Strategic Executive Chef - Multi-Outlet Culinary Leader

The Mint Gaming Hall Kentucky Downs; Franklin (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mint Gaming Hall Kentucky Downs is seeking an Executive Chef to provide strategic leadership and oversee all culinary operations across the property, including restaurant outlets, fine dining, banquet services, and catering.

You will manage menu development, food costs, budgeting, staffing, and food safety programs, while partnering with leadership to deliver exceptional guest experiences and drive financial performance. Experience in gaming or hospitality is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or its equivalent is required.
• Culinary-focused degree, bachelor’s in hospitality management, business administration, or related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and progressive culinary leadership experience may be considered.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including at least three (3) years in an Executive Chef or senior Room Chef role.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Experience overseeing multiple restaurant concepts (fine and casual dining), banquet operations, catering services, and high-volume food production environments.
• Experience managing culinary operations within gaming, hospitality, resort, hotel, entertainment, or destination venues preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of food safety, sanitation, HACCP principles, and health department regulations.
• Proven track record of menu development, culinary innovation, recipe standardization, and implementation of new food concepts.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with ability to make sound business decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with food and beverage management systems, inventory management software, labor management tools, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Must pass all required pre-screening and background checks.

Responsibilities

• Interact with property leaders and VP of Food & Beverage to understand culinary expectations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain culinary standards, recipes, procedures, presentation guidelines, and quality assurance measures.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop culinary leaders and team members for engagement and growth.
• Participate in the financial review process and reporting results.
• Monitor food quality, preparation techniques, portion controls, and presentation standards.
• Research trends and develop seasonal menu items.
• Use systems to analyze menu sales, food costs, and guest behaviors for adjustments.
• Maintain product knowledge across all food and beverage categories.
• Ensure compliance with health regulations, sanitation requirements, and company policies.
• Monitor staffing, food purchasing, preparation, and inventory to control costs and waste.
• Hold daily and weekly meetings with the culinary team.
• Oversee stewarding and sanitation to maintain cleanliness and safety standards.
• Support new outlets openings, renovations, events, and catering initiatives.
• Drive accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across culinary operations.
• Safely use all kitchen equipment and cleaning products per SDS sheets and standards.
• Maintain BIG Service presence and provide excellent guest service.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Menu development

Food safety

Team development

Education

Culinary degree

Hospitality management degree

Tools

Food and beverage management systems

Inventory management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Mint Gaming Hall Kentucky Downs is seeking an Executive Chef to provide strategic leadership and oversee all culinary operations across the property, including restaurant outlets, fine dining, banquet services, and catering.

You will manage menu development, food costs, budgeting, staffing, and food safety programs, while partnering with leadership to deliver exceptional guest experiences and drive financial performance. Experience in gaming or hospitality is preferred.