culinary leadership role.
• Fine dining experience in a luxury hotel, upscale restaurant, resort, or high-volume culinary operation.
• Gluten-free culinary experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading, mentoring, and developing kitchen teams.
• Strong knowledge of food costing, inventory management, labor controls, and kitchen operations.
• Experience creating menus and seasonal culinary offerings.
• ServSafe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain promptly).
• Culinary degree, apprenticeship, or equivalent professional culinary training preferred.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Professional resume required.
• Reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Commitment to maintaining our smoke-free workplace.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a dedicated gluten-free kitchen or developing gluten-free menus.
• Strong understanding of gluten-free ingredients, preparation techniques, cross-contact prevention, and food safety practices for guests with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities.
• Passion for creating innovative dishes that prove gluten-free dining can be both refined and unforgettable.
• Experience with banquet, catering, or hotel food service operations is a plus.

WHY JOIN HOTEL MONROE?

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience plus bonus opportunity.
• Company-paid employee medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, with contributions toward family coverage.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Hotel travel discounts.
• Opportunity to lead one of the region’s most distinctive culinary concepts.
• Professional growth within an expanding hospitality organization that values creativity, innovation, and leadership.

TO APPLY

Please submit:

• Professional resume
• Culinary portfolio or sample menus (preferred)
• Brief cover letter highlighting your culinary philosophy and leadership experience

If you’re ready to lead a kitchen where creativity, craftsmanship, and guest experience come together—and where gluten-free dining is elevated to an art—we’d love to hear from you.

Hotel Monroe is an Equal Opportunity Employer.