Chef de Cuisine

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions; Woodford (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth opportunities

401(k) matching

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off and holidays

Education assistance programs

Job summary

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Virginia is seeking a dynamic Chef de Cuisine to lead the culinary program for our new Spotsylvania location opening late 2026. This hands-on role launches and elevates our culinary program across multiple concepts, including Double Cut Steak House, B-LUX Grill & Bar, Sortino’s Italian Kitchen, and Cinco Niños.

You will hire, train, and mentor staff, set standards, manage food costs, and ensure an exceptional guest experience from day one.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of culinary leadership experience.
• Experience in fine dining, steakhouse, or supper club preferred.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Experience in cost control, purchasing, and kitchen labor management.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute a design-driven menu from Kalahari corporate.
• Oversee kitchen operations, cleanliness, consistency, and efficiency.
• Lead, train, and mentor culinary staff from prep cooks to sous chefs.
• Manage food costs, inventory, and vendor relationships.
• Collaborate with leadership to ensure seamless front- and back-of-house experiences.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Leadership

Menu execution

Cost control

Kitchen operations

Staff mentoring

Job description

At Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, we don’t just create vacations—we craft unforgettable experiences. Home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks, our African-inspired resorts offer world-class dining, luxurious spas, thrilling entertainment, and cutting-edge convention centers that redefine hospitality.

But we’re more than a resort. As a family-owned company, our Promise is simple: Lead with Love. This means caring deeply for our guests, associates, and communities—treating people like family, giving back generously, and creating spaces where everyone feels valued.

Through our partnership with charity: water, we’re also committed to bringing clean water to one million people in Africa.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is making waves in the Mid-Atlantic with our newest location in Spotsylvania, Virginia, expected to open late 2026. Our fifth resort will feature over 175,000 square feet of indoor waterpark fun, 900 family‑friendly suites, and a massive convention center.

At our newest resort destination in Virginia, we’re not just opening a property—we’re creating an experience. We’re seeking a dynamic, hands‑on Chef de Cuisine to play a key leadership role in launching and elevating our culinary program from day one. This is a rare opportunity to help shape the culture, standards, and guest experience of a brand‑new resort.

As a leader in a new opening environment, the Chef de Cuisine will be instrumental in hiring, training, menu execution, and establishing best practices that set the tone for long‑term success.

This role leads with love by fostering a culture of respect, care, and accountability—developing people as passionately as menus, supporting team members through mentorship and feedback, and creating an environment where pride, collaboration, and excellence can thrive.

A full list of our concepts, each needing a Chef de Cuisine, includes:

• Double Cut Steak House – Our signature steakhouse serving bold flavors.
• B‑LUX Grill & Bar – Deliciously unique burgers and shakes handcrafted from scratch.
• Sortino’s Italian Kitchen – A modern elevated Italian restaurant and bar.
• Cinco Niños - A friendly Mexican outlet and tequila bar featuring sizzle and classic flavors

Salary Range - $80,000k - $95,000 per year.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute a menu that has been designed for you, from Kalahari corporate.
• Overseeing kitchen operations and ensuring cleanliness, consistency, and efficiency.
• Leading, training, and mentoring culinary staff, from prep cooks to sous chefs.
• Managing food costs, inventory, and vendor relationships.
• Executing memorable tableside presentations like Prime Rib Carving and Baked Alaska.
• Collaborating with leadership to ensure a seamless front-and-back-of-house experience.

What We’re Looking For

• At least 5 years of culinary leadership experience, preferably in a fine dining, steakhouse, or supper club environment.
• Passion for both traditional Midwestern flavors and modern culinary techniques.
• Ability to work flexible shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Experience in cost control, purchasing, and kitchen labor management.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, and a genuine joy for creating exceptional guest experiences.

A Sampling of Our Benefits

Our team enjoys a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Career growth opportunities with promotion from within
• 401(k) matching, paid time off, and holiday compensation
• Health, dental, and vision coverage for full-time associates
• Employee appreciation events, discounts, and perks at all resorts
• Education assistance programs to help advance your career

Be Part of Something Extraordinary

At Kalahari, we believe the best leaders Lead with Love—because love builds trust, inspires growth, and creates experiences that last a lifetime. That’s why we’re proud to be recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Midsize Employers, America’s Best Employers for Women, and by USA TODAY as the #1 Best Indoor Water Park.

Here, careers thrive, innovation is encouraged, and every day brings new opportunities to create meaningful moments. Whether you’re delivering guest service, crafting memorable meals, or leading a team, your work makes a real impact.

| Wisconsin Dells, WI | Sandusky, OH | Pocono Manor, PA | Round Rock, TX | Spotsylvania County, VA |

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is an Equal Opportunity Employer.