Location: eLNico, Penny Hotel – Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Nestled atop the Penny Hotel in Williamsburg, eLNico is a vibrant and contemporary restaurant that celebrates the bold flavors of Latin cuisine, with a special emphasis on authentic Mexican dishes. We pride ourselves on creating an energetic, innovative dining experience while staying deeply rooted in culinary tradition. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are seeking a passionate and talented Chef de Cuisine to help lead our kitchen and bring our culinary vision to life.

The Chef de Cuisine at eLNico is responsible for the direct management and daily operations of the kitchen. The Chef de Cuisine will play a crucial leadership role, ensuring that the kitchen runs smoothly, dishes are executed to the highest standards, and the team thrives in a creative and collaborative environment.

This position requires deep expertise in Mexican and Latin cuisine, excellent organizational and leadership skills, and the ability to mentor and inspire a team. The ideal candidate will bring both operational excellence and culinary creativity to support the restaurant’s reputation for bold, elevated Latin flavors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise and coordinate all activities of the kitchen staff, ensuring smooth, efficient kitchen operations.

• Oversee food preparation, portion sizes, and presentation to ensure consistency with restaurant standards.

• Lead daily service, ensuring all dishes meet quality and presentation expectations.

• Collaborate with the corporate F&B team on menu development, seasonal rollouts, specials, and culinary innovation.

• Train, mentor, and motivate culinary team members, fostering a culture of excellence, respect, and creativity.

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, safety, and sanitation in accordance with health department regulations.

• Assist in managing food costs, labor costs, and inventory control to meet financial targets.

• Monitor kitchen equipment maintenance and request repairs when necessary.

• Participate in hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and performance management of kitchen staff.

• Maintain open communication with FOH and management teams to ensure seamless service execution.

• Uphold eLNico’s culinary vision while bringing fresh, inspired ideas to the table.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience in upscale restaurants, preferably with a strong focus on Mexican and/or Latin cuisine.

• Formal culinary training or equivalent experience preferred.

• Proven ability to lead and develop a team in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.

• Strong understanding of kitchen operations, food safety, and labor management.

• Experience with inventory management, ordering, and cost control.

• Passion for Latin flavors, ingredients, and traditional techniques.

• Professional demeanor, strong organizational skills, and excellent communication abilities.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

• ServSafe certification or equivalent preferred.