What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Chef position at The Main Pub?
Executive Chef Wanted — Lead the Kitchen at The Main Pub, Manchester, CT 306 Main Street, Manchester, CT | $75,000–$85,000/year | Full-Time, 5 Days On / 2 Days Off
About us: The Main Pub has been a family-run staple of the Manchester community for 46 years. We run a 95% scratch kitchen — well known for bar favorites like our wings, burgers, and Reuben, and just as well known for our dinner side: French Dip, slow-cooked prime rib, NY strip steak, salmon, pork chop, fish & chips, and our signature Cobb salad. We also run monthly chef specials, giving our kitchen leader genuine room to get creative and try out new dishes ahead of future menu updates. We've built a loyal following (4.5 stars on Google) and this year we've grown our volume further than ever. We're now exploring additional locations, and we need a leader to help take us there.
About the role: As Executive Chef, you'll take ownership of a kitchen that's already running strong — this is a leadership opportunity, not a rebuild. You're stepping into an established team of 17: 9 line cooks, 2 prep, 3 salad, and 3 dishwashers. There's currently no sous chef, so you'll have real say in how you want to structure your leadership team. We want someone with the creativity and drive to keep elevating the food while leading the people already here.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead, mentor, and direct an established kitchen team of 17
- Maintain and evolve a scratch-made menu spanning bar favorites and full dinner entrees, already proven with our guests
- Lead our monthly chef specials — a built-in chance to get creative and pilot dishes for future menu updates
- Manage food cost, ordering, supplier relationships, and kitchen budgets
- Partner with management on pricing, specials, and initiatives that drive sales
- Uphold food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards across the kitchen
- Build and maintain standardized recipes, ensuring recipe adherence and consistency across the team
- Help shape our approach to volume growth and potential new locations
What we're looking for:
- ServSafe certified (required)
- Minimum 3 years in a leadership role
- A track record of leading teams and improving kitchen performance
- Comfortable owning food cost, budgets, and supplier negotiations
- A leader who works the pass and sets the standard by example
Why join us:
- $75,000–$85,000/year, based on experience
- Paid vacation
- Bonus structure
- A capable, established team ready to be led — not built from scratch
- A stable, 46-year-old family-run business with deep Manchester roots and real momentum right now
- Genuine opportunity to grow with the company as it expands to new locations
To apply: Apply in person at The Main Pub, 306 Main Street, Manchester, CT, or through Indeed.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Food provided
- Paid time off
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Night Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Manchester, CT 06040 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $75,000 - $85,000