Head Chef/Manager

Executive Chef

About The [redacted] Dining Room

The [redacted] Dining Room is an ambitious new fine-dining destination opening in Norfolk, Virginia.

We are creating an intimate, extraordinary dining experience built around exceptional cuisine, impeccable service, and an atmosphere of understated luxury.

With approximately 30 seats, an exhibition kitchen, and an anticipated average dining experience of $295 per guest, The Dining Room is designed to become one of the most distinctive restaurants on the East Coast.

Our ambition is straightforward: Build a restaurant worthy of international recognition, including Michelin-level distinction.

We are searching for an exceptional Executive Chef who wants more than another restaurant position.

We are looking for someone who wants to build a legacy.

The Opportunity

Unlike most executive chef positions, this role offers the opportunity to develop a restaurant from the ground up.

Our Executive Chef will have significant influence over the culinary identity of The Dining Room, including menu development, kitchen design, equipment selection, staffing, presentation, and the overall guest experience.

The restaurant will feature a sophisticated, French-inspired culinary program emphasizing extraordinary ingredients, thoughtful preparation, artistic presentation, and exceptional consistency.

We envision a memorable, multi-course dining experience that gives guests a reason to travel to Norfolk specifically to dine with us.

The Executive Chef will work directly with ownership to bring that vision to life.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership

• Develop and execute an exceptional fine-dining menu, with particular emphasis on French culinary techniques.
• Create seasonal tasting menus and distinctive signature dishes.
• Maintain extraordinary standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency.
• Develop relationships with premium local, national, and specialty ingredient suppliers.
• Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations and culinary execution.
• Collaborate on wine pairings and special dining experiences.

Restaurant Development

• Participate in final kitchen design, equipment selection, and operational planning.
• Recruit, train, and lead the culinary team.
• Develop standardized recipes, preparation procedures, and quality-control systems.
• Establish efficient kitchen workflows suitable for an intimate, high-end restaurant.
• Assist with the restaurant's opening, testing, and refinement of its culinary program.

Business & Operational Management

• Manage food costs, purchasing, inventory, and kitchen labor.
• Develop realistic budgets while maintaining exceptional culinary standards.
• Maintain rigorous sanitation, food safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with front-of-house leadership to deliver seamless, personalized service.
• Support exclusive private dinners, special events, and VIP experiences.

Ideal Qualifications

We are interested in candidates with exceptional culinary ability, leadership, and ambition.

Preferred qualifications include:

• At least 7–10 years of progressive professional culinary experience.
• Previous experience as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or senior culinary leader.
• Extensive knowledge of classical and modern French cooking techniques.
• Experience in luxury restaurants, tasting-menu concepts, or highly regarded fine-dining establishments.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and manage a professional culinary team.
• Strong understanding of food costs, profitability, and kitchen operations.
• Exceptional attention to detail and presentation.
• A genuine passion for hospitality and creating unforgettable guest experiences.

Michelin-starred restaurant experience, advanced culinary training, or recognition from respected culinary organizations is highly desirable but not required.

We also welcome applications from retiring or retired U.S. Navy Culinary Specialists, particularly Chief Petty Officers, Senior Chiefs, Master Chiefs, and former Flag Officer chefs with exceptional culinary experience and executive hospitality backgrounds.

Military experience is valued, but candidates must demonstrate the culinary expertise required for a luxury fine-dining restaurant.

What Makes This Opportunity Different?

The Dining Room is not an established restaurant looking for someone to maintain an existing operation.

It is a new concept offering its Executive Chef the opportunity to help build something exceptional.

The successful candidate will have:

• Creative Influence: Significant input into the restaurant's culinary direction and identity.
• Competitive Compensation: A salary designed to attract exceptional culinary talent.
• Professional Recognition: The opportunity to become the public culinary face of The Dining Room.
• An Intimate Environment: Approximately 30 seats, allowing extraordinary attention to every guest.
• Ownership Support: Direct access to ownership and a shared commitment to culinary excellence.
• Long-Term Opportunity: Eligibility to discuss performance-based compensation and potential profit-sharing arrangements after the first year.

Our goal is to create an environment where an exceptional chef has the resources, freedom, and support to produce the finest work of their career.

Additional opportunities may include:

• Performance-based annual bonuses.
• Professional development and culinary education.
• Potential future profit-sharing arrangements, subject to mutual agreement.
• Assistance with relocation for exceptional candidates.

Final compensation and benefits will be discussed during the hiring process.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume along with a brief introduction describing your culinary philosophy.

We would particularly appreciate examples of menus you have developed, photographs of your culinary work, and a description of the dining experience you would create if given the opportunity to build an extraordinary restaurant from the ground up.

Pay: $109,200.00 - $149,900.00 per year

Benefits:

• Food provided
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person