Required Years of Experience
5 years
Job Details
Wally’s Wine & Spirits, Santa Monica is seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to lead and elevate our culinary program. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a brand-aligned menu, mentor a talented kitchen team, and bring elevated hospitality to one of the most recognized names in wine, spirits, and gourmet dining.
What You'll Do
- Lead day-to-day kitchen operations while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, presentation, consistency, and safety.
- Partner with the Corporate Executive Chef to develop seasonal, brand-aligned menus that inspire guests and reflect Wally’s premium experience.
- Guide, coach, and develop Sous Chefs and culinary team members through hands-on leadership and ongoing feedback.
- Collaborate with event and wine teams to create memorable menus for private dining, events, and special guest experiences.
- Oversee kitchen operations, including staffing, training, product quality, and inventory standards.
- Manage food, labor, and operating costs while supporting efficient, well-organized kitchen operations.
- Ensure compliance with health department regulations and uphold a professional, positive, growth-focused team culture.
What We're Looking For
- Five or more years of experience in an Executive Chef or similar culinary leadership role.
- Strong background in menu development, recipe creation, seasonal planning, and elevated food presentation.
- Proven ability to lead, train, and inspire culinary teams in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
- Solid understanding of food cost, labor management, budgeting, vendor relationships, and P&L performance.
- Experience with restaurant POS systems and comfort using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Culinary, hospitality, business, or related degree preferred.
- Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Why Wally's?
At Wally’s, we bring together exceptional food, wine, spirits, and hospitality in a collaborative, guest-focused environment. Our team is passionate about creating memorable experiences, supporting professional growth, and delivering the elevated service our guests expect from the Wally’s brand. This is a meaningful opportunity for a culinary leader who wants to make an impact and grow with a premium hospitality concept.
Ready to take the next step in your career? We'd love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of the Wally's team.
Compensation Details
Compensation: Salary ($110,000.00 - $120,000.00)
Benefits & Perks: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, 401k, Potential Bonuses, Dining Discounts
Required Skills
Leadership
Team Development
Creativity in Menu Design
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Problem Solving
Time Management
Adaptability
Read more
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Part of Wally's Wine
Founded in 1968 as the favorite neighborhood liquor store in Los Angeles, Wally’s has transformed into the premier epicurean destination for unique, top-quality ingredients and products procured from across the globe.
In 2023, Wally’s Beverly Hills proudly earned Wine Spectator’s Grand Award for the seventh consecutive year, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the wine industry. Wally’s Santa Monica and Wally’s Las Vegas also received accolades, earning Wine Spectator’s Best of Award. These prestigious honors are a testament to our commitment to excellence and our passion for offering the best of everything.
Our award-winning wine list, curated by an expert team of buyers, features more than 100 wines by the glass and 8,000 handpicked labels of wine, spirits, beer, and specialty gourmet food. As the Los Angeles Times aptly puts it, “Wally’s was founded in 1968 as a liquor store. Since then, it has grown into the best wine shop in los Angeles.”
Join our team of experts in finding your perfect everyday pairing with our California- French inspired menu, or sip on one of our many artisan cocktails at our custom marble-topped bars. When seeking the rare and opulent, you’re invited to enter The Vault, the ultimate dream cellar, housing an unparalleled collection of coveted vintages from the most revered winemakers in the world.
The Wally’s Green shopping bag has become an icon in itself, nearly a fashion accessory, symbolizing our brand’s elegance and timeless appeal.
As a leading expert in the wine and food world for more than 50 years, Wally’s continues to innovate and inspire. A sincere ‘thank you’ to all of our clients and friends who have supported us throughout the years. Your patronage and loyalty have played a key role in making this dream come true.
