Executive Chef – Italian-American Kitchen Leader

Maggiano's, Inc.; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation with bonus

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with company match

Life Insurance and Disability

Tuition assistance

Dining discounts

EAP and wellbeing resources

Job summary

Maggiano's Little Italy is seeking an Executive Chef to lead the restaurant's back-of-house, ensuring top-tier food quality, cost control, and team performance. You will own recipe execution, inventory, and sanitation to uphold our culinary standards.

You will recruit and develop sous chefs, line cooks, and prep cooks, driving a culture of accountability, consistency, and continuous improvement. Evening and weekend availability required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of chef experience in a high-volume, full-service restaurant.
• Mastery of Italian-American cuisine and classic culinary techniques.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and hold a kitchen team accountable.
• Strong command of food cost controls and kitchen financial management.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead all back-of-house operations, including food quality, production, and presentation.
• Recruit, train, and develop sous chefs, line cooks, and prep cooks into a high-performing team.
• Own food cost management through proper ordering, inventory control, and waste reduction.
• Ensure every dish meets Maggiano's standards for consistency, taste, and presentation.
• Maintain strict compliance with sanitation, food safety, and health regulations.
• Execute Maggiano's recipes with precision, ensuring consistency across all menu items.
• Partner with the General Manager to drive overall restaurant performance.
• Build a positive kitchen culture rooted in respect, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Skills

5+ years chef experience

Italian-American cuisine mastery

Team leadership

Food cost control

Flexibility to work evenings weekends

Job description

Maggiano's Little Italy is seeking an Executive Chef to lead the restaurant's back-of-house, ensuring top-tier food quality, cost control, and team performance. You will own recipe execution, inventory, and sanitation to uphold our culinary standards.

You will recruit and develop sous chefs, line cooks, and prep cooks, driving a culture of accountability, consistency, and continuous improvement. Evening and weekend availability required.