Kitchen Manager / Lead Chef - Wine Bar & Kitchen

 

Kitchen Manager / Lead Chef – Wine Bar & Kitchen

Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard | Mount Sinai, NY

Full-Time | $50,000–$70,000 Annually, Based on Experience

Help Us Bring an Exciting New Wine Bar & Kitchen to Life

Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard is expanding with a new tasting room and kitchen in Mount Sinai, New York. We are creating a distinctive wine and dining experience that combines our locally produced wines, thoughtfully prepared food, and exceptional hospitality in a welcoming, upscale-casual atmosphere.

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Kitchen Manager / Lead Chef to help launch and operate our new kitchen.

This is an opportunity for a talented culinary professional who enjoys cooking, takes pride in presentation and consistency, and wants to play an important role in building a successful restaurant operation from the ground up.

Our initial menu will focus on high-quality small plates, pizza, appetizers, shareable dishes, salads, sandwiches, and other thoughtfully prepared offerings that complement our wines. As the business develops, we anticipate expanding the menu while maintaining our commitment to quality, efficiency, and an exceptional guest experience.

We are looking for someone who shares our vision and can contribute their culinary expertise, creativity, and operational experience to help bring it to life.

What You'll Do

Culinary Operations & Menu Execution

• Take a hands-on leadership role in daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and service.

• Execute a thoughtfully developed menu with consistent attention to flavor, quality, portioning, and presentation.

• Collaborate with ownership on menu refinement, seasonal specials, new dishes, and future menu expansion.

• Help develop standardized recipes, preparation procedures, and plating guidelines to ensure consistency.

• Maintain efficient kitchen operations during both slower periods and peak service.

Kitchen Management & Cost Control

• Assist with food purchasing, inventory management, product rotation, and vendor relationships.

• Monitor food costs, portion controls, and waste while maintaining high culinary standards.

• Assist with kitchen staffing, scheduling, training, and labor cost management.

• Establish and maintain organized food preparation, storage, and cleaning procedures.

• Ensure compliance with Suffolk County Department of Health requirements and applicable food safety standards.

Leadership & Teamwork

• Help recruit, train, and develop a dependable, professional kitchen team.

• Foster a positive, respectful, and collaborative working environment.

• Work closely with ownership and front-of-house management to deliver a seamless guest experience.

• Demonstrate flexibility, initiative, and a willingness to contribute wherever needed.

• Take pride in being part of a growing hospitality business where attention to detail matters.

What We're Looking For

• Prior experience as a Kitchen Manager, Lead Cook, Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or similar hands-on culinary leadership position.

• Strong cooking skills and a demonstrated ability to consistently execute high-quality dishes.

• Experience with menu execution, recipe development, food purchasing, inventory, and cost controls.

• Ability to organize and manage a small kitchen efficiently.

• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

• A collaborative attitude and willingness to work within an established culinary and hospitality vision.

• A genuine appreciation for quality food, attractive presentation, and exceptional guest service.

• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by restaurant operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience opening a new restaurant or helping establish kitchen operations.

• Experience with upscale-casual dining, wine bars, small-plate concepts, or similar establishments.

• Formal culinary training or equivalent professional experience.

• Current food protection certification or willingness to obtain required certification.

Why Join Us?

Help Build Something New. Join us at the beginning and play a meaningful role in establishing our kitchen operations, standards, and reputation.

A Distinctive Dining Concept. Work in an environment that combines locally produced Long Island wines with quality food and an elevated yet approachable hospitality experience.

Creative Collaboration. Contribute ideas for new dishes, specials, and menu development while working collaboratively toward a shared vision.

Opportunity for Growth. As our Mount Sinai location develops and our hospitality operations expand, there may be opportunities for additional responsibility and professional advancement.

Direct Involvement with Ownership. Work closely with an engaged ownership team committed to building a successful, well-run hospitality business.

Compensation

$50,000–$85,000 annually , commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated management capabilities.

Full-time, on-site position in Mount Sinai, New York.

About Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard

Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard is an established Long Island winery known for its locally produced wines, welcoming atmosphere, and hospitality experiences.

Our new Mount Sinai tasting room and kitchen represents an exciting expansion of our brand, bringing together the character of our vineyard with a new food and wine destination.

We are committed to creating an environment where guests enjoy exceptional hospitality, quality food, and memorable experiences.

Apply Today

If you're a talented, hands-on culinary professional who enjoys both cooking and kitchen management, and would welcome the opportunity to help establish an exciting new dining concept, we'd love to hear from you.

Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Employment Type: Full Time
Salary: $50,000 - $70,000 Annual
Bonus/Commission: Yes