Executive Chef

Executive Chef

Gin Gin’s | Grand Rapids, Michigan

Gin Gin’s is seeking an experienced, passionate, and driven Executive Chef to lead our culinary team and oversee the day-to-day operations of our kitchen. We are a locally owned neighborhood restaurant built around thoughtful hospitality, quality ingredients, memorable food, and a welcoming atmosphere.

We’re looking for a hands-on culinary leader who brings creativity, consistency, and strong operational skills to the table. The ideal candidate is passionate about developing seasonal menus, mentoring a talented team, maintaining high culinary standards, and creating an environment where both guests and team members feel valued.

This is an opportunity for a chef who wants to make a meaningful impact on a growing restaurant, bring fresh ideas to the menu, and help shape the future of Gin Gin’s.

What You’ll Do

Culinary Leadership & Menu Development

• Lead the creative direction and execution of our culinary program.
• Develop and refine menus that reflect seasonal ingredients, thoughtful technique, and the identity of Gin Gin’s.
• Maintain consistency, quality, presentation, and flavor across every dish.
• Collaborate with ownership and leadership on new menu ideas, specials, and culinary initiatives.
• Stay current with culinary trends while maintaining a distinct and cohesive restaurant identity.

Kitchen Operations

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring efficiency, organization, and smooth service.
• Manage food purchasing, inventory, vendor relationships, and product quality.
• Monitor food costs, labor costs, waste, and portion control to support profitability.
• Establish and maintain standards for food safety, sanitation, organization, and cleanliness.
• Develop systems and procedures that promote consistency and accountability.

Team Development

• Recruit, train, mentor, and retain a strong kitchen team.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and collaborative kitchen culture.
• Set clear expectations and lead by example during service.
• Develop team members’ culinary skills and encourage professional growth.
• Work closely with front-of-house leadership to ensure seamless communication and an exceptional guest experience.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or in a comparable senior culinary leadership role.
• Strong culinary fundamentals, creativity, and a passion for quality ingredients.
• Demonstrated experience with menu development, costing, purchasing, and inventory management.
• A proven ability to lead, train, and develop a kitchen team.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• A hands-on leadership style and the ability to thrive in a busy, fast-paced restaurant.
• A commitment to consistency, hospitality, and continuous improvement.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work closely with ownership and the broader leadership team.

Why Gin Gin’s?

At Gin Gin’s, we believe a great restaurant is about more than what’s on the plate. It’s about creating a welcoming neighborhood gathering place where thoughtful food, genuine hospitality, and memorable experiences come together.

We value creativity, teamwork, accountability, and leaders who take pride in their craft. We’re looking for someone who wants to bring their experience and perspective to the table, develop a talented team, and help us continue building something special in Grand Rapids.

If you’re a culinary leader who loves developing people, creating memorable food, and taking ownership of a kitchen, we’d love to hear from you.

Please submit your resume and tell us a little about your culinary background and leadership approach.