Executive Chef

Job Details 

Park Lights Hospitality is actively seeking skilled and passionate Executive Chef to join our team and play a pivotal role in the expansion of our signature Italian restaurant, Prato. 

THE BRAND 

Based in Winter Park, Park Lights Hospitality (PLH) has been a cornerstone of the Florida dining scene for two decades. From the former critically acclaimed, placemaking Luma to the beloved modern Italian Prato and the elevated American-Coastal Luke’s, PLH has built its reputation on soulful cooking, inspired ingredients, and genuine hospitality. 

Now entering an exciting new era of growth, PLH is expanding Prato to Bethesda (’26), Nashville (’27), and South Florida, with plans to reach 8-10 locations nationwide over the next eight years. Luke’s has been positioned for growth with national expansion locations currently in the negotiation phase. Together, these brands - and new concepts on the horizon - reflect PLH’s unwavering commitment to a culture-driven operational model and its guiding philosophy to “Scale with Soul.” 

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Executive Chef will be a cornerstone leader in shaping and elevating the culinary identity of Prato as the brand expands. This position is responsible for contributing to all back-of-house operations at the flagship Winter Park location during training, with the expectation of eventually transitioning to a leadership role within a new Prato opening. The Executive Chef will work closely with the PLH team, culinary leadership, and the restaurant management team to uphold Prato’s standards of excellence in food, hospitality, culture, and operations. 

This is a highly hands-on, kitchen-driven leadership role - not an office job. PLH Executive Chefs are expected to lead in the kitchen, training cooks, refining technique, driving quality, and setting the tone for excellence throughout the kitchen. This is a role for a proven operator who understands that great food is only one part of a great restaurant - equally important are systems, team development, financial discipline, and a love for the business behind the craft. 

The ideal candidate embodies servant leadership and is a good human being - who values the team above individual recognition, elevates those around them, and leads with kindness, positivity, and integrity. They have matured past ego-driven decision making; instead embracing collaboration and the pursuit of best outcomes and standards above all else. They hold themselves to the same, if not higher, standards than those they expect of others. 

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead and direct culinary operations – first in collaboration within the home region and flagship of Prato Winter Park, then at a new location designated in the growth plan strategy.  
• Partner closely with PLH Leadership to define and execute the culinary vision, standards, and systems that drive brand success. 
• Implement culinary training programs and development pathways for sous chefs and kitchen teams. 
• Develop and oversee menu creation, and establish and maintain SOPs for recipe execution, consistency, and quality assurance. 
• Participate in kitchen design, equipment planning; maintain robust R&M recording and controls. 
• Foster a culture of hospitality, respect, and collaboration throughout all kitchens. 
• Lead vendor relationships, sourcing programs, and sustainability initiatives to ensure product integrity and cost efficiency. 
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, and Culture teams to drive profitability and team performance, maintaining a sharp focus on optimization while protecting best practices and upholding uncompromising standards of product quality, execution, leadership, and service. 
• Represent Prato and Park Lights Hospitality as its culinary ambassador with grace, humility, and engagement. 

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS 

• Minimum 7 years of progressive culinary leadership experience (Executive Chef preferred, but CDC, Executive Sous Chef, or similar with notable restaurant group or company will be considered) within a high-volume, established restaurant group (preference given to experience in a major-market or multi-location group). 
• Strong Italian culinary background preferred but not required - a deep understanding of regional Italian flavors, technique, and ingredient-driven cuisine will elevate the candidate. 
• Experience overseeing large-scale culinary teams. 
• Proven ability to develop systems that balance creativity with operational efficiency. 
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and training skills; capable of building high-performing, collaborative teams. 
• Demonstrated excellence in menu development, cost management, and quality control. 
• Previous experience in equipment selection, space planning, R&M oversight, and general kitchen construction dynamics. 
• Familiarity with restaurant / inventory management software, POS, and a general openness to technology utilization strongly preferred. PLH utilizes the R365 platform. 
• Exceptional communication, organization, and strategic thinking abilities. 
• A genuine love for hospitality, food, and building lasting team culture. 

COMPENSATION 

Base Salary: $95,000 – $120,000  bonus potential annually (commensurate with experience and qualifications) - - - open to relocation for the right candidate 

Benefits & Perks: Health insurance; paid time off; travel and meal benefits; professional development. 

WHY JOIN US 

This role begins in Orlando for full immersion in Prato’s standards, systems, and culture. From there, the Executive Chef will have the opportunity to lead a new Prato location as the brand grows into major markets including Nashville, Bethesda, South Florida, and other national markets. 

This is an opportunity to be part of something special from the ground level - to help shape a growing brand while working with leaders who care deeply about people and hospitality. 

Park Lights Hospitality is an Equal Opportunity Employer.