Executive Chef

Executive Chef — Veronica Fish & Oyster

Sarasota, FL | Full-Time

Veronica Fish & Oyster is seeking an enthusiastic, hands-on Executive Chef to lead our kitchen with passion, discipline, and creativity. We’re looking for a culinary professional who has experience running kitchens, cares deeply about food, and knows how to build a strong, positive back-of-house culture.

Compensation : $85,000 per year, plus performance-based bonus.

About the Position

This is a leadership role for a chef who can balance great food, strong systems, and team development. The right candidate will be actively involved in service, comfortable leading from the line, and capable of maintaining consistency, quality, and financial discipline in a fast-paced restaurant environment.

At Veronica, the kitchen is central to the guest experience. We are looking for someone who takes pride in fresh seafood, thoughtful execution, seasonal ingredients, and a lively hospitality-driven atmosphere.

What You’ll Do

• Lead all back-of-house operations, including prep, service, ordering, inventory, scheduling, and sanitation

• Maintain high standards for food quality, consistency, cleanliness, organization, and execution

• Manage food cost, labor, waste, purchasing, and kitchen performance

• Develop, coach, and hold accountable, prep cooks, line cooks, and dish team members

• Stay actively involved on the line and at expo during service

• Work with ownership and management on menu development, specials, systems, and overall business performance

• Build a strong kitchen culture rooted in pride, urgency, respect, teamwork, and accountability

What We’re Looking For

• 2–3+ years of experience as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or strong Sous Chef ready for the next step

• Experience in high-volume, upscale casual, seafood, oyster bar, or casual fine dining environments preferred

• Strong understanding of food cost, labor management, ordering, inventory, and kitchen systems

• A hands-on leader who can teach, motivate, organize, and inspire a team

• Ability to operate with urgency, consistency, and calm under pressure

• Passion for fresh seafood, seasonal cooking, and thoughtful execution

• Culinary degree or equivalent experience preferred, but not required

The Right Fit

We’re looking for a chef who is excited about food, proud of their craft, and eager to take ownership of a respected Sarasota restaurant. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to lead a serious kitchen, develop a team, and be part of a restaurant group that values hospitality, quality, and long-term growth.

To Apply: Please send your résumé along with a short note about your culinary background and why Veronica Fish & Oyster interests you.