Executive Chef

Executive Chef

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 !

We're opening a 140-seat New American restaurant in Philadelphia, built to be a neighborhood favorite with the polish to host celebrations. The space includes a lively bar, a private dining room, and an atmosphere that feels welcoming, energetic, and rooted in the city's food culture. We're looking for a Philadelphia-based Executive Chef who wants real ownership, someone excited to build a kitchen, shape a menu, and lead a team with pride. This is a chance to put your stamp on a restaurant from day one and grow something lasting.

About the Role

As Executive Chef, you'll be the culinary voice of the restaurant. You'll lead menu development, kitchen operations, and team culture while working closely with ownership to bring the concept to life. From selecting equipment to hiring the opening team, this role is hands-on, collaborative, and deeply connected to the guest experience. This is not a desk job; we're looking for a chef who wants to cook, lead from the line, and be present in the dining room and the neighborhood.

What You'll Do

• Own all culinary operations, from daily service to long-term menu direction
• Create a New American menu that highlights seasonality, approachability, and strong technique
• Collaborate on kitchen layout, equipment selection, and opening-day readiness
• Hire, train, and lead a kitchen team with clear standards and mutual respect
• Set the tone for kitchen culture; organized, calm, accountable, and inclusive
• Manage food costs, ordering, inventory, and waste with a practical, restaurant-first mindset
• Build strong relationships with local purveyors and vendors
• Maintain high standards for food safety, cleanliness, and execution
• Work closely with the bar and front-of-house teams to deliver a cohesive guest experience
• Be a visible presence in the restaurant and an active part of the Philadelphia dining community

What We're Looking For

• Experience leading kitchens in independent restaurants, chef-driven concepts, or elevated casual dining
• A hands-on leadership style; comfortable on the line, engaged with the team
• Strong understanding of New American cuisine and seasonal menu development
• Practical experience managing food costs, prep systems, and service flow
• Ability to balance creativity with consistency and execution
• Comfort running both everyday service and events
• Culinary training through experience, formal education, or a mix of both
• Several years of leadership experience as a Chef de Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef, or Executive Chef
• A collaborative, grounded approach, excited to build something with a team, not just run it
• Pride in hospitality and a desire to create a restaurant the city shows up for

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Restaurant Associates maintains a drug-free workplace.