Executive Chef

EXECUTIVE CHEFNew American Bistro — New York City

The Mermaid Inn is seeking an Executive Chef to lead the culinary development and opening of a new American bistro concept in New York City.

This is an opportunity for a creative, driven chef to play a central role in building something from the ground up. We are looking for a strong culinary leader who understands New York dining, has a refined but approachable cooking style, and is excited by the opportunity to develop a new restaurant concept.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Executive Chef will lead all culinary aspects of the restaurant, from menu development and kitchen design to hiring, training, culture, purchasing, food cost, and day-to-day execution.

This chef should be equally comfortable developing a dish, leading a team, working with ownership, and building systems that allow a restaurant to operate at a high level.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Minimum 3 years of professional culinary experience in New York City
• Proven experience as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, Sous Chef, or similar senior culinary leadership role
• Strong background in American cuisine and contemporary bistro cooking
• A creative chef with a clear culinary point of view
• Experience developing menus and opening or launching new restaurants is highly valued
• Strong understanding of food cost, labor, purchasing, inventory, and kitchen operations
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, motivate, and retain a strong kitchen team
• High standards for quality, consistency, cleanliness, and hospitality
• Ability to work collaboratively with ownership and the restaurant’s leadership team
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Passion for creating a restaurant that becomes part of the New York City dining community

THE RIGHT CANDIDATE

We’re looking for someone who wants to build something, not simply take over an existing kitchen.

The ideal candidate is ambitious, hands-on, entrepreneurial, and excited about having a meaningful role in shaping a new concept. You should have the experience and confidence to lead a kitchen while also being open to collaboration and new ideas.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute the restaurant’s culinary vision
• Create and refine the opening menu
• Establish recipes, specifications, and kitchen standards
• Build and lead the culinary team
• Oversee hiring, training, scheduling, and performance
• Manage food quality, consistency, and presentation
• Maintain food and labor costs within established targets
• Develop relationships with vendors and purveyors
• Oversee ordering, receiving, storage, and inventory
• Establish kitchen systems and procedures
• Collaborate with ownership and management on the restaurant’s overall concept
• Lead the culinary team through opening and into ongoing operations

ABOUT THE MERMAID INN

The Mermaid Inn is an established New York City restaurant group known for its commitment to quality food, hospitality, and neighborhood-driven dining.

This new American bistro represents an opportunity to bring that experience into a fresh, original concept.

COMPENSATION

Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including potential performance-based incentives.

To apply: Please submit a résumé and a brief introduction outlining your culinary background, leadership experience, and why this opportunity interests you.