Executive Chef

Executive Chef Opportunity | Easton, MD (Confidential Search) A small-town trattoria doing big things - and looking for the chef to lead it. This isn't your average restaurant job. It's a 60-seat, wood-fired Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown Easton, MD - part of a well-established, beloved local Italian retail shop - and it's looking for an Executive Chef ready to make it their own. Why this role is different: A love of Italian cooking, not just a resume line - this is a hands-on, seasonal, wood-fired Italian menu, and we want someone who's genuinely passionate about the cuisine, not just capable of executing it Small and owner-led, by design - no corporate layers, no red tape. You'll work directly with an owner who is present, hands-on, and trusts her Executive Chef to lead Leadership that builds culture - we need a chef who leads people, not just a kitchen - someone who mentors, motivates, and creates a team others want to be part of A life, not just a job - closed Sundays and Mondays, dinner-only service, and a genuine quality-of-life reset in one of the Eastern Shore's most charming towns Ground floor - this restaurant opened in 2026 and is still being shaped. Your fingerprints will be on what it becomes. A note on location: Easton isn't for everyone - and that's the point. It's a true food-and-arts destination with a pace of life that restores rather than depletes. Not local yet? No problem - relocation assistance is available for the right person. What we're looking for: 2-5 years of progressive culinary leadership (a current Exec Chef or a lead Sous Chef ready for the next step), real passion for Italian food and wine, and a leader who thrives in a small, owner-led environment. Ready for a kitchen - and a life - that feels different? Let's talk, confidentially. Compensation is competitive and based on experience. Highlights include: Life in a vibrant small-town food destination with arts, outdoor access, and real quality of life Competitive base salary plus performance bonus/profit sharing Health, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with match Employee discount Creative input and direct access to ownership Relocation assistance If you're a strong operator who builds great teams and wants to make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you. Apply directly on LinkedIn. #ExecutiveChef #HospitalityJobs #ItalianCuisine #EastonMD #ChefLife #RestaurantCareers #J-18808-Ljbffr