Chef de Cuisine

Description:
The Chef de Cuisine is a senior culinary leader responsible for executing and maintaining daily

kitchen operations across The Douglas and Lester's. This role requires a chef who is equally

committed to cooking, leadership, and operational discipline.

The Chef de Cuisine is expected to be hands-on and present - actively cooking, leading service,

and guiding the team in real time while also managing the systems that support a healthy

business. Responsibilities include labor planning, food cost control, ordering, scheduling, and

waste management. These are core expectations of the role, not secondary tasks.

This position operates under the leadership of Chef Jacques Larson, two-time James Beard

Award nominee, and serves as the primary on-site culinary authority. During the opening months

of operation, the Chef de Cuisine will work closely with Chef Larson to establish standards,

systems, and rhythm, with increasing autonomy over time.

The ideal candidate leads calmly and consistently, sets standards through action, and believes

that strong kitchens are built through structure, fairness, and accountability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Lead all daily back-of-house operations across The Douglas and Lester's
• Maintain a hands-on presence during prep and service
• Execute menus with consistency, accuracy, and attention to detail
• Collaborate with Chef Jacques Larson on menu development and refinement
• Train, schedule, and mentor kitchen staff
• Manage food cost, labor, inventory, and vendor relationships
• Build and maintain systems that support efficiency and consistency
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation standards

Requirements:
• Prior Chef de Cuisine experience preferred; strong Sous Chefs will be considered
• Background in ingredient-driven, from-scratch kitchens
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams calmly and effectively
• Strong operational understanding of costing, labor, and inventory
• Hospitality-first mindset with a belief that kindness is essential