Executive Chef

Oldcustomhouse; Pismo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance options

Paid time off

Meals while working

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Oldcustomhouse in Pismo Beach, CA is hiring an Executive Chef to lead the culinary program for an upscale oceanfront restaurant. The successful candidate will oversee daily kitchen operations, maintain food quality, and manage BOH staff. Ideal applicants will have 5+ years of leadership experience, strong culinary expertise, and a passion for hospitality. The position offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and growth opportunities within the multi-concept restaurant group.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of Executive Chef or equivalent leadership experience.
• Proven success managing kitchen teams in high-volume or full-service restaurants.
• Strong understanding of food costing, labor management, and budgeting.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations and maintain food quality.
• Recruit, hire, train, and mentor all BOH staff.
• Ensure compliance with health regulations and safety standards.
• Manage food and labor costs to meet financial targets.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary expertise

Organization

Communication

Food costing

Labor management

Education

Food Protection Manager Certification

Job description

Description

Executive Chef - Full Service Restaurant

Pismo Beach, CA
Full-Time | Salaried | Leadership Role

Pay Range

$85,000 – $115,000 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and performance
Bonus potential available

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Executive Chef to lead the culinary program for a high-volume, upscale oceanfront restaurant on the Central Coast. This concept operates exclusively as a dinner-only restaurant. The Executive Chef will oversee daily kitchen operations, maintain food quality and consistency, support and develop the BOH team, and ensure strong execution during service.

The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, organization, and culinary expertise, with experience in seafood-focused, scratch-kitchen, or elevated dining environments preferred.

Our Restaurant Group Includes

• Custom House – Avila Beach
• Mr. Ricks – Avila Beach
• Mission Pizza – Avila Beach
• Ventana Grill – Pismo Beach
• Wooly’s – Pismo Beach
• Oyster Loft – Pismo Beach
• Westerly – Pismo Beach

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and mentor all BOH staff
• Establish kitchen culture focused on professionalism, accountability, and teamwork
• Conduct performance reviews and manage discipline as needed
• Ensure compliance with company policies and labor laws

Culinary & Menu Execution

• Help develop, execute, and maintain menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Ensure consistency, quality, and presentation across all dishes
• Create standardized recipes with accurate costing and portion controls
• Update menus as needed and in collaboration with leadership

Operations, Cost Control & Inventory

• Manage food, labor, and operating costs to meet financial targets
• Oversee ordering, vendor relationships, and inventory controls
• Conduct regular inventory counts and manage waste reduction
• Maintain kitchen equipment and oversee cleanliness and organization

Safety, Sanitation & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal health regulations
• Maintain ServSafe and food safety standards
• Uphold OSHA, workplace safety, and sanitation best practices

Opening & Cross-Location Support

• Assist with pre-opening kitchen setup, ordering, and staffing
• Collaborate with General Manager and Operations team on launch planning
• Support or train at sister locations as needed prior to opening

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus potential
• Health insurance options
• Paid time off
• Meals while working
• Growth opportunities within a multi-concept restaurant group
• Opportunity to lead and shape a brand-new kitchen from the ground up

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under California or federal law.

Employment Statement

Employment is at-will, in accordance with California law.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of Executive Chef or equivalent leadership experience
• Proven success managing kitchen teams in high-volume or full-service restaurants
• Strong understanding of food costing, labor management, and budgeting
• Experience with breakfast, lunch, and dinner service preferred
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
• Food Protection Manager Certification (or ability to obtain)
• Passion for food, beverage, and hospitality
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs (e.g., trays, cases, kegs); reasonable accommodations available
• Capable of working 8+ hour shifts on your feet
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.