Executive Pastry Chef

NOW HIRING: MULTI-UNIT PASTRY CHEF Lead the Pastry Vision Across Three of Florida’s Most Exciting Dining Destinations

Omei Restaurant Group is seeking a talented and visionary Multi-Unit Pastry Chef to oversee and elevate the pastry programs for Kōsen in Tampa, Zōtō in Sarasota, and MEI in St. Petersburg .

This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished pastry professional to create memorable, refined desserts across three distinctive restaurant concepts within Florida’s growing Gulf Coast culinary scene.

The ideal candidate combines creativity, technical excellence, operational discipline, and strong leadership. You will work closely with each restaurant’s culinary leadership team to develop desserts that complement each concept's identity while maintaining the elevated standards of Omei Restaurant Group.

Kōsen | Tampa
An intimate, Michelin-recognized Japanese dining experience centered on precision, seasonality, and exceptional craftsmanship.

Zōtō | Sarasota
A refined Japanese dining destination offering elevated sushi, contemporary dishes, and thoughtfully curated guest experiences.

MEI | St. Petersburg
A modern dining concept bringing together creativity, technique, and a distinctive culinary perspective.

• Lead pastry operations and menu development for Kōsen, Zōtō, and MEI.

• Create innovative plated desserts, petits fours, breads, pastries, and specialty items tailored to each restaurant.

• Collaborate with Executive Chefs to ensure desserts complement tasting menus, seasonal offerings, and each concept’s culinary direction.

• Maintain consistency, quality, presentation, and execution across all three locations.

• Develop and document standardized recipes, plating guides, production procedures, and quality-control standards.

• Manage recipe costing, inventory, ordering, waste reduction, and pastry-related food costs.

• Train, mentor, and support culinary team members responsible for pastry production and service.

• Assist with special events, menu launches, private dining experiences, and seasonal programming.

• Maintain exceptional food-safety, sanitation, organization, and workplace standards.

• Travel regularly between Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota to provide hands-on operational support.

• At least five years of professional pastry experience, including leadership experience in fine dining, luxury hospitality, or chef-driven restaurants.

• Experience working in Michelin-starred or Michelin-recognized restaurants is strongly preferred.

• Advanced knowledge of plated desserts, chocolate, frozen desserts, breads, laminated doughs, and modern pastry techniques.

• An understanding of Japanese flavors, ingredients, and presentation is highly desirable.

• Strong multi-unit organizational and time-management skills.

• Ability to balance creativity with consistency, efficiency, and cost control.

• Proven ability to train and inspire culinary teams.

• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to excellence.

• Reliable transportation and flexibility to travel throughout the Tampa Bay and Sarasota areas.

• Culinary or pastry degree preferred; equivalent high-level experience will be considered.

• Lead the pastry direction of three distinctive and growing restaurant concepts.

• Work alongside respected chefs and hospitality professionals.

• Enjoy the creative opportunity to develop concept-specific and seasonal dessert programs.

• Join a restaurant group committed to craftsmanship, innovation, and memorable guest experiences.

• Receive competitive compensation based on experience.

• Access opportunities for professional growth as Omei Restaurant Group continues to expand.

Position: Multi-Unit Pastry Chef
Restaurant Group: Omei Restaurant Group
Concepts: Kōsen, Zōtō, and MEI
Territory: Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota, Florida
Schedule: Full-time; evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel between locations may be required
Compensation: Competitive and based on experience

At Omei Restaurant Group, dessert is not an afterthought; it is the final expression of the dining experience.

We are looking for a pastry leader who can bring creativity, precision, and purpose to every plate while building a pastry program that reflects the unique identity of Kōsen, Zōtō, and MEI.

Apply today to help shape the next chapter of Omei Restaurant Group’s culinary story.

Omei Restaurant Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees.