Chef de Cuisine

Luna's Tex-Mex Cantina, a brand-new multimillion-dollar restaurant opening in the Ward area of Honolulu in late January, is seeking an experienced Chef de Cuisine/ Kitchen Manager to lead our back-of-house team. This is a leadership role with full responsibility for kitchen operations, staff development/management, food consistency, and cost control. We are searching for a chef with strong management skills and experience cooking Mexican and/or Tex-Mex cuisine who is ready to help shape a high-performing kitchen from day one.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily kitchen operations to ensure smooth, consistent service

• Maintain full commitment to the business (no second jobs permitted for this role)

• Hire, train, schedule, and mentor kitchen staff

• Ensure consistent execution of recipes, prep systems, and plating standards

• Manage food quality, speed, and accuracy during service

• Maintain inventory levels, ordering, vendor relationships, and par sheets

• Monitor and control food costs, labor costs, and waste

• Uphold DOH compliance and maintain a clean, organized, safe kitchen with a consistent

green placard

• Lead kitchen culture through professionalism, teamwork, and accountability

• Assist with BOH scheduling and handle call-outs in a timely manner

• Work with ownership to refine recipes, improve systems, and support menu development

• Establish and maintain clear opening, closing, and sanitation procedures

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, Kitchen Manager, or high-level Sous Chef

• Strong leadership and communication skills

• Experience with Mexican, Tex-Mex, or grill-focused scratch kitchens preferred

• Proven ability to manage inventory, food cost, and labor cost

• Solid understanding of DOH regulations and food-safety best practices

• Ability to lead a fast-paced kitchen and maintain consistency under pressure

• Professional, reliable, and solutions-oriented mindset

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and peak periods

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary

• Generous quarterly bonuses based on business and kitchen performance

• Healthcare, dental, PTO, and free meals while working

• Opportunities for advancement as Luna's Tex-Mex Cantina expands

To Apply: Please submit resume

Pay: $80, $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Food provided
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person