Executive Chef

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Executive Chef  

Salary: $95,000 - $115,000

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

As the Executive Chef at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, you will lead the culinary vision for a complex operation including a restaurant, canteen, coffee bar, internal catering, and onsite coordination with our commissary partner. This role is ideal for a culinary leader who thrives in a dynamic, high-volume, guest-centric environment and is energized by the opportunity to elevate programs, collaborate across teams, and shape the future of our retail dining strategy.

You will set the culinary tone for the account, ensuring exceptional food quality, operational consistency, and a memorable guest experience across multiple outlets.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and evolve menus for all retail outlets, ensuring seasonal innovation and operational feasibility.
• Roll out new culinary programs in partnership with the RA culinary and marketing teams.
• Champion culinary standards that highlight quality, creativity, and consistency.
• Oversee all culinary functions for the account, including restaurant, canteen, coffee bar, internal catering, and support for commissary coordination.
• Lead and develop a diverse team of culinary professionals, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Ensure full compliance with RA and NYC health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Manage food cost controls, financial targets, and purchasing practices across all units.
• Oversee inventory processes, vendor relationships, and product sourcing.
• Monitor expenditures and implement strategies to drive efficiency and reduce waste.
• Serve as a key partner to FOH operations, marketing, and senior leadership to ensure aligned guest experiences.
• Collaborate with our commissary partner (future-state) to support menu execution, quality control, and logistic efficiency.
• Support internal catering events with thoughtful menus and smooth operational execution.

What We’re Looking For

• A collaborative, people-centered leader with strong culinary instincts and a passion for hospitality.
• Experience designing menus and executing high-volume retail or multi-outlet programs.
• Strong understanding of financial stewardship, including food cost management and purchasing practices.
• Ability to lead teams in fast-paced environments with clarity, empathy, and a focus on growth.
• Commitment to safety, sanitation, and inclusive workplace culture.
• Culinary degree or formal culinary training.
• 4+ years of culinary management experience in a high-volume setting.
• Experience with production kitchens, commissary models, or multi-unit culinary oversight.
• Background in retail dining, fast casual, or elevated café environments.

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: 1534837

Restaurant Associates 

Michael Abbey 

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