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Executive Chef

Tribute Eatery & Bar
Ankeny, IA Full Time
POSTED ON 9/19/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/17/2027
Tribute Eatery & Bar in Ankeny, IA is hiring an Executive Chef to lead our kitchen team.

We’re looking for an experienced culinary leader who can develop a strong team, maintain high standards, and successfully manage the day-to-day operations of a busy restaurant kitchen. This role is a great fit for a hands-on leader who takes pride in great food, team development, and creating an outstanding guest experience.

Tribute Eatery & Bar is a neighborhood restaurant serving elevated comfort food, handcrafted cocktails, and memorable dining experiences. Our Executive Chef plays an important role in leading the back-of-house team, maintaining food quality and consistency, managing costs, and building a kitchen culture where people can succeed.

Salary
$65,000 - $70,000 per year based on experience, plus quarterly incentive opportunities.

Schedule & Availability
  • Full-time salaried leadership position
  • Typically 40-45 hours per week
  • Evening, weekend, and holiday availability is required based on restaurant needs

Benefits
  • Medical insurance with 90% of the premium covered by Tribute Eatery & Bar
  • Dental and vision options
  • 401(k) retirement plan with discretionary employer match
  • 2 weeks of PTO per year and up based on years of service
  • Paid parental leave
  • Free Employee Assistance Program for employees and their families
  • Employee discounts and restaurant perks

What You’ll Do
  • Lead the day-to-day operations and performance of the back-of-house team
  • Coach, develop, and support Sous Chefs, kitchen managers, cooks, and other back-of-house team members
  • Oversee hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and continued development of the kitchen team
  • Build and manage back-of-house schedules based on staffing needs, employee availability, time-off requests, and restaurant and community events
  • Maintain food quality, recipe execution, portioning, presentation, and consistency throughout service
  • Manage food and labor costs while partnering with restaurant leadership to achieve financial goals
  • Develop and manage weekly labor and cost-of-goods budgets
  • Conduct weekly and monthly inventory and maintain appropriate product and supply levels
  • Maintain food safety, sanitation, kitchen cleanliness, organization, and restaurant standards
  • Ensure the kitchen team has the tools, systems, and checklists needed to prepare for and execute successful shifts
  • Lead and develop back-of-house managers through regular communication, coaching, and accountability
  • Partner closely with front-of-house leadership to maintain efficient service and an exceptional guest experience
  • Monitor kitchen equipment and coordinate repair and maintenance needs
  • Complete required administrative responsibilities and company communication in a timely manner
  • Conduct performance and pay reviews in accordance with company processes
  • Identify opportunities to improve kitchen operations, team performance, guest satisfaction, and restaurant results
  • Uphold company policies, procedures, and Core Values
  • Complete other duties as assigned

What We’re Looking For
  • Must be 21 years of age or older
  • 3 years of experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef, or similar kitchen leadership role
  • Proven experience leading and developing a restaurant kitchen team
  • Strong understanding of food quality, kitchen operations, inventory, labor, and cost-of-goods management
  • Strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to hold team members accountable while supporting their development
  • Excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work effectively with both front-of-house and back-of-house leadership
  • ServSafe Certification or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds

  • Tribute Eatery & Bar is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

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Salary : $65,000 - $70,000

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