Executive Chef

The Executive Chef is responsible for leading the culinary operation at Limoncello with a focus on execution, team development, and consistency. This role exists to ensure the kitchen is fully staffed, prepared, organized, and operating at a high level while maintaining a professional, respectful, and collaborative culture.

The Executive Chef sets the tone for the kitchen—driving standards, developing people, and ensuring alignment with front-of-house leadership to deliver a consistent and elevated guest experience.

• The kitchen is fully staffed, trained, and stable
• Service is organized, timely, and under control
• Core menu items are consistently available and properly prepped
• The team operates proactively, not reactively
• BOH and FOH communicate professionally and work as one team
• The kitchen environment is intense but controlled—not chaotic or hostile
• Standards are enforced consistently without constant oversight
• Food quality, presentation, and consistency meet brand expectations daily

• Lead all culinary operations and oversee daily kitchen execution
• Hire, train, develop, and retain a high-performing culinary team
• Build systems that ensure prep, inventory, and execution are controlled and consistent
• Oversee ordering, inventory, and food cost management
• Ensure all menu items are available and executed to standard
• Eliminate recurring operational issues through planning and leadership
• Set and enforce standards for professionalism, cleanliness, and organization
• Maintain a culture of accountability, respect, and teamwork
• Partner closely with front-of-house leadership to ensure seamless service
• Lead by example during service, maintaining control and composure under pressure
• Manage labor, scheduling, and overall kitchen performance

• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in a full-service restaurant
• Proven ability to lead high-volume kitchen operations
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to command and develop a team
• Demonstrated success in staffing, retention, and team development
• Strong understanding of food cost, inventory control, and operational systems
• Ability to stay ahead of service and maintain consistency at volume
• Experience building and maintaining a professional, team-oriented kitchen culture
• Strong communication skills with both BOH and FOH teams
• Ability to delegate effectively and develop others

• Minimum 50-hour workweek
• Full availability including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to stand and work for extended periods
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen environment

• Completion of required hiring assessments prior to application review
• ServeSafe Manager Certification
• Background screening required for this role, consistent with applicable law
• Certification uploads required in Proliant (ServSafe Food Protection Manager required)
• Employment is at-will
• Employment eligibility verification required (I-9 documentation)

Eligible employees may have access to company benefits, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements, including:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Performance-based bonus opportunity tied to restaurant profitability
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health insurance options
• Prisma Health Direct Primary Care (provided at no cost)
• Phone stipend
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Sick time
• Short-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Employee dining privileges
• Ongoing leadership development and training
• Advancement opportunities within Larkin’s Restaurants

Larkin’s Restaurants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, consistent with applicable law.

This role is for a leader who takes ownership of an operation, builds strong teams, and executes at a high level every day. We are looking for a professional who leads with discipline, communicates clearly, and creates an environment where both the team and the product consistently perform.