Executive Chef

Job Description

Job Description

Executive Chef : Barrel 21 Distillery & Dining (State College)

Overview

C&D Brewing Ventures, Inc. is seeking an experienced, driven, and creative  Executive Chef to lead our culinary operations for Barrel 21 Distillery  & Dining . Our venues are united by a shared philosophy—highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients, many of which are sourced within 100 miles of State College, PA, including from our own  A.V. Farms and  Keewaydin Orchards .

As Executive Chef, you’ll be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of food quality, kitchen hygiene, and culinary innovation. This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, creative environment and is passionate about showcasing Pennsylvania’s agricultural bounty through thoughtful, scratch-made cuisine.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership

• Supervise the preparation, execution, and presentation of all food across multiple restaurant concepts.
• Ensure all meals meet or exceed C&D Brewing Ventures' quality and timing standards.
• Lead seasonal menu development aligned with our local sourcing and brand identity.
• Drive culinary innovation through creative, cost-effective dishes that enhance guest experience and support sales growth.

Team Development & Management

• Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff to uphold excellence and consistency.
• Foster a collaborative and positive kitchen culture across all locations.
• Oversee daily performance and scheduling of all back-of-house team members.
• Resolve staffing issues efficiently and equitably.

Operational Excellence

• Monitor food, labor, and supply costs; maintain expenses within established budgets.
• Ensure all restaurants meet back-of-house financial targets (COGS, labor, and controllable costs).
• Maintain accurate inventory and stock levels of kitchen supplies and ingredients.
• Arrange repairs and coordinate kitchen equipment purchases.
• Oversee compliance with ServSafe, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Perform administrative duties and special projects as assigned by ownership.

Required Skills & Experience

• 4–6 years of kitchen management experience in a high-volume or multi-location setting.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire and direct a diverse culinary team.
• Expertise in various cooking techniques, cuisines, and dietary accommodations.
• Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Creative thinker and effective problem-solver.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work on your feet for extended periods.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Culinary degree or relevant certification.
• ServSafe certification.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Why Join C&D Brewing Ventures?

We’re a growing company rooted in community, creativity, and craftsmanship. From grain to glass and farm to fork, our teams are proud to deliver memorable experiences at every level. This is a unique opportunity for a chef to lead with vision, influence evolving menus across multiple venues, and work with exceptional ingredients from our trusted producers and farms.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,000-$58,000 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Shift:

• 12 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift

Work Location: In person