Executive Chef

Schlow Restaurant Group, led by James Beard Award–winning Chef Michael Schlow, is preparing to open its Washington, DC flagship restaurant in Spring 2026.

For more than two decades, Michael Schlow has been recognized nationally for delivering refined yet approachable cuisine rooted in technique, seasonality, and hospitality. The new DC flagship will reflect that legacy while setting a new standard for modern American dining in the city.

This restaurant will be a high-profile, design-forward space built for year-round energy. The concept will feature elevated American cuisine with strong seasonal influence, a dynamic bar program, private dining, and a vibrant dining room designed to become a true neighborhood anchor and destination.

We are seeking a driven, experienced Executive Chef to build and lead this kitchen from the ground up.

The Role

The Executive Chef will have full responsibility for kitchen leadership, food quality, staffing, systems development, financial performance, and daily execution. This is a foundational leadership role within Schlow Restaurant Group and the candidate will work directly with ownership and senior leadership on culinary direction, standards, goals, and objectives.

This position requires a hands-on culinary leader capable of operating at flagship level standards in a competitive DC market.

Leadership & Culture

• Build and maintain a positive, professional, high-accountability kitchen culture
  • Lead from the front with daily visible presence on the line
  • Train, mentor, and develop Sous Chefs and future leaders
  • Establish clear systems for prep, service, communication, and standards
  • Collaborate closely with the General Manager to align culinary execution with guest experience and financial performance
  • Contribute meaningfully to business strategy and long-term growth

Staffing, Recruiting & Development

• Recruit and hire a best-in-class opening team
  • Build a leadership bench that supports growth and scalability
  • Implement structured onboarding and training systems
  • Develop performance standards and conduct formal reviews
  • Create a kitchen environment that retains top talent in a competitive market

Culinary Leadership & Execution

• Lead all food preparation, presentation, and quality standards
  • Author seasonal menus and daily features aligned with the restaurant’s identity
  • Drive innovation while maintaining disciplined execution
  • Develop private dining and event menus
  • Ensure consistency at volume without compromising quality

Purchasing & Systems

• Establish and manage vendor relationships
  • Build disciplined ordering, receiving, and inventory systems
  • Monitor product quality and consistency
  • Implement efficient prep pars based on sales data
  • Maintain accurate inventory and cost tracking processes

Financial Performance

• Manage food cost and kitchen labor to targeted benchmarks
  • Monitor daily labor and scheduling efficiency
  • Analyze food cost trends and adjust purchasing and prep systems accordingly
  • Participate in monthly P&L reviews and implement corrective action plans
  • Identify ongoing operational efficiencies without sacrificing standards

Quality, Safety & Standards

• Maintain uncompromising standards for taste, presentation, and technique
  • Ensure strict compliance with DC health and safety regulations
  • Oversee sanitation systems and preventive equipment maintenance
  • Create detailed recipe and portion controls to protect margins and brand integrity

Qualifications

• 7+ years professional kitchen experience
  • 4+ years in an Executive Chef or senior leadership role
  • Experience opening or repositioning high-volume, quality-driven restaurants
  • Strong understanding of food cost, labor management, and P&L accountability
  • Proven ability to recruit, train, and retain strong culinary teams
  • High emotional intelligence and strong communication skills
  • Ability to perform in a flagship leadership role within a competitive DC dining market

Compensation

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
  • Performance-based incentive program tied to food cost, labor, and execution standards
  • Opportunity to lead the opening of a flagship restaurant within an established and respected restaurant group
  • Growth potential within Schlow Restaurant Group

This is a rare opportunity to define a kitchen culture from day one and build a flagship restaurant in Washington, DC under an award-winning culinary brand.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume and brief statement of culinary philosophy and leadership approach.