Executive Chef

Éxodo Hospitality Group | Chicago, IL

Salary: $75,000 annually
Employment Type: Full-Time | Salaried
Position: Executive Chef
Restaurant Concept: Chinese-Peruvian (Chifa) Cuisine

Éxodo Hospitality Group is seeking a passionate, experienced, and highly motivated Executive Chef to lead the culinary operations at Cha Chin, our exciting new Chinese-Peruvian restaurant concept in Chicago.

Cha Chin celebrates the bold flavors, culinary traditions, and cultural influences of Chifa cuisine, combining Chinese cooking techniques with the vibrant ingredients and flavors of Peru.

We are looking for a hands-on culinary leader who brings creativity, consistency, discipline, and a commitment to excellence. This is an opportunity to play an important role in the opening and long-term success of a new restaurant concept.

Culinary Leadership & Execution

• Oversee all daily back-of-house operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, presentation, and consistency.

• Execute and maintain established recipes, plating standards, and culinary procedures.

• Lead, train, mentor, and develop the kitchen team.

• Maintain strong communication and collaboration between the kitchen and front-of-house leadership.

• Work closely with the Corporate Culinary Team to maintain the restaurant's culinary vision and standards.

Financial & Operational Management

• Manage food costs, purchasing, inventory, and waste control.

• Maintain labor efficiency through effective scheduling and staffing.

• Monitor food preparation, portion control, and production levels.

• Ensure accurate inventory counts, proper ordering, and vendor accountability.

• Identify opportunities to improve kitchen efficiency without compromising food quality or guest experience.

Food Safety & Kitchen Standards

• Maintain full compliance with Chicago and Illinois health and food safety regulations.

• Oversee kitchen cleanliness, organization, sanitation, and equipment maintenance.

• Implement and enforce opening, closing, prep, and cleaning procedures.

• Ensure proper food storage, labeling, rotation, and temperature controls.

Team Development & Culture

• Build a professional, accountable, and respectful kitchen environment.

• Establish clear expectations for performance, teamwork, and consistency.

• Lead by example during preparation and peak service periods.

• Support the Éxodo Hospitality Group commitment to service excellence, food quality, attention to detail, operational efficiency, teamwork, and guest engagement.

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in a Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Executive Chef leadership role.

• Strong knowledge of professional kitchen operations, food cost management, inventory, and labor controls.

• Experience with Chinese, Peruvian, Asian-Latin fusion, or high-volume upscale dining is highly preferred.

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Ability to train, motivate, and develop a high-performing culinary team.

• Experience with restaurant openings is a plus.

• Valid Illinois Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification, or ability to obtain the required certification.

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.

Annual Salary: $75,000

Opportunity to grow professionally within Éxodo Hospitality Group and contribute to the development of an expanding restaurant portfolio.

At Éxodo Hospitality Group, we believe exceptional restaurants are built through strong leadership, disciplined execution, and a commitment to hospitality.

As Executive Chef of Cha Chin, you will have the opportunity to establish kitchen standards, develop a strong culinary team, and help shape the success of an exciting new dining concept.

Interested candidates should submit their resume and a brief summary of their culinary leadership experience.

Éxodo Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer.