Head Chef

Job Description

Head Chef

Cantina Imperfecto

Myrtle Beach, SC

Cantina Imperfecto ( seeks to hire a talented and driven Head Chef to lead our kitchen operations and play a key role in the continued growth of our brand. This is an opportunity for a culinary professional who thrives in a high-energy environment, values consistency and execution, and is excited to be part of building something long-term.

Cantina Imperfecto is the newest restaurant developed by the creators of Drift, located in the beautiful Grande Dunes area of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. An elegant dining experience featuring modern Mexican cuisine with a unique touch of Tequila and Mezcal, Cantina Imperfecto invites diners to celebrate flavorful dining with a menu that excites palates and ignites dialogues.

Position Overview

The Head Chef is responsible for overseeing all back-of-house operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, managing kitchen staff, and maintaining strong cost controls. This role reports directly to the Operating Partner and serves as the senior culinary leader within the restaurant.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead and manage all kitchen operations, including prep, execution, and service

· Train, develop, and mentor kitchen staff to maintain high performance and consistency

· Ensure all dishes meet Cantina Imperfecto’s standards for quality, presentation, and flavor

· Oversee ordering, inventory, and vendor relationships

· Maintain food cost targets and implement cost-control strategies

· Enforce cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards

· Collaborate with ownership on menu execution and future development

· Build and maintain a strong, team-oriented kitchen culture

Qualifications

· Proven experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef, or strong Sous Chef ready to step up

· Demonstrated leadership ability and experience managing kitchen teams.

· Strong understanding of food cost management, inventory control, and kitchen systems

· Ability to execute consistently in a fast-paced environment

· Experience with Mexican or Latin cuisine is a desired but not require

· Passion for hospitality, quality, and continuous improvement

Compensation & Benefits

· Annual salary based on experience and credentials

· Bonus opportunity based on food cost and overall performance

· Paid time off

Growth Opportunity

Cantina Imperfecto is an expanding concept with plans for additional locations. This role offers significant opportunity for career growth, including advancement into multi-unit leadership as the company grows. We are looking for someone who wants to be part of building a brand not just fill a position.