Job Title: Executive Chef
Reports To: General Manager, Director of Operations
Department: Operations
Company Overview
4 Star Restaurant Group is a Chicago-based hospitality company operating full-service, from-scratch restaurants including The Smoke Daddy (Wicker and Wrigley), The Perch, Remington’s, Crosby’s Kitchen, Ella Elli, Frasca, and Tuco & Blondie. People are our focus, and guests are our priority. Our #1 goal is to provide an exceptional dining experience at a reasonable price. We are committed to genuine hospitality, exceptional food, and fostering an extraordinary work environment while upholding our core values every shift.
Position Summary
The Executive Chef (EC) plays a critical role in delivering high standards of food quality, kitchen organization, financial performance, and hospitality. Energetic and experienced, the EC oversees all BOH operations and partners closely with the front-of-house to drive excellence. Working with the management team, the EC sets a tone of professionalism, teamwork, empowerment, and culinary excellence.
Leadership & Team Development
- Live and promote 4 Star’s core values of Professionalism, Positive Attitude, Guest First, Quality/Excellence, Teamwork, and Integrity.
- Lead by example, setting a standard of professionalism and guest-first leadership.
- Collaborate with the General Manager to assess hiring needs and support ongoing training programs for BOH and FOH teams.
- Coach and develop kitchen co-managers and staff through regular feedback, training, and performance evaluations.
- Maintain clear, direct communication with all departments, ensuring timely dissemination of operational updates.
- Participate in weekly management meetings to review operational metrics, identify opportunities, and support company initiatives.
Financial & Operational Oversight
- Partner with the General Manager and Director of Operations to develop sales growth strategies and cost control initiatives.
- Manage food, chemical, to-go supplies, and equipment purchasing, consistently aligning with budget goals.
- Conduct regular inventory counts, analyze variances, and develop action plans to optimize food costs.
- Oversee kitchen repair and maintenance within budget by maintaining cleaning and maintenance schedules.
- Ensure strict adherence to all 4 Star operational systems, policies, and health and safety regulations.
- Lead monthly building audits with management, and quarterly audits with the Director of Operations, ensuring timely resolution of any issues.
Guest Experience & Kitchen Operations
- Maintain active kitchen and floor presence as a coach, observing, teaching, and supporting team members.
- Demonstrate hands-on expertise by performing hourly kitchen roles to model best practices.
- Expedite during peak service times, monitor food quality, and ensure ticket times meet targets.
- Encourage and utilize guest feedback to identify opportunities for improvement in food quality and execution.
Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years as an Executive Chef, or equivalent experience, in a fast-paced, full-service restaurant environment
- Extensive sous chef experience preferred.
- Proven ability to manage budgets with consistent accuracy and accountability.
- Strong verbal, written, and electronic communication skills.
- Proficiency with restaurant technology including POS systems, inventory management, and Microsoft Office.
- Current City and State Food Handler Certifications.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
- Passionate about hospitality, team development, and driving results.
- Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
- Ability to stand for full shifts and lift up to 50 pounds.
- Good hearing and manual dexterity for communication and kitchen tasks.
- Comfortable working in loud, busy environments indoors and outdoors.
- Frequent reaching, bending, stooping, and carrying required.
- Ability to tolerate exposure to allergens such as peanut products, dairy, gluten, soy, seafood, and shellfish.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Disclaimer
This job description outlines the general nature of work performed and is not exhaustive. 4 Star Restaurant Group reserves the right to modify duties or responsibilities at any time.
Equal Opportunity Employer
4 Star Restaurant Group is committed to creating an inclusive environment and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
