Chef de Cuisine

Rooster & Owl is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Washington, DC offering a seasonal, contemporary American menu shaped by the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our team. Our menu is constantly evolving, with an emphasis on creativity, thoughtful technique, seasonality, and collaboration.
We are seeking an experienced and ambitious

Chef de Cuisine

to lead our kitchen. Were looking for someone with a strong culinary foundation who is ready to take ownership, develop a team, and continue growing as both a chef and leader.
Responsibilities

Lead daily kitchen operations while maintaining high standards of food quality, execution, cleanliness, and organization
Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and develop the culinary team
Lead by example with a hands-on approach, delegating and developing others while stepping in wherever needed
Collaborate on menu development, seasonal changes, tastings, and culinary R&D
Manage food cost, labor, ordering, inventory, waste, and scheduling to established targets
Build effective systems for consistency, training, and accountability
Identify problems proactively and take ownership of solutions
Work closely with ownership and management on restaurant goals and continued improvement
What Were Looking For

Strong culinary technique and a well-developed palate
Leadership experience in a high-quality restaurant kitchen
Reliability, accountability, organization, and sound judgment
A genuine interest in teaching and developing others
A hands-on leadership style and strong communication skills
Financial awareness and comfort managing food cost, labor, and budgets
Coachability, curiosity, and openness to feedback
Someone who thrives on a frequently evolving menu and continuous creative development rather than the comfort of a static menu
Ambition to make an impact while respecting Rooster & Owls identity and standards
Compensation & Benefits

$95,000–$105,000 salary, based on experience
Up to 10% year-end performance bonus, based on performance and cost management
Consistent five-day workweek with Sunday and Monday off
2 weeks PTO
Health insurance fully covered for employee and spouse
Annual R&D stipend for dining, books, education, and professional development
Were looking for a chef who wants to lead, keep learning, develop a great team, and play a meaningful role in the continued evolution of Rooster & Owl.