Head Chef- San Diego

Buona Forchetta; Encinitas (CA); On-site; USD 85,962,000 - 108,886,000; Full time

Job summary

Buona Forchetta in San Diego, CA is seeking a Head Chef to lead our kitchen with heart, precision, and creativity. This full-time role offers $30–$38 per hour, depending on experience, and requires E-Verify compliance.

You will manage a high-volume kitchen, develop seasonal menus, oversee inventory, and mentor a dynamic team to deliver consistent, unforgettable dining experiences for guests.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience as a chef in high-volume restaurants.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong inventory, ordering, and equipment maintenance knowledge.
• Experience developing seasonal menus within brand guidelines.
• Familiarity with ghost kitchen models is a plus.
• E-Verify participation required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure kitchen operations meet high standards of quality, hygiene, and cleanliness.
• Manage inventory and supplier relationships to ensure top-quality ingredients.
• Oversee ghost kitchen operations and ensure consistency in off-site orders.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and coordinate repairs.
• Collaborate with the General Manager on staffing issues, including attendance, scheduling, and disciplinary actions.
• Develop new dishes in line with Buona Forchetta’s culinary vision.
• Create and manage weekly kitchen schedules tailored to seasonal restaurant needs.
• Lead by example and foster a supportive, team-focused kitchen culture.
• Ensure guests enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience, every time.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

High-volume kitchen

Menu development

Inventory control

Equipment maintenance

Staff scheduling

Ghost kitchen

E-Verify compliance

Job description

Join the Buona Forchetta Family San Diego, CA | Full Time | E-Verify Employer $30–$38 per hour, based on experience

At Buona Forchetta, where Italian tradition meets San Diego soul, we serve more than just Neapolitan-style pizza and housemade pasta — we serve joy. As part of our dedication to culinary excellence, we are searching for a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen with heart, precision, and creativity.

Who You Are

You’re a proven culinary leader with at least 10 years of experience in high-volume kitchens, a deep respect for traditional Italian cuisine, and a passion for managing teams with integrity and enthusiasm. You thrive in fast-paced environments and are always looking to elevate both the menu and the morale of your kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all kitchen operations meet Buona Forchetta’s high standards of quality, hygiene, and cleanliness

• Manage inventory, control stock levels, and handle supplier relationships to ensure top-quality ingredients

• Oversee our ghost kitchen operations and ensure consistency in off-site orders

• Maintain kitchen equipment and coordinate necessary repairs

• Collaborate with the General Manager on staffing issues, including attendance, scheduling, and disciplinary actions

• Develop new dishes in line with Buona Forchetta’s culinary vision

• Create and manage weekly kitchen schedules tailored to seasonal restaurant needs

• Lead by example and foster a supportive, team-focused kitchen culture

• Ensure guests enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience, every time

Requirements

• Minimum 10 years’ experience as a Chef in high-volume restaurants

• Proven leadership and team management skills

• Strong understanding of inventory, ordering, and kitchen equipment maintenance

• Experience developing seasonal menus and new recipes within brand guidelines

• Familiarity with ghost kitchen models a plus

• E-Verify participation required

Why Work With Us

Buona Forchetta isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a family. From our first location in South Park to our growing family of trattorias, we value community, consistency, and a shared love of food. You’ll join a team that believes in working hard, supporting each other, and making guests feel right at home.