Chef de Cuisine

Job Title: Chef de Cuisine

Location: Upper Montclair, NJ

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Owner

KINDLY DO NOT APPLY FOR THE POSITION, UNLESS YOU FEE YOU MEET THE MINIMUM EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION. THANK YOU!

About Mercado

We are a fast casual new American restaurant redefining dining with chef-driven breakfasts, sandwiches, salads and grain bowls—crafted from fresh, high-quality ingredients and served with refined simplicity. Our next exciting chapter includes the expansion of our Mercado space, featuring a new dining room concept inspired by the vibrant flavors and traditions of Iberian cuisine—drawing from the culinary heritage of Portugal and Spain.

We’re seeking a Chef de Cuisine who thrives at the intersection of creativity, leadership, and operational excellence—someone ready to shape the future of our growing brand and bring a distinctive Iberian flair to our evolving menu.

Position Overview

The Chef de Cuisine will lead all culinary operations for the restaurant, with a primary focus on menu development, kitchen leadership, and operational consistency across our current and upcoming extended location.

In addition, this role will play a key leadership role in the opening of our new Mercado dining room, overseeing kitchen setup, staff training, menu execution, and the creation of a distinct Iberian-inspired menu celebrating the coastal and rustic flavors of Spain and Portugal.

Key Responsibilities:

Culinary Leadership & Execution

• Lead and inspire the culinary team to execute consistent, high-quality dishes across all service periods.
• Oversee daily prep, line operations, and service flow to ensure efficient and elevated guest experiences.
• Set and uphold standards for flavor, presentation, and portion control in both the fast casual and Mercado’s dining concepts.

New Concept Development (Mercado Expansion)

• Collaborate with ownership and design teams to launch the new Mercado dining room, from kitchen layout and equipment selection to menu rollout.
• Develop and execute a menu highlighting Iberian influences—with emphasis on Portuguese and Spanish ingredients, techniques, and regional inspiration.
• Curate seasonal specials and culinary events that reflect the Iberian spirit and align with brand identity.

Menu Innovation & Brand Evolution

• Evolve the core breakfast, sandwich, and grain bowl menus to keep offerings fresh, creative, and brand-consistent.
• Balance culinary artistry with cost management and operational feasibility.
• Stay ahead of culinary trends and emerging regional and seasonal products, especially those tied to Mediterranean and Iberian traditions.

Operations & Management

• Oversee kitchen organization, scheduling, inventory, and procurement.
• Develop and maintain vendor relationships with an eye for premium, authentic ingredients.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, health, and sanitation regulations.
• Mentor and develop a strong kitchen team that reflects professionalism, pride, and a shared culinary vision.

Financial Performance

• Manage food and labor costs in alignment with budget goals.
• Implement systems for efficiency, waste reduction, and consistent profitability.
• Contribute to financial planning, forecasting, and P&L management.

Qualifications

• 5 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership position (Sous Chef, Executive Sous, or Chef de Cuisine).
• Strong background in breakfast/brunch and fast casual operations; fine dining or Iberian cuisine experience highly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in restaurant openings or new concept development.
• Strong leadership, organization, and communication skills.
• Passion for Iberian flavors, seasonal cooking, and culinary storytelling.
• ServSafe or equivalent certification required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)
• Performance-based bonus potential
• Paid time off
• Health and wellness benefits
• Opportunities for growth and creative input across new concepts

How to Apply

Apply online or send your resume, brief cover letter, and sample menu ideas or portfolio (if available) toMarcelo@mercadomontclair.com

Join us as we expand into a bold new chapter at Mercado—where Iberian inspiration meets modern, ingredient-driven cuisine.

REQUIREMENTS

• 5 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership position (Sous Chef, Executive Sous, or Chef de Cuisine).
• Strong background in breakfast/brunch and fast casual operations; fine dining or Iberian cuisine experience highly preferred
• Demonstrated success in restaurant openings or new concept development, a plus
• Strong leadership, organization, and communication skills.
• Passion for Iberian flavors, seasonal cooking, and culinary storytelling.
• ServSafe or equivalent certification required.

About Us:

Mercado is a lively and busy fast casual restaurant in Upper Montclair, NJ with a focus on hearty staples. The large, hall-like space is inspired by the traditional markets found in city centers of Portugal and Spain, in which patrons gather for a quick bite or coffee in a lively environment. The multitude of options on the menu speak to the food-hall-like experience, with options from a brunch menu, to make-your-own bowls, to specialty sandwiches; all of which include vegan options. At Mercado, customers can also enjoy a full menu of espresso drinks and cold-pressed juices at the barista bar and pair their beverage of choice with a delicious food menu and Portuguese pastries. Fast casual speaks to the informal nature of ordering food at the counter, food-hall style, but at Mercado customers are encouraged to slow down and enjoy delicious food in good company, surrounded by beautiful design, in a beautiful neighborhood.