Pastry Chef

The Hamilton; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hamilton in downtown Washington, DC is seeking a seasoned Pastry Chef to lead a scratch pastry program at scale. You will partner with the Executive Chef to drive desserts, breads, chocolate work, and seasonal specialties in a high-volume, upscale casual setting.

This hands-on leadership role focuses on menu development from concept to plate, team building, cost controls, and maintaining exceptional quality across all pastry production while partnering with Hamilton Live events.

Qualifications

• Proven pastry leadership in high-volume, upscale dining.
• Ability to develop and execute a full scratch pastry program.
• Experience hiring, scheduling, and coaching a pastry team.
• Solid grasp of food costs, inventory, and portioning at scale.
• Collaborative leader who maintains quality while upholding culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and ongoing evolution of The Hamilton’s scratch pastry program — plated desserts, bread program, chocolate work, and seasonal specials.
• Drive menu development in collaboration with culinary leadership, bringing creativity and consistency in equal measure.
• Direct and develop your pastry team — hiring, scheduling, training, and day-to-day coaching in a high-volume Washington, DC kitchen.
• Set and enforce quality standards for taste, temperature, portioning, and presentation across all from-scratch production.
• Manage pastry inventory, portion specs, and cost controls at scale.
• Monitor daily kitchen labor reports and drive accountability on cost targets.
• Maintain rigorous safety, sanitation, and equipment standards.
• Collaborate with FOH and events team on programming connected to Hamilton Live.

Skills

Pastry leadership

Menu development

Team development

High-volume kitchen

Job description

Description

Base Salary: $80,000 - $95,000 / year based on experience + Quarterly Bonus Potential

The Hamilton is one of DC's most iconic dining and entertainment destinations — a high-volume, $30M operation in the heart of downtown Washington, DC, connected to Hamilton Live, one of the city's premier live music venues. We’re looking for a seasoned, working Pastry Chef ready to partner with the Executive Chef to lead the creative development and execution of a scratch pastry program at scale.

This is a hands‑on leadership role for a skilled pastry professional who thrives in a high-volume, upscale casual environment. You’ll drive menu development from concept to plate — plated desserts, an artisan bread program, chocolate work, and seasonal specialties — while building and developing a dedicated pastry team.

If you’re a Executive Pastry Chef or Head Pastry Chef ready to step into or continue leading a full pastry program at a high‑profile DMV institution, we want to hear from you.

WHY JOIN THE CLYDE'S TEAM AS PASTRY CHEF

• Reputable Company: Strong stability and performance.


• Positive Culture: Courtesy, dignity, and respect.


• Retirement Plans: 100% company‑funded pension (vesting after 1 year) and immediate 401k participation.


• Bonuses: Quarterly eligibility.


• Flexible Schedule: 5-day work week.


• Career Growth: Rapid advancement opportunities.


• Comprehensive Health Plan: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, telemedicine, wellness coach, and reduced rates on wellness services.


• Insurance: Hospital indemnity, critical illness, accident coverage.


• Generous Paid Time Off: Includes sick pay, medical/family leave (up to 8 weeks), special leaves (jury duty, voting, school activities for DC).


• Therapy Resources: Access to free behavioral and digital cognitive behavioral therapy.


• Dining Discounts: Half‑price off‑duty dining and complimentary shift meals.


• Convenient Parking: Available parking benefits.


• Employee Assistance: Legal, emotional, financial, and work/life balance support.


• Financial Assistance: Assistance fund for employees in need.


• Training & Education: Best‑in‑class training program and tuition reimbursement.


• Flu Shots & Discounts: Annual flu shots and access to thousands of exclusive brand discounts.


• Charity Matching: Up to $4,000 yearly.

What We Look For In a Pastry Chef

• Proven pastry leadership experience in a high-volume, upscale dining environment.


• Proven ability to develop and execute a full scratch pastry program: plated desserts, artisan breads, chocolate work, and seasonal menu development.


• Deep command of classical and contemporary pastry techniques in a scratch kitchen environment.


• Experience hiring, scheduling, and developing a pastry team in a fast‑paced, high-volume restaurant.


• Solid grasp of food costs, inventory, and portioning at scale.


• A collaborative leader who holds the line on quality while keeping culture strong.


• Genuine passion for American cuisine and curiosity about where it’s headed.


• Ability to thrive in a high-volume, upscale environment without sacrificing craft or consistency.

What You Will Do As a Pastry Chef

• Lead the creation and ongoing evolution of The Hamilton’s scratch pastry program — plated desserts, bread program, chocolate work, and seasonal specials.


• Drive menu development in collaboration with culinary leadership, bringing creativity and consistency in equal measure.


• Direct and develop your pastry team — hiring, scheduling, training, and day‑to‑day coaching in a high-volume Washington, DC kitchen.


• Set and enforce quality standards for taste, temperature, portioning, and presentation across all from‑scratch production.


• Manage pastry inventory, portion specs, and cost controls at scale.


• Monitor daily kitchen labor reports and drive accountability on cost targets.


• Maintain rigorous safety, sanitation, and equipment standards.


• Collaborate with FOH and events team on programming connected to Hamilton Live.

About Us

Since 1963, Clyde's Restaurant Group has been a leader in the DMV restaurant scene, known for exceptional guest service and fostering a positive culture for employees. Our 14 properties include Clyde's, Old Ebbitt Grill, The Hamilton, 1789 Restaurant, Fitzgerald's, The Tombs, Rye Street Tavern, Cordelia Fishbar, Hamilton Live, and Ebbitt House (opening Fall 2026).

Clyde’s Restaurant Group participates in E-Verify. We use the federal E-Verify system to confirm that new hires are authorized to work in the United States. Click here to learn more about E-Verify and your Right to Work.