Executive Chef - New Luxury Mediterranean Rooftop | $115K-$130K

Job Description

Job Description

Dallas, TX

$115,000–$130,000 Base Salary + Benefits

A nationally recognized hospitality group is bringing an established, elevated Mediterranean rooftop dining concept to Dallas in 2027 and is seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to lead the culinary operation from pre-opening through launch and beyond.

This is an opportunity for a proven culinary leader to help build something significant from the ground up while having the advantage of learning from an established operation in Phoenix before opening the Dallas location.

The selected Executive Chef will have the opportunity to spend time in Phoenix working alongside the existing culinary team, learning the concept, culinary standards, systems, menu execution, training practices, and culture firsthand before bringing that experience to Dallas.

This is a highly visible opening leadership role for a chef who enjoys building teams, creating strong kitchen cultures, and delivering elevated food at a high-volume level.

ABOUT THE RESTAURANT

The concept will bring a sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired dining experience to Dallas, combining refined yet approachable cuisine with an energetic rooftop atmosphere.

The menu will feature Mediterranean-inspired mezze, house-made pastas, shareable plates, premium proteins, fresh seasonal ingredients, and a polished beverage program.

The restaurant will feature indoor and rooftop outdoor dining, weekend brunch, private events, and high-volume service in an upscale, destination-style environment.

THE OPPORTUNITY

As the opening Executive Chef, you will have the opportunity to shape the Dallas culinary operation from the beginning.

You will help establish the kitchen culture, build the BOH leadership team, recruit and develop culinary talent, implement systems and standards, and ensure the restaurant is fully prepared for a successful opening.

Before opening, you will have the opportunity to spend time in Phoenix with the established operation. This hands-on experience is designed to give you a deep understanding of the concept before bringing it to Dallas.

You will learn the menu, recipes, culinary standards, kitchen systems, training approach, service expectations, and operating culture then use that knowledge to build and lead the Dallas team.

WHAT YOU'LL LEAD

• Take full ownership of culinary operations for the Dallas restaurant
• Lead all pre-opening culinary planning and kitchen preparation
• Participate in menu, recipe, equipment, vendor, purchasing, and kitchen planning
• Spend time in Phoenix learning the established concept and culinary operation
• Recruit, hire, train, coach, and develop the Dallas BOH team
• Build a strong culinary culture centered on hospitality, accountability, teamwork, and excellence
• Establish prep systems, recipes, production standards, quality controls, and kitchen procedures
• Execute a sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired menu with consistency and precision
• Maintain exceptional standards for food quality, flavor, presentation, and execution
• Manage food cost, labor, purchasing, inventory, waste, and kitchen productivity
• Work closely with FOH leadership to create a seamless guest experience
• Lead culinary execution for dinner, brunch, private events, and high-volume service
• Maintain rigorous sanitation, food safety, and workplace standards
• Monitor restaurant performance and implement corrective action when needed
• Continue developing the culinary operation after opening and drive long-term performance

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Proven Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef, or senior culinary leadership experience
• Strong experience in upscale, luxury, chef-driven, hotel, or high-volume restaurant environments
• Previous opening or pre-opening experience strongly preferred
• Mediterranean, Italian, Greek, Spanish, Middle Eastern, or related culinary experience strongly preferred
• Exceptional scratch-cooking and culinary execution skills
• Strong menu development and recipe-development experience
• Demonstrated ability to build, train, develop, and retain high-performing culinary teams
• Strong understanding of food cost, labor, purchasing, inventory, and kitchen controls
• Comfortable leading a high-volume operation without compromising culinary standards
• Strong business and operational understanding
• Hands-on leadership style with high standards and strong attention to detail
• Excellent communication and team-building skills
• Ability to create a positive, accountable, and professional kitchen culture
• Willingness to relocate to Dallas if not already local
• Ability to participate in the Phoenix training/shadow experience before opening

THE IDEAL LEADER

We are looking for more than a chef who can execute a menu.

The ideal candidate is a true culinary leader who enjoys building something from the ground up.

You know how to recruit great people, develop future leaders, create systems, manage the numbers, and establish standards that remain consistent even when the restaurant is operating at full volume.

You are equally comfortable on the line, in the kitchen office, developing your team, reviewing food cost, working with vendors, and partnering with the front of house.

You bring culinary creativity, operational discipline, emotional intelligence, and a genuine passion for hospitality.

Most importantly, you understand that a successful opening is about building the right culture before the doors ever open.

WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY

• Lead the culinary opening of a major new Dallas restaurant
• Join an established hospitality organization with a proven concept
• Gain firsthand experience inside the established Phoenix operation
• Build and develop the Dallas BOH team from the ground up
• Help establish the culinary culture, systems, and standards from day one
• Lead an elevated Mediterranean-inspired concept in a dynamic rooftop environment
• Significant ownership and visibility within the opening
• Long-term growth potential as the operation develops
• $115,000–$130,000 base salary
• Benefits package

READY TO LEAD A MAJOR OPENING?

If you are an accomplished Executive Chef or senior culinary leader who thrives in high-volume, elevated hospitality environments and is excited by the opportunity to build a team, establish a culinary culture, and lead a major new restaurant opening in Dallas, we want to hear from you.

Candidates with strong opening experience, luxury hospitality backgrounds, chef-driven restaurant experience, or Mediterranean/European culinary expertise are encouraged to apply.

The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.

Company Description

The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.