Chef Instructor - Cooking Classes & Culinary Events (Seasonal)

Eataly North America; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Parental Leave

401K with match

Free family meal daily

Discounts at Eataly

Referral bonus program

Job summary

Eataly North America is seeking a seasonal Culinary Instructor to oversee La Scuola programming, including teaching, planning and managing events in our on-site kitchen. You will lead demonstration and hands-on classes, prepare menus, and coordinate with the Events and Education team.

The role requires 2+ years of cooking experience, strong communication skills, and knowledge of Italian cuisine. Evening/weekend availability and safety compliance are essential.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of cooking experience.
• Working knowledge of kitchen equipment and safety regulations.
• Excellent communication skills and enjoyment of speaking in front of large groups.
• In-depth knowledge of Italian cuisine and culture.

Responsibilities

• Teaches a wide variety of demonstration and hands-on classes for private and public groups.
• Works and oversees hands-on lunches and dinners including 3-4 course menus, family-style menus, celebrations and corporate events.
• Prepares, demonstrates and executes all menu items for La Scuola; most items are savory, but occasionally sweet items will need to be executed.
• Works with Events and Education Manager on monthly class updates to provide seasonal class offerings and incorporate items to showcase other departments.
• Supervises the production of food items for events in collaboration with back-of-house personnel: apportions meats, vegetables and desserts, and utilizes food surpluses to control food costs.
• Oversees kitchen organization and cleanliness of the La Scuola kitchen.
• Informs front-of-house personnel of menu changes, specials, shortages, allergies and dietary restrictions.
• Purchases or submits requisitions for food items, kitchen supplies and equipment.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned

Skills

Cooking

Public speaking

Italian cuisine

Food safety

Job description

Eataly is the world’s largest artisanal Italian food and beverage marketplace! Eataly is not a chain; each Eataly is different, with its own character and own theme – but all with the same aim... for our guests to:

• EAT authentic Italian food at our restaurants, cafés and to-go counters
• SHOP a selection of high-quality Italian, local and homemade products
• LEARN through our classes and our team’s product knowledge

Eataly’s on-site cooking school, La Scuola, is a place where people can learn about and experience Italian cuisine through unique cooking classes and private events. The Culinary Instructor oversees programming in La Scuola: teaching, planning, preparing and managing all events.

Reports to the Events and Education Manager. Works closely with the Events andEducation Team and manages kitchen staff for events.

• Teaches a wide variety of demonstration and hands-on classes for private and public groups
• Works and oversees hands-on lunches and dinners including: 3-4 course menus, family-style menus, celebrations and corporate events
• Prepares, demonstrates and executes all menu items for La Scuola; most items are savory, but occasionally sweet items will need to be executed
• Works with Events and Education Manager on monthly class updates to provide seasonal class offerings and incorporate items to showcase other departments
• Supervises the production of food items for events in collaboration with back-of-the-house personnel: apportions meats, vegetables and desserts, and utilizes food surpluses to control food costs
• Oversees kitchen organization andcleanliness of the La Scuola kitchen
• Informs front-of- house personnel of menu changes, specials, shortages, allergies and dietary restrictions
• Purchases or submits requisitions for food items, kitchen supplies and equipment
• Performs other duties as required or assigned

• 2+years of cooking experience
• Working knowledge of kitchen equipment, food production procedures, and safety and sanitation regulations
• Excellent communication skills and enjoyment of speaking in front of large groups
• In-depth knowledge of Italian cuisine and culture

Job Requirements

• Availability to work onsite with a flexible schedule often including evenings, weekends and holidays
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to exert well-paced mobility for up to 8 hours, including standing, walking, bending and squatting
• Ability to use knives, hand tools and standard commercial kitchen equipment
• Food Handler’s License

Benefits and Perks

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401K with match
• Free family meal daily
• Discounts at Eataly
• Referral bonus program
• and more!

Compensation: Pay range is set at $27 - $30 an hour.

Seasonal Opportunity with Potential for Long-Term Growth!

This is a seasonal position expected to last approximately three months, through the first week of January 2027, with the opportunity to become a permanent member of our team! Many of our seasonal team members have continued their journey with us beyond the holiday season, and this could be the start of a long-term opportunity with Eataly. Continued employment will depend on business needs, performance, and availability.

Eataly is an equal employment opportunity employer. It is the Company’s policy to not unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability or any other characteristic made unlawful to consider by applicable federal, state, sex, or local laws.Eataly also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories.It is also Eataly’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding consideration of unemployment status, salary history, credit/bankruptcy history and criminal background/conviction history in making hiring decisions. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation.