Culinary Chef & Head Pitmaster: BBQ Innovation Leader

Sonny's Franchise Company; Winter Park (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonny's BBQ in Winter Park, FL seeks a Culinary Chef & Head Pitmaster to lead the culinary vision, drive menu innovation, and elevate pitmaster excellence across the system. You’ll serve as a culinary ambassador for Sonny's BBQ, shaping the future of BBQ with operations, marketing, and brand storytelling collaboration.

The role blends food, brand leadership, and gastronomic innovation, requiring deep BBQ expertise and a passion for coaching culinary talent.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of culinary experience, including leadership or corporate chef experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in barbecue, smoking techniques, and pitmaster craftsmanship.
• Strong understanding of restaurant operations, food costing, menu development, and product execution.
• Exceptional creativity paired with operational discipline.
• Comfortable presenting and representing a brand.
• Passion for coaching and developing culinary talent.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, testing, and refinement of new menu items and limited-time offerings.
• Identify emerging BBQ trends, techniques, and flavors that keep Sonny's relevant and differentiated.
• Oversee culinary testing, recipe development, food safety standards, and operational documentation.
• Develop scalable processes that ensure exceptional food quality across the system.
• Establish and uphold the national standard for BBQ excellence.
• Develop and lead pitmaster training and certification programs.
• Drive consistency in smoking techniques, meat quality, rubs, sauces, and preparation methods.
• Partner with Operations teams to assess product quality and improve execution.
• Represent Sonny's BBQ at media appearances, culinary events, competitions, and partnerships.
• Collaborate with Marketing and PR to create compelling culinary content and storytelling.
• Serve as a spokesperson who brings Sonny's heritage, craft, and culture to life.
• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Training to bring culinary ideas to life.
• Support sourcing strategies, product innovation, and menu rollouts.
• Serve as the company chef for key corporate, promotional, and media events.

Skills

Leadership

Barbecue expertise

Smoked meat mastery

Menu development

Food costing

Public speaking

Coaching/mentoring

Culinary degree preferred

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

Sonny's BBQ in Winter Park, FL seeks a Culinary Chef & Head Pitmaster to lead the culinary vision, drive menu innovation, and elevate pitmaster excellence across the system. You’ll serve as a culinary ambassador for Sonny's BBQ, shaping the future of BBQ with operations, marketing, and brand storytelling collaboration.

The role blends food, brand leadership, and gastronomic innovation, requiring deep BBQ expertise and a passion for coaching culinary talent.