Executive Chef & Culinary Director

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

Sweet Lawn Farm is a new hospitality destination in the heart of Kentucky horse country, developed and operated by Caymus Vineyards in the Napa Valley. Rooted in agriculture, hospitality, and community, Sweet Lawn Farm will offer breakfast and lunch service, specialty coffee, house-made pastries, grab-and-go offerings, indoor dining, a walk-up service window, and a curated selection of Caymus wines.

We are seeking an Executive Chef & Culinary Director to lead all culinary operations and help define the food culture of the property from the ground up.

This is a rare opportunity for a chef who believes in ingredient-driven cooking, genuine hospitality, and creating memorable experiences through food. The ideal candidate is passionate about developing thoughtful breakfast items, lunch offerings, and pastries that reflect the farm, the seasons, and the welcoming spirit of Sweet Lawn Farm.

The Executive Chef & Culinary Director will be responsible for building and leading the culinary team, developing menus, integrating farm-grown ingredients into the guest experience, and establishing the operational systems necessary for long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership

· Lead all culinary operations for Sweet Lawn Farm

· Establish and maintain the culinary vision, standards, and culture of the property

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

· Foster a culture of hospitality, teamwork, accountability, and excellence

Menu Development

· Create seasonal breakfast, lunch, and pastry offerings that showcase local ingredients and Kentucky agriculture

· Develop food pairings that complement the potential wine program.

· Design menus that are approachable, memorable, and operationally efficient

· Continually evolve menus based on seasonality, guest feedback, and product availability

· Develop grab-and-go offerings, retail food items, and specialty features

Farm-to-Table Integration

· Partner closely with farm leadership to plan seasonal crops and harvest schedules

· Incorporate farm-grown ingredients whenever possible

· Build menus around seasonality and agricultural availability

· Create a genuine farm-to-table experience that connects guests to the land

Guest Experience

· Collaborate with hospitality leadership to create exceptional guest experiences

· Support indoor dining, outdoor dining, and walk-up window service

· Participate in community gatherings, and seasonal farm events

· Help establish Sweet Lawn Farm as a destination for food, coffee, wine, and hospitality

Operational Excellence

· Manage food costs, labor, purchasing, inventory, and vendor relationships

· Develop systems and procedures that support consistency, efficiency, and growth

· Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, food safety, and organization

· Ensure operational readiness across all areas of the culinary program

Preferred Experience & Qualifications

· Proven leadership experience as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, Senior Sous Chef or kitchen manager

· Experience opening a new concept or building a culinary program from the ground up

· Passion for breakfast, lunch, bakery, café, and farm-driven cuisine

· Strong operational, financial, and team leadership skills

· Experience managing high-volume breakfast and lunch service while maintaining exceptional quality standards

· Experience with pastry, bakery, or café operations is a plus

· Working knowledge of specialty coffee programs and café environments is preferred

· Experience utilizing modern commercial kitchen technology, including Rational Combi Ovens and iVario cooking systems

· Ability to train staff and develop efficient production systems utilizing advanced cooking equipment

· Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen organization

· Appreciation for hospitality, agriculture, and community-focused experiences

What Makes This Opportunity Special

Sweet Lawn Farm is not a traditional restaurant.

It is a gathering place where agriculture, food, coffee, wine, and hospitality come together. Guests may stop in for a morning coffee and pastry, enjoy lunch with friends, purchase farm products, attend seasonal events, or share a glass of wine while overlooking the farm.

The Executive Chef & Culinary Director will have the unique opportunity to shape the culinary identity of a destination from its earliest days and build a program that reflects the character of Kentucky, the spirit of the farm, and the hospitality standards of Caymus.

This is a role for a chef who believes great food begins with great ingredients, great hospitality, and a strong connection to the land.