Cafe Head Chef - Downtown, DC

Job Description

Job Description

Tatte began in 2007 in a home kitchen with a passion for baking and the belief that well-crafted food has the power to bring people together. That spirit continues to guide us today.

We are a design-forward bakery and café bringing together handcrafted food, exceptional coffee, warm hospitality, and beautiful spaces designed for gathering, connection, and everyday ritual.

At our core, we are craftspeople. Chefs, bakers, baristas, and café teams united by a shared passion for excellence. We believe even the smallest details matter, because every dish, every cup of coffee, and every interaction is an opportunity to brighten someone's day.

WHY TATTE

We're looking for people who believe hospitality matters and share our mission: To Inspire, Care for, and Nurture Life. Every day.

At Tatte, we believe craft is more than a skill. It's a way of caring. It's found in the details: a perfectly prepared dish, a thoughtfully crafted guest experience, and a team committed to excellence. We believe these small acts, repeated every day, have the power to make life a little richer and more meaningful.

You'll join a team that takes pride in its work, supports one another, and is committed to learning and growth. We hold ourselves to high standards while creating an environment where people can develop their talents, build meaningful careers, and make an impact.

As we continue to grow, so do the opportunities for our team. Whether you're exploring a new path or taking the next step in your career, you'll help create moments of inspiration, comfort, and connection for our guests each day.

Because while we serve exceptional food, coffee, and pastries, we hope to create something more enduring: places where people feel welcomed, cared for, and inspired to return again and again.

THE ROLE

The Cafe Head Chef is responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations within the café and plays a critical role in the success and growth of the kitchen team. Cafe Head Chefs may supervise up to 25 team members, including Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, and Dishwashers. This role requires the ability to engage, inspire, and lead a strong team while maintaining operational excellence in a fast paced, high volume environment.

Our Cafe Head Chefs work closely with both Front and Back of House teams to deliver exceptional food quality, consistency, and hospitality standards throughout the café.

Successful Cafe Head Chefs are passionate about culinary excellence, thrive in fast paced kitchen environments, and are committed to developing strong teams while upholding Tatte’s standards for quality, execution, and guest experience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead with professionalism, accountability, and strong kitchen leadership
• Maintain high standards for food quality, consistency, cleanliness, and organization
• Develop, coach, and support kitchen team members
• Lead kitchen operations with efficiency and attention to detail
• Uphold all food safety, sanitation, and operational standards
• Live Tatte’s core values and help support our mission
• Have flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES

• Run kitchen production and service according to established operational guidelines
• Follow and enforce recipe, portioning, and presentation standards
• Complete and utilize daily production worksheets and waste logs while monitoring food quality
• Train kitchen staff in food preparation, safe handling, equipment operation, food safety, and sanitation standards
• Establish and maintain cleaning and maintenance schedules for kitchen equipment, storage, and work areas
• Maintain inventory levels within established guidelines while ensuring product availability
• Follow company safety and sanitation policies and procedures
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and professional development programs as needed
• Support implementation and execution of seasonal menu changes
• Other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to work 10+ hour shifts and stand, sit, squat, or walk for extended periods of time
• Ability to grasp, reach overhead, push, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Required

• Minimum 3–5 years of progressive culinary or kitchen management experience, depending on formal education or training
• Proven passion for culinary excellence and exceeding guest expectations
• Strong operational knowledge and understanding of systems, methods, and processes that contribute to successful kitchen execution
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred

• Hospitality Education – A.O.S. Degree in Culinary Arts or Culinary Certificate with required experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Previous experience working with UKG/UltiPro, Toast POS, CrunchTime, and TeamworX
• ServSafe, Allergen, and ChokeSaver certifications

OUR BENEFITS & PERKS

• Competitive Pay: $76,000–$96,000 annually, depending on experience
• 401(k) with company match
• Parking benefit when applicable
• Free employee assistance program services
• Flexible schedules with no late nights
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid sick and vacation time
• Hands on and classroom style training
• Free meals and drinks
• Exciting potential for growth

Please note that we hire managers for the greater DC market, and while we strive to place them in cafés that are convenient to them, we do not guarantee placement at specific cafés.

Learn more about us at tattebakery.com

Join us on our journey to create something special!

Please note that Tatte is an E Verify employer.