Executive Chef for New Opening - Join the Team!

Goodwin Recruiting is a well-respected hospitality recruitment group dedicated to matching top talent with outstanding opportunities within the food and beverage industry. Known for their commitment to diversity, innovation, and regulatory compliance, Goodwin Recruiting operates with core values centered around world-class customer service and equitable hiring practices. Their focus is on helping clients and candidates navigate the complexities of labor laws, ensuring that every hiring decision is made fairly and thoughtfully. The company actively promotes inclusion by considering a broad range of qualified candidates, valuing uniqueness and diverse perspectives as key components that strengthen teams and foster creativity. The current opportunity is with a vibrant hospitality group based in Columbia that is launching an exciting new venture—a European-inspired café and wine shop. This establishment is designed to be a community-centered gathering spot featuring carefully curated menus and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The café’s concept reflects European culinary traditions with a modern twist, emphasizing seasonal ingredients and thoughtful wine pairings. It aims to create a memorable guest experience through high-quality food, beverage, and customer service, all within a lively urban neighborhood that supports walkability and community engagement. The Executive Chef role at this new café and wine shop is a unique leadership opportunity for a seasoned culinary professional passionate about shaping a brand from the ground up. This position is a chance to impact all facets of back-of-house operations, including menu development, kitchen management, and staff leadership. The Executive Chef will be instrumental in establishing operational systems and standards that ensure consistent quality and efficiency. This role requires strong collaboration with ownership and front-of-house teams to craft a seamless and enjoyable guest experience. More specifically, the Executive Chef will lead all aspects of kitchen operations such as preparation, service, hiring, training, and mentoring of kitchen staff. With an emphasis on creativity and quality, this leader will develop menus showcasing seasonal ingredients and thoughtfully paired wines. The Executive Chef will also establish and maintain kitchen systems and standards to support smooth workflow and consistent execution. Having experience in scratch kitchens, particularly in café, bistro, wine bar, or market-style settings, is highly valued. Additionally, candidates with a background in opening new restaurants or building kitchen cultures from inception will find this role especially fulfilling. This full-time position offers competitive compensation and benefits tailored to support a work-life balance, including focused shifts during brunch, lunch, cocktail hour, and early dinner service — notably with no late-night hours. The role also provides a chance to work in a vibrant, urban setting where community and creativity are foundational. If you are a dedicated culinary professional looking to lead a dynamic team and play a key role in a promising, community-focused establishment, this Executive Chef position is an ideal match.

• Experience working in scratch kitchens
• Leadership skills with team management experience
• Knowledge of food and labor cost controls
• Ability to develop and implement kitchen systems and standards
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
• Commitment to upholding health safety and sanitation standards
• Flexibility to work focused shifts including brunch lunch cocktail hour and early dinner