Hands-on Executive Chef: Italian Kitchen Leader

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

100% company-paid health insurance

Paid vacation and parental leave

401(k) with company match

Dining discounts

Job summary

Grassa Gramma in Louisville seeks an experienced Executive Chef to lead the culinary team and uphold the restaurant’s high standards of hospitality and authenticity. This hands-on role requires visible leadership, menu execution, and a commitment to excellence in service.

The Executive Chef will drive operational excellence, mentor a high-performing kitchen, and partner with the General Manager to deliver an exceptional guest experience at a premier Italian restaurant.

Qualifications

• Executive Chef or accomplished Executive Sous Chef experience in a high-volume, full-service restaurant.
• Strong operational and financial management skills.
• Proven leadership, coaching, and team-building abilities.
• Experience managing food cost, labor, inventory, and purchasing.

Responsibilities

• Lead all back-of-house operations and kitchen staff.
• Schedule labor to budget while maintaining exceptional service standards.
• Manage ordering, inventory, and food cost using MarketMan.
• Maintain food cost goals of approximately 28%.
• Recruit, hire, train, coach, and develop the culinary team.
• Ensure consistent recipe execution, presentation, and food quality.
• Maintain health department, sanitation, and safety standards.
• Work alongside the team during service and lead from the front.
• Partner with the General Manager to drive operational excellence and an outstanding guest experience.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Guest interaction

Tools

MarketMan

Job description

Grassa Gramma in Louisville seeks an experienced Executive Chef to lead the culinary team and uphold the restaurant’s high standards of hospitality and authenticity. This hands-on role requires visible leadership, menu execution, and a commitment to excellence in service.

The Executive Chef will drive operational excellence, mentor a high-performing kitchen, and partner with the General Manager to deliver an exceptional guest experience at a premier Italian restaurant.