Executive Chef - Rollati Ristorante

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Executive Chef to lead its flagship restaurant in San Jose. This pivotal role involves transforming the culinary experience by elevating the menu with regional Italian comfort foods and modern techniques. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a passion for innovation, and the ability to build a cohesive kitchen team. With a focus on operational excellence and guest satisfaction, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape the restaurant's future while enjoying a competitive salary and benefits package.

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years of progressive kitchen leadership experience.
• Background in high-volume, chef-driven restaurants, ideally Italian.

Responsibilities

• Lead and rebuild the kitchen team, ensuring professionalism and accountability.
• Redefine culinary identity with a focus on regional Italian traditions.

Skills

Culinary Leadership

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Team Building

Operational Discipline

Menu Development

Food Safety Compliance

Education

Culinary Degree or Equivalent Training

Job description

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.