Executive Restaurant Chef

Job Details

Description

Who WE Are:

Our mission is to be Chicagoland’s premier gaming and entertainment destination, celebrated for unparalleled hospitality and an unforgettable guest experience. We’re not just a casino; we’re a community where our team members thrive, with countless opportunities for career growth and a workplace culture centered on inclusivity and fun. As we continue to elevate our standards of excellence, we seek dynamic, coachable individuals who are passionate about hospitality and eager to grow with us. At American Place Casino, every moment is crafted to delight, every opportunity is a pathway to success.

Who WE Are Looking For

We’re seeking an experienced and driven Executive Chef to lead our culinary operations with excellence. This role is responsible for overseeing the efficient, cost-effective, and sanitary operation of all back-of-house areas; including kitchens and dish room facilities, while ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality cuisine. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader who works closely with the Food & Beverage management team to drive sales, enhance the guest experience, and support the continued growth of the business.

What Is Expected Of YOU

Leadership & Culture:

• The Executive Chef is responsible for creating and/or maintaining an upbeat, productive and educational environment.
• Responsible for projecting a positive attitude and visible respect for all employees and food.
• Responsible for ongoing training and perpetual improvement of product and workplace (i.e. Safety & Sanitation).
• Provides feedback and direction to the Chef team so as to continue their development.
• Is a lead member in the management team and therefore actively participates in the weekly F&B meetings to discuss the business and the role of the kitchen in the building of the business.
  
  

Guest Experience & Service Excellence

• The Executive Chef is responsible for working with the management and front-line teams to increase guest counts and to develop a loyal guest base.
• By keeping a keen eye on service particulars in every front of house & back of house department, as well as on the training of all new hires, service excellence can be achieved.
• Required to keep in mind that our goal is to have every guest vow to return. This is the heart of the business and is critical to our success.
  
  

Staffing & Recruitment

• The Executive Chef is responsible for assisting the Director and Assistant Director of Food & Beverage and Talent Manager with overseeing all aspects of the staffing of the restaurant, from a management level through front line positions.
• In particular, the following areas of responsibility:
• Establishing and maintaining appropriate staffing levels and remaining abreast of any changes which may impact staffing needs.
• Recruiting and hiring a crew of quality employees, including all leadership positions and all line level employees.
  

Training

• Establishing a system whereby all employees are thoroughly trained in issues pertaining to their position (i.e. knife safety, proper handling of product, use of chemicals, etc.).
• Working with the leadership to provide ongoing training of the menu to the Front of the House through pre-meals and additional meetings as necessary.
• Teaching and coaching staff on a daily basis.
  
  

Administration

• Completing bi-annual performance reviews of Sous Chefs.
• Working with the leadership team to ensure all kitchen employees receive a yearly review.
• Maintaining accurate employee files and proper documentation including thorough, signed documentation for any and all:
• Disciplinary incidents
• Counseling sessions
• Accidents/injuries (with regards to workman’s compensation)
• Termination reports
• Change of status forms
  

Management Development

• Responsible for continually assessing the status of the current culinary team, developing action plans to address the developmental issues of each team member and following through on each chef’s progress.
• Must always be looking at staff from within for promotions and working with those individuals to develop a plan of action.
• Coaching, mentoring and developing the culinary team as well as key hourly employees is critical for the success of the American Place Casino Food & Beverage team.
  
  

Financial Oversight & Cost Control

• The Executive Chef is responsible for working with the rest of the management team to maximize sales and optimize profits through the management of food and labor costs.
• And expected to:
• Participate in all P&L review meetings.
• Analyze a monthly P&L.
• Develop an appropriate kitchen action plan and follow through on those plans.
• Will be required to work with his/her staff in making a continual effort to find ways to reduce costs in all areas of the back of house operations.
• Monitoring daily labor reports and minimizing overtime.
• Weekly assessments of food cost based on purchases.
• Producing a complete and accurate physical food inventory on a monthly basis should the food cost become unreasonable.
• Other assigned duties.
  

Experience YOU Will Need

The Executive Chef is required to possess a working knowledge of the systems used within our company. In particular the EC must be proficient in the following: Opening and closing procedures, Producing accurate monthly inventories, when necessary, food knowledge, and POS System.

• Experienced in high volume food sales
• Possess leadership, team building and implementation skills
• 4 years of management experience
• 7 years of foodservice experience
• Exhibits superior technical and natural cooking abilities
• College degree preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a multi-unit food and beverage operation or casino/hotel operations
• Possess knowledge of standards for all aspects of food and beverage service, storeroom procedures, and cooking methods
• Bilingual is a plus (preferred)
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Able to train and manage a large staff
• Able to stand for a 10–14-hour shift
• Other physical demands of this job may include, but are not limited to: sitting, bending, lifting, reaching, pulling/pushing, kneeling, squatting, and grasping
  
  

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Able to obtain/maintain necessary licenses and/or certifications as required by local gaming regulations.
  
  

Benefits/Perks

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401K
• Educational Tuition Reimbursement
• Ventra Program, EAP programs, etc.
  
  

Salary Range

• 85-135K
  
  

Company Statement On EOAA

American Place Casino is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.