Head Chef / Executive Chef

Job Description

Head Chef / Executive Chef

Adam Puchta Winery Restaurant
Downtown Hermann Historic District | Hermann, MO
Full-Time

Help Build the Culinary Destination of Missouri Wine Country

Adam Puchta Winery is opening an exciting new restaurant, brewery, and wine bar in the heart of historic downtown Hermann, Missouri, and we're looking for an exceptional Head Chef / Executive Chef to lead our culinary program.

This is more than just another chef position. It's an opportunity to build the kitchen, create the menu, develop the culture, and help shape the culinary identity of one of Missouri Wine Country's newest destination restaurants from the ground up.

If you're passionate about creating memorable dining experiences, leading talented people, and working alongside an award-winning winery and craft brewery, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Create and execute an innovative seasonal menu featuring elevated comfort food, locally inspired ingredients, and chef-driven specialties

• Lead all back-of-house operations including food preparation, quality control, scheduling, inventory, and purchasing

• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team

• Maintain exceptional standards for food quality, consistency, presentation, cleanliness, and food safety

• Develop food specials designed to pair with our craft beers and award-winning wines

• Manage food cost, labor cost, and overall kitchen profitability

• Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative kitchen culture

• Ensure compliance with all local health, safety, and sanitation regulations

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 5 years of culinary leadership experience as an Executive Chef, Head Chef, or experienced Sous Chef ready for the next step

• Proven experience developing menus and controlling food and labor costs

• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen

• Passion for creative cuisine while respecting classic guest favorites

• Appreciation for craft beer, wine, and thoughtful food pairings

• Highly organized, self-motivated, and committed to excellence

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience

• Performance-based bonus opportunities

• Employer-sponsored health insurance

• Employer-sponsored life insurance

• Paid vacation and paid time off

• Employee discounts

• Creative freedom to help build the restaurant's culinary identity

• Opportunity to work alongside an exciting craft beer program and Missouri's oldest family-owned winery

• The chance to become a key leader in one of Missouri Wine Country's premier hospitality destinations

Why Join Adam Puchta Winery?

This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up rather than inherit an existing operation. Your creativity, leadership, and passion will directly influence the success of our new restaurant for years to come.

If you're ready to lead an exceptional culinary team and create a dining experience guests will travel to Hermann to enjoy, we encourage you to apply today.