Job Description: Executive Chef for Sayedi’s Smoke BBQ Kitchen

Position: Executive Chef

Location: Sayedi’s Smoke BBQ Kitchen, Hanover Park, IL

Reports to: Owner

About Us

Sayedi’s Smoke BBQ Kitchen is an immersive fine dining restaurant offering a unique experience with LED walls and table projections. Located in the suburb of Hanover Park near Chicago, we are the only fine dining establishment in the area that serves a fusion of Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine with a focus on smoked BBQ lamb, chicken, beef, seafood, and authentic, flavorful dishes. We pride ourselves on delivering a memorable 10-course dining experience that showcases the bold, rich flavors of our cuisine.

Position Overview

We are looking for a passionate, creative, and experienced Executive Chef to lead our kitchen team and elevate our culinary offerings to new heights. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of smoked BBQ techniques, Middle Eastern flavors, and fine dining standards. This individual should excel in both culinary artistry and kitchen management, ensuring each dish reflects the high standards and authentic flavors of Sayedi’s Smoke BBQ Kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

• Menu Development: Design, refine, and execute a unique 10-course tasting menu that aligns with our restaurant’s fusion of smoked BBQ and Middle Eastern cuisine. Continuously innovate to keep the menu exciting and seasonally updated.

• Culinary Excellence: Master the art of smoked BBQ, grilling, and using traditional Middle Eastern spices. Ensure each dish is executed to perfection with consistency in taste, presentation, and quality.

• Leadership & Team Management: Lead, train, and inspire the kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment. Ensure high standards of hygiene, safety, and food quality.

• Cost Control & Inventory Management: Oversee food cost management, portion control, and inventory. Source and manage relationships with suppliers, ensuring the use of fresh, halal-certified ingredients.

• Kitchen Operations: Optimize kitchen workflows, manage the preparation and execution of dishes during service, and oversee kitchen cleanliness and compliance with health and safety regulations.

• Special Events: Support special events, soft openings, and high-profile dinners, ensuring a seamless dining experience that showcases the restaurant’s unique culinary offerings.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience as an Executive Chef or Sous Chef in a fine dining or high-end restaurant, with a focus on smoked BBQ, Middle Eastern, or fusion cuisine.

• Skills: Expertise in smoking techniques, flavor profiling, and creative plating. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Certifications: Culinary degree preferred. Food handler’s certification and knowledge of health and safety regulations are required.

• Passion for Culinary Arts: A deep appreciation for Middle Eastern flavors, Indian spices, and fine dining techniques. A creative mindset to craft visually stunning and flavorful dishes.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives

• Opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art, immersive dining environment

• Supportive and collaborative team culture

• Potential for career growth as we expand our brand

If you are a culinary innovator with a passion for creating unforgettable dining experiences, we invite you to be a part of our team.

To Apply: Please send your resume, cover letter, and a portfolio of your culinary creations to [email protected].

We look forward to welcoming a talented Executive Chef to lead our team at Sayedi’s Smoke BBQ Kitchen!