Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Executive Chef  

Salary: $110,000 - $125,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus Plan 

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry’s leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations!  Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards -  Best Places to Work,  This is R/A !

Job Summary

Be the Culinary Visionary Behind a New Neighborhood Destination!

We’re opening a new 140‑seat New American restaurant in Philadelphia, complete with a private dining room, vibrant bar, and an atmosphere that feels like an everyday go‑to but still perfect for celebrations. We’re looking for a local Executive Chef who wants to leave a mark and build something lasting with us.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a restaurant from the ground up: collaborate on menu development, kitchen layout, equipment selection, and overall culinary vision. You’ll also serve as a visible leader in the community and a key partner in crafting an unforgettable guest experience.

About the Role

As the Executive Chef, you’ll oversee all culinary operations and bring the restaurant’s vision to life. You’ll lead and develop a kitchen team, guide menu creation, ensure operational excellence, and help build a warm, welcoming space rooted in Philadelphia’s food culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary operations with a focus on quality, creativity, and consistency
• Collaborate on menu development for a New American concept, including seasonal updates
• Partner on kitchen design, layout, equipment decisions, and operational flow
• Manage food cost targets, budget oversight, and waste reduction strategies
• Oversee purchasing, inventory control, and vendor relationships
• Maintain high standards of safety, sanitation, and compliance
• Support new culinary program rollouts in partnership with the broader culinary and marketing teams
• Build, train, and coach a collaborative kitchen team
• Serve as a visible ambassador for the restaurant within the Philadelphia community

What We’re Looking For

• Background in culinary management, ideally in high‑volume or elevated casual dining
• Experience leading kitchen teams and fostering a positive, inclusive culture
• Strong skills in cost control, menu engineering, and kitchen operations
• Comfort with both everyday dining and special‑occasion culinary expectations
• Creativity, curiosity, and a passion for New American cuisine
• Culinary degree or equivalent training
• Three to five years of culinary leadership experience
• Experience in high‑volume production or catering environments
• Collaborative mindset—excited to build something alongside a team
• Energy to be a public‑facing representative of the restaurant
• Desire to grow with a forward‑thinking hospitality group

Apply to Restaurant Associates today!

Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:

Associates at Restaurant Associates are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Restaurant Associates maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

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Req ID: 1519141

Restaurant Associates 

Michael Abbey 

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