Lead Pastry Chef - Scratch Program & Desserts

Clyde's Restaurant Group; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k participation

Company-funded pension (vesting after

Bonuses: Quarterly eligibility

Job summary

Clyde's Restaurant Group, home to The Hamilton in Washington, DC, is seeking an experienced Pastry Chef to lead a full scratch pastry program in a high-volume, upscale casual setting.

You will partner with the Executive Chef to develop plated desserts, artisan breads, chocolate work, and seasonal specialties, while building and mentoring a dedicated pastry team. The Hamilton demands excellence and creativity.

Qualifications

• Proven pastry leadership in a high-volume, upscale dining environment.
• Ability to develop and execute a full scratch pastry program including plated desserts, breads, chocolate work, and seasonal menus.
• Deep command of classical and contemporary pastry techniques in scratch kitchens.
• Experience hiring, scheduling, and developing a pastry team in a fast-paced setting.
• Solid grasp of food costs, inventory, and portioning at scale.
• Collaborative leader who maintains quality and strong culture.
• Genuine passion for American cuisine and curiosity about its direction.

Responsibilities

• Lead creation and evolution of The Hamilton's scratch pastry program: desserts, breads, chocolate, seasonal items.
• Drive menu development with culinary leadership for consistency and creativity.
• Direct and develop pastry team: hiring, scheduling, training, coaching in a high-volume DC kitchen.
• Set and enforce taste, temperature, portioning, and presentation standards across all from-scratch productions.
• Manage pastry inventory, portion specs, and cost controls at scale.
• Monitor daily kitchen labor and drive cost-target accountability.
• Maintain safety, sanitation, and equipment standards.
• Collaborate with FOH and events team for Hamilton Live programming.

Skills

Pastry leadership

Scratch pastry program

Dessert & bread program

Menu development

Team development

High-volume service

Job description

Clyde's Restaurant Group, home to The Hamilton in Washington, DC, is seeking an experienced Pastry Chef to lead a full scratch pastry program in a high-volume, upscale casual setting.

You will partner with the Executive Chef to develop plated desserts, artisan breads, chocolate work, and seasonal specialties, while building and mentoring a dedicated pastry team. The Hamilton demands excellence and creativity.