Head Chef - Columbia, SC

Upper Crust Food Service is a distinguished provider of fresh, high-quality meals catered specifically for Sororities and Fraternities. Known for its exceptional freshness, variety, and outstanding customer service, Upper Crust has carved a reliable niche in the hospitality industry by consistently delivering a superior dining experience to Greek life communities nationwide. Founded on the vision of addressing the need for consistent and professional kitchen operations within fraternity and sorority houses, the company prides itself on upholding core values of quality, freshness, and personalized service. Serving tens of thousands of meals each week across the country, Upper Crust Food Service remains dedicated to offering from-scratch, wholesome food prepared by classically trained chefs. The company offers an employment opportunity that stands out in the hospitality sector due to its balanced approach to work-life quality — chefs enjoy fewer late nights and minimal weekend shifts, making it an attractive career option for culinary professionals passionate about food and service. The role of Head Chef at Upper Crust Food Service is both dynamic and pivotal. As a Head Chef, you will be entrusted with the creation, planning, and execution of all weekly menus, developed in collaboration with client input and the management team. This leadership position requires directing all food preparation and kitchen staff activities, ensuring that every dish not only meets but exceeds the company’s standards for freshness, flavor, and presentation. Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of sanitation and hygiene is a key aspect of this role, alongside fostering excellent communication lines with management and customers. The role calls for a professional who thrives in a high-volume kitchen environment and who possesses the drive to consistently deliver outstanding products and exceptional customer service. If you have a passion for culinary creativity and enjoy the meaningful impact of creating fresh, healthy meals while upholding superior quality and service standards, Upper Crust Food Service offers a rewarding and competitive position for you. Join a team where every meal is an opportunity to make a positive difference and demonstrate culinary excellence.

• Ability to work well as part of a team
• Understand, remember, and apply oral and/or written instructions
• Deal with challenging customers in a professional manner
• Demonstrate understanding and proficiency in various cooking methods, cuisines, ingredients, equipment, and procedures
• Show understanding of and commit to a professional appearance and positive attitude
• Maintain excellent record of kitchen and staff management
• Exhibit accuracy and speed in handling emergency situations and providing solutions
• Be familiar with the industry’s best practices
• 3+ years in professional, high-volume food production or catering, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience
• Ability to pass a background check
• Must hold or obtain a valid manager level sanitation certification within 30 days of employment
• Ability to stand for long periods, up to 8+ hours, as well as walk, bend and stoop
• Must be able to lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals
• Capability to work in a kitchen environment that may involve exposure to extreme heat or cold
• Must work safely around hot surfaces, sharp knives, and slippery floors