Head Chef

Location: Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY

Nowon is a Korean-American gastropub known for bold flavors, creative energy, and a lively, community-driven dining experience. We are seeking a Head Chef to lead our Bushwick location, uphold high culinary standards, and help guide the restaurant toward continued growth and recognition.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced kitchen, is detail-oriented, and can balance creativity with consistency. We are looking for someone who shares our goal of delivering an outstanding guest experience while building and motivating a strong back-of-house team.

• Leadership & Management

  • Oversee all back-of-house operations, ensuring high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation.

  • Lead, train, and develop kitchen staff, fostering a culture of accountability, respect, and growth.

  • Delegate effectively, set clear expectations, and maintain strong communication across BOH and FOH teams.

• Culinary Execution & Standards

  • Manage daily service with attention to speed, precision, and consistency.

  • Maintain and elevate kitchen standards, ensuring compliance with DOH, sanitation, and safety regulations.

  • Partner with ownership and Chef Jae Lee on menu development, R&D dishes, and seasonal updates.

  • Uphold standards to position Nowon Bushwick for critical recognition (Bib Gourmand level quality).

• Operations & Administration

  • Manage inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships while controlling food costs and minimizing waste.

  • Create and maintain prep lists, production schedules, and systems for efficiency.

  • Ensure equipment and facilities are maintained and in good working order.

  • Collaborate with FOH managers to align on service standards and guest experience.

• Culture & Growth

  • Lead by example with professionalism, discipline, and passion.

  • Support and mentor team members, creating opportunities for advancement.

  • Contribute to the overall growth of Nowon as we expand and strengthen our brand.