Executive Chef | Upscale Casual Restaurant | Philadelphia, PA

Executive Chef | Upscale Casual Restaurant | Philadelphia, PA

Competitive Salary $90-110k + Bonus + Benefits

About Us

We’re an acclaimed, upscale casual restaurant in Philadelphia, PA known for seasonal, ingredient-focused cuisine and best-in-class hospitality. With a loyal following and a team that takes pride in the craft, we’re looking for an Executive Chef who can lead with vision, discipline, and creativity.

The Role

As Executive Chef, you’ll own the culinary program end-to-end. You’ll set the standard for food, lead and inspire the kitchen team, drive financial performance, and partner with ownership to evolve the brand. This is a high-visibility, high-impact leadership role for a chef ready to put their stamp on one of Philly’s top kitchens.

What You’ll Own

• Team Leadership: Hire, train, mentor, and retain a kitchen team of 20+ — build culture, accountability, and bench strength
• Operations: Oversee all BOH operations including scheduling, purchasing, inventory, and vendor relationships
• Financial Performance: Manage food cost, labor, and waste. Own your P&L and hit budgeted targets
• Standards: Ensure flawless execution, consistency, and compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations
• Collaboration: Partner with FOH leadership and ownership on guest experience, private events, and brand growth

What You Bring

• 5+ years as an Executive Chef or 3+ years as a strong Executive Sous/Chef de Cuisine in high-volume, upscale or fine-dining restaurants
• Proven track record of menu development, team building, and financial management
• Exceptional palate, technique, and understanding of modern American + seasonal cuisine
• Strong business acumen — you understand food cost, labor, and how to run a profitable kitchen
• ServSafe Manager certification required; culinary degree preferred but not required if experience proves it
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed — this is an ownership-level role

What We Offer

• Compensation: Competitive base salary + performance bonus, commensurate with experience
• Benefits: Health, dental, vision, PTO, dining allowances, and chef perks
• Support: Strong ownership group, tenured FOH leadership, and resources to execute your vision
• Opportunity: Autonomy to lead, create, and grow — both the restaurant and your career

Ready to lead our kitchen?

If you’re interested and qualified for the Executive Chef position in Philadelphia, PA, send your resume and a brief intro to

nate@geckohospitality.com

with the subject line “Executive Chef – Philadelphia”.

Skills

Budgeting, Business Skills, Cook Dishes, Cost Control, Financial Management, Food Preparation, Leadership, Mentoring, Menu Development, Profit & Loss, Purchasing/Procurement, Regulations, Restaurant, Safety/Work Safety, Sanitation, ServSafe Certification, Team Building, Team Lead/Manager, Vendor/Supplier Relations

About the Company

Marty Tarabar