Executive Chef

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is opening a new restaurant in collaboration with  Chef Rita Sodi and Chef Jody Williams , widely admired for shaping a distinct, ingredient ‑ driven approach to Italian cooking in New York. Known for restaurants that feel both deeply personal and broadly welcoming, the chefs bring a philosophy rooted in seasonality, simplicity, and respect for craft. Their work is defined by clarity of vision, thoughtful restraint, and an enduring sense of place, values that will guide this restaurant’s identity within one of the world’s most iconic cultural institutions.  

The  Executive Chef   will partner closely with Chef Sodi and Chef Williams, alongside  Restaurant Associates , to translate this celebrated culinary point of view into day-to-day operations. This role offers the opportunity to steward a chef-driven concept on a meaningful scale, leading a kitchen that values collaboration, mentorship, and consistency as much as it does creativity. The ideal candidate is a grounded, people ‑ first culinary leader who is inspired by working in partnership with renowned chefs, supported by an experienced hospitality organization, and motivated by the chance to build a restaurant that will be experienced by millions.  

Key Responsibilities

• Execute and uphold the culinary vision established in collaboration with Chef Rita Sodi and Chef Jody Williams, ensuring consistency, integrity, and excellence 
• Lead menu development and seasonal updates that reflect the restaurant’s philosophy while meeting the needs of a diverse audience 
• Ensure high standards of flavor, technique, and presentation across all services 
• Balance creativity with approachability, honoring the context of a museum setting 
• Build, mentor, and lead a diverse culinary team, fostering an inclusive and respectful kitchen culture 
• Create clear systems for training, feedback, and professional growth 
• Support a collaborative environment where chefs at all levels feel valued and invested 
• Work with Restaurant Associates leadership on recruiting, onboarding, and talent development 
• Oversee all back‑of‑house operations, including ordering, inventory, scheduling, food safety, and sanitation 
• Manage food and labor costs responsibly while protecting quality and team experience 
• Implement systems that support consistency, efficiency, and sustainability 
• Ensure compliance with all organizational, local, and state standards 
• Work closely with front‑of‑house leadership to deliver a seamless, hospitality‑driven guest experience 
• Collaborate with all stakeholders and museum partners to align culinary operations with goals 
• Support special events, member programming, and moments of increased visibility with confidence and care 
• Serve as a thoughtful ambassador for the restaurant and its values 

What We’re Looking For

• Experience leading chef‑driven restaurants or high‑profile culinary programs 
• A cooking style rooted in technique, restraint, and respect for ingredients 
• Comfort operating in dynamic, public‑facing environments 
• A collaborative leadership approach that values communication, mentorship, and inclusion 
• Operational fluency and the ability to balance creativity with structure 
• A steady, engaged presence in the kitchen and across the restaurant 
• Experience opening new restaurants or leading established concepts through growth 
• Familiarity with Italian or European‑influenced cuisine 
• Background working within cultural institutions, destination dining, or hospitality groups 
• Interest in the intersection of food, art, and public space 

Apply to Restaurant Associates today!

Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USA

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Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: 

Associates at Restaurant Associates are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Restaurant Associates maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.  For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely,   click here   or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

Req ID: 1544186

Restaurant Associates 

Michael Abbey 

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