Executive Chef

Who We Are

At Hawkers Asian Street Food, our purpose is simple: we spark adventure. Everything we do is driven by three mantras that define who we are and how we show up every day. We always care — for each and every guest as if they are our only guest, and for our team as family. We never compromise — paying attention to the details and maximizing the potential in every team member and every experience. And we be disruptive — challenging the status quo, refusing to succumb to industry norms, and continually raising the bar.

If you’re ready to bring that spirit to work every single day, we want you on our team.

Looking for both Nashville and Franklin Markets

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Chef is the senior culinary leader at the restaurant level, responsible for overseeing all Back of House operations, culinary execution, team development, and financial performance. This role owns the guest experience from a food perspective and is directly accountable for food cost, labor cost, kitchen sanitation, equipment maintenance, and the development of the Sous Chef and culinary team.

The Executive Chef works in close partnership with the General Manager and Regional Chef to drive sales, profitability, and operational excellence. This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. Open availability is required, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Culinary Operations & Food Quality

• Own and enforce all Hawkers food quality standards, recipe adherence, plate presentation, and production time targets across all dayparts and all BOH positions.
• Oversee all phases of food procurement, production, and service, including inventory and ordering, storage and rotation, food preparation, and service time standards.
• Serve as the highest standard-bearer in the kitchen; provide immediate, constructive feedback on food quality, execution, and presentation as items are produced.

Financial Accountability

• Partner with the General Manager to meet or exceed established targets for food cost, labor cost, sales, revenue, and overall kitchen profitability.
• Manage kitchen inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships in alignment with budget guidelines and waste reduction goals.

Sanitation, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure the kitchen consistently meets or exceeds all Health Department standards and successfully passes all inspections and audits.
• Enforce strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and storage practices through active supervision, training, and accountability.

Team Leadership & Development

• Directly manage, mentor, and develop Sous Chefs and all BOH hourly team members to meet or exceed established performance standards.
• Execute the Hawkers training guide program with consistency and ensure all team members achieve a passing score before working independently in position.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive culinary leadership experience, with at least 2 years in an Executive Chef or equivalent senior kitchen leadership role in a high-volume restaurant environment; fast-casual or multi-unit experience strongly preferred.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional culinary training preferred but not required.
• Proven track record of managing food cost, labor cost, and kitchen financials at the restaurant level.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and HACCP principles; ServSafe Manager Certification strongly preferred.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and market.
• Performance-based bonus eligibility tied to restaurant financial and operational metrics.
• Meal benefits during scheduled shifts.
• Paid time off per company policy.
• Health, dental, and vision benefits eligibility per company benefits plan.
• Career growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding multi-unit brand.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Hawkers Asian Street Food is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.