About Us:
Café Bionda, a beloved Italian restaurant in the heart of Chicago’s South Loop since 2006, is renowned for its authentic, handcrafted Italian cuisine inspired by the culinary traditions of Napoli. We pride ourselves on offering exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps our guests coming back. As the head chef, you will play a key role in upholding our reputation for quality and authenticity.

Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our culinary team and oversee all aspects of kitchen operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Italian cuisine, a commitment to excellence, and the ability to inspire and manage a team. This role is critical to maintaining Café Bionda’s standards of quality, flavor, and presentation, ensuring every guest enjoys an unforgettable dining experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage, and inspire the kitchen team to deliver high-quality, authentic Italian dishes.
• Develop and execute a menu that reflects Café Bionda’s dedication to traditional Italian cooking while incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Oversee all kitchen operations, including food preparation, plating, and service to ensure consistency and quality.
• Monitor food costs, portion control, and inventory to optimize efficiency and minimize waste.
• Maintain compliance with health and safety regulations, ensuring the kitchen operates at the highest standards.
• Train, mentor, and manage kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and professional environment.
• Collaborate with ownership to innovate and refine menu offerings while staying true to the brand’s identity.
• Build relationships with local suppliers to source high-quality, fresh ingredients.
• Manage scheduling and labor costs to maintain profitability.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, or similar role in an Italian restaurant.
• Expertise in traditional Italian cuisine, with a passion for authenticity and quality.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Knowledge of kitchen operations, food safety, and sanitation standards.
• Financial acumen for managing budgets, food costs, and labor expenses.
• Creativity in menu development and a commitment to innovation.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training preferred.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead a team in a well-established and respected restaurant.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• The chance to make a lasting impact on Café Bionda’s culinary reputation.

How to Apply:
If you’re ready to bring your culinary expertise and leadership skills to Café Bionda, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume, a cover letter, and examples of your work or a portfolio (if applicable) to [email protected].

Join us in continuing to make Café Bionda a cornerstone of authentic Italian dining in Chicago!