Executive Chef

Executive Chef - Full Service Restaurant

Shell Beach, CA
Full-Time | Salaried | Leadership Role

$85,000 – $115,000 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and performance
Bonus potential available

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Executive Chef to lead the culinary program for an upcoming restaurant opening in Shell Beach, CA. The restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the Executive Chef will play a critical role in building the kitchen team, establishing systems, and delivering exceptional food and hospitality.

As part of a well-established and growing restaurant group, the selected candidate may begin employment at one of our existing locations while the new restaurant is under development.

• Custom House – Avila Beach
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• Wooly's – Pismo Beach
• Oyster Loft – Pismo Beach

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and mentor all BOH staff
• Establish kitchen culture focused on professionalism, accountability, and teamwork
• Conduct performance reviews and manage discipline as needed
• Ensure compliance with company policies and labor laws

Culinary & Menu Execution

• Help develop, execute, and maintain menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Ensure consistency, quality, and presentation across all dishes
• Create standardized recipes with accurate costing and portion controls
• Update menus as needed and in collaboration with leadership

Operations, Cost Control & Inventory

• Manage food, labor, and operating costs to meet financial targets
• Oversee ordering, vendor relationships, and inventory controls
• Conduct regular inventory counts and manage waste reduction
• Maintain kitchen equipment and oversee cleanliness and organization

Safety, Sanitation & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal health regulations
• Maintain ServSafe and food safety standards
• Uphold OSHA, workplace safety, and sanitation best practices

Opening & Cross-Location Support

• Assist with pre-opening kitchen setup, ordering, and staffing
• Collaborate with General Manager and Operations team on launch planning
• Support or train at sister locations as needed prior to opening

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus potential
• Health insurance options
• Paid time off
• Meals while working
• Growth opportunities within a multi-concept restaurant group
• Opportunity to lead and shape a brand-new kitchen from the ground up

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under California or federal law.

Employment is at-will, in accordance with California law.

Please visit this website to view our privacy practices - CA Consumer Protection Act Notice to Employees and Applicants – Custom House  

Requirements

• Minimum 5+ years of Executive Chef or equivalent leadership experience
• Proven success managing kitchen teams in high-volume or full-service restaurants
• Strong understanding of food costing, labor management, and budgeting
• Experience with breakfast, lunch, and dinner service preferred
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
• ServSafe certification (or ability to obtain)
• Passion for food, beverage, and hospitality
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs (e.g., trays, cases, kegs); reasonable accommodations available
• Capable of working 8+ hour shifts on your feet
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Passion for food, beverage, and hospitality
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.