Head Chef: Lead Spanish Tapas & Menu Innovation

Workstream; Elmhurst (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaried compensation

Creative menu ownership

Supportive ownership team

Opportunity to build something

Job summary

Pour Destino in Elmhurst, IL seeks a Head Chef to lead our culinary operation from menu vision to daily execution. You’ll collaborate with ownership to grow the food program and elevate the dining experience, overseeing lunch, dinner, and weekend service with a Spanish tapas focus.

We value strong leadership, cost control, and a passion for hospitality. This salaried, full-time role offers creative ownership over menu direction and a supportive ownership team committed to your success.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of progressive kitchen experience, including time as a sous chef or senior line lead.
• Deep knowledge of Spanish cuisine, tapas-style cooking, or Mediterranean flavors strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to manage food cost and kitchen financials.
• Strong leadership presence with experience training and motivating a kitchen team.
• Organized, composed under pressure, and committed to consistent execution.
• A genuine passion for hospitality and a desire to grow with a local, independent restaurant.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all back-of-house operations across lunch, dinner, and weekend service.
• Develop and evolve our Spanish-inspired tapas menu with creativity, seasonality, and guest experience in mind.
• Maintain rigorous standards for food quality, consistency, and presentation on every plate.
• Own food cost management — including ordering, inventory, vendor relationships, and waste reduction.
• Hire, train, and develop kitchen staff, fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and pride in craft.
• Collaborate with ownership on specials programming, seasonal menu updates, and new offerings.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health code standards.
• Partner with front-of-house leadership to deliver seamless, guest-first service.

Job description

Pour Destino in Elmhurst, IL seeks a Head Chef to lead our culinary operation from menu vision to daily execution. You’ll collaborate with ownership to grow the food program and elevate the dining experience, overseeing lunch, dinner, and weekend service with a Spanish tapas focus.

We value strong leadership, cost control, and a passion for hospitality. This salaried, full-time role offers creative ownership over menu direction and a supportive ownership team committed to your success.