Executive Chef - Rollati Ristorante

Vine Hospitality; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the culinary field is seeking an Executive Chef to lead a transformative journey at a modern Italian-American restaurant. This pivotal role involves elevating the menu with regional Italian comfort foods while fostering a high-performing kitchen team. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in high-volume restaurant settings, with a passion for innovation and operational excellence. Join a dynamic environment where your culinary vision will shape the future of a flagship concept, ensuring a memorable guest experience and driving growth in a vibrant community.

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years of progressive kitchen leadership experience.
• Strong background in high-volume, chef-driven restaurants.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations and build a cohesive BOH team.
• Redefine culinary identity and implement systems for excellence.
• Manage food costs, labor efficiency, and vendor relationships.

Skills

Culinary Leadership

Menu Development

Team Building

Food Safety Compliance

Inventory Management

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

Culinary Degree or Equivalent Training

Job description

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

About Rollati

Rollati is a modern Italian-American restaurant located in the heart of San Jose. As part of the Vine Hospitality portfolio, Rollati offers a unique blend of elevated comfort food, regional Italian classics, and warm, welcoming service. We’re now entering a new chapter - reenergizing our culinary identity and raising the bar for guest experience.

About Rollati

Rollati is a modern Italian-American restaurant located in the heart of San Jose. As part of the Vine Hospitality portfolio, Rollati offers a unique blend of elevated comfort food, regional Italian classics, and warm, welcoming service. We’re now entering a new chapter - reenergizing our culinary identity and raising the bar for guest experience.

This is a pivotal moment for Rollati, and we’re seeking an Executive Chef to lead this transformation. If you’re a bilingual (English/Spanish) culinary leader who thrives on innovation, operational discipline, and team building - this is your opportunity to shape a concept with real growth potential.

We’re Looking for a Chef Who Can:

• Elevate the menu to new heights by bringing regional Italian comfort foods together with a refined, modern culinary experience that defines Rollati’s next chapter
• Lead kitchen operations with a balance of hands-on leadership and system-minded thinking
• Build a strong, stable, and skilled BOH team that takes pride in every dish
• Partner cross-functionally with FOH, operations, and ownership to build a high-performing culture and consistent guest experience

Key Responsibilities:

• Rebuild and Lead the Kitchen Team: Recruit, train, and inspire a motivated, cohesive team. Set the tone for professionalism, accountability, and pride. Lead daily preps, service, and kitchen meetings
• Redefine Culinary Identity: Lead a full menu evolution, drawing from regional Italian traditions, fresh California ingredients, and modern techniques. Collaborate with leadership to ensure alignment with brand goals
• Implement Systems and Standards: Create and maintain BOH systems: prep sheets, recipe cards, portion controls, inventory management, cleaning schedules, and daily logs
• Manage Food & Labor Performance: Own food cost, labor efficiency, and vendor relationships. Analyze reports, address variances, and ensure margins align with financial targets
• Maintain Operational Excellence: Ensure food safety, cleanliness, kitchen organization, and health code compliance. Lead by example and coach for daily excellence
• Be a Strategic Partner: Partner with the GM, and restaurant leadership to align culinary direction with business goals - driving innovation, consistency, and growth

What You Bring:

• 8–10+ years of progressive kitchen leadership, with recent experience as an Executive Chef or Chef de Cuisine
• Background in high-volume, chef-driven restaurants—ideally with Italian, Mediterranean, or fine-casual influences
• Experience in turnaround or growth-stage restaurant environments preferred
• Track record of building strong teams and coaching for performance
• Fluent in English and Spanish, with strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Hands-on, organized, and detail-oriented, with a commitment to quality and consistency
• Culinary degree or equivalent training is a plus

What to Expect:

• Full-time, exempt position with flexible availability (evenings, weekends, holidays)
• On-site leadership presence required - this is a kitchen-first role
• Must be able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 lbs

Compensation & Growth:

This full-time, exempt role offers a competitive salary range of $95,000–$110,000, along with performance-based incentives and a comprehensive benefits package. This is a key leadership opportunity to shape the culinary direction of a flagship concept within the Vine Hospitality group.

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Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management and Manufacturing

Industries

• Internet Publishing

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