Chef / Lead Cook

Twisted Monkey Bar & Grill; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A vibrant grill and bar is looking for a Chef / Lead Cook to spearhead the launch of a unique Asian fusion menu. This role offers the chance to shape a new culinary direction and develop leadership within a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in high-volume kitchens and a passion for Asian cuisine.

Benefits

Creative autonomy in culinary direction

Growth potential following launch

Dynamic and collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as a Lead Cook, Sous Chef, or Executive Chef.
• Proven track record in Asian or Asian fusion cuisine.
• ServSafe certification or equivalent food handler certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and launch of a curated Asian fusion menu.
• Manage kitchen operations, ensuring food quality and safety.
• Train staff on menu preparation and kitchen standards.

Skills

Menu Development

Inventory Management

Team Leadership

Food Safety Compliance

Education

Culinary Degree

Job description

2 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Direct message the job poster from Twisted Monkey Bar & Grill

Business OwnerSecurity Technical Program Manager

Job Title: Chef / Lead Cook – Asian Fusion Concept Development

Location: Twisted Monkey Bar & Grill, Olympia, WA

Employment Type: Full-Time

Compensation: Competitive, DOE

Opening Date: Immediate

Anticipated Start Date: June 2025

Position Overview

Twisted Monkey Bar & Grill is seeking a skilled and creative Chef / Lead Cook to lead the development and execution of a new Asian fusion menu. This is a unique opportunity to shape the culinary identity of a new themed restaurant concept launching in July 2025. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of Asian cuisines (e.g., Korean, Thai, Japanese, Chinese) and demonstrate the ability to blend traditional flavors with modern bar-and-grill appeal. This role also entails leadership responsibilities in kitchen operations, inventory control, and cost of goods sold (COGS) management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, testing, and launch of a curated Asian fusion menu aligned with the Twisted Monkey brand.
• Collaborate with ownership on menu engineering for profitability, ingredient sourcing, and operational feasibility.
• Oversee all kitchen operations to ensure food quality, consistency, safety, and adherence to sanitation standards.
• Manage food inventory levels, vendor relationships, and ordering processes to control waste and avoid stockouts.
• Establish and maintain recipe costing sheets and portion controls to ensure COGS stays within target thresholds.
• Train and lead kitchen staff on menu preparation, plating standards, and kitchen discipline.
• Participate in hiring decisions and assist in developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the kitchen.
• Monitor food safety compliance with WA state regulations.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as a Lead Cook, Sous Chef, or Executive Chef in a full-service or high-volume kitchen.
• Proven track record in menu development, ideally in Asian or Asian fusion cuisine.
• Strong knowledge of food costing, inventory management, and vendor coordination.
• Experience launching or scaling kitchen operations is a significant advantage.
• ServSafe certification or equivalent food handler certification (required).
• Ability to lead a team in a fast-paced environment with a focus on execution and accountability.
• A culinary degree is preferred but not required.

Why Join Twisted Monkey Bar & Grill?

• Opportunity to directly influence the culinary direction of a new concept.
• Creative autonomy with a leadership voice at the table.
• Growth potential as the business expands following its launch.
• Dynamic, collaborative environment with operational transparency.

Send your resume and a short cover letter to: [e-mail]

Subject line: Chef/Lead Cook Application – [Your Name]

Include any portfolio samples or menu work if available.

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