Job Description
Job description
TITLE: Executive Chef
LOCATION: Burleson, TX (Old Town)
CONCEPT: High-volume, upscale Italian steakhouse
REPORTS TO: Owner/Operator
We are seeking a passionate, hands-on Executive Chef to lead the kitchen of an exciting new upscale Italian steakhouse concept opening in Old Town Burleson.
This is the sister restaurant of a highly successful, family-owned Italian restaurant that has been serving guests for more than 42 years. Backed by a proven ownership team and a strong reputation for quality, hospitality, and excellence, this is a rare opportunity to help build something special from the ground up with a proven team.
This is not a desk job. We are looking for a working chef who thrives in the kitchen, leads from the front, develops strong teams, and takes pride in creating exceptional guest experiences every day.
For the right candidate, this position offers significant growth potential, future multi-unit leadership opportunities, and potential partnership consideration.
WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY IS DIFFERENT
Lead the culinary execution of a brand-new upscale Italian steakhouse concept
Work alongside an accomplished culinary team that includes an Iron Chef competitor and a 4x James Beard Award nominee
Showcase your talents within a unique "Steak on the Rocks" dining experience unlike anything else in the market
Operate from a brand-new, fully equipped kitchen with modern equipment and systems
Join a stable, family-owned company with a 42-year track record of success
Play a key role in shaping the culture, standards, and future growth of the concept
RESPONSIBILITIES
Kitchen Leadership & Operations:
- Lead all back-of-house operations with a hands-on, lead-from-the-front approach
- Work all stations as needed, especially during high-volume service (200-300 covers)
- Ensure consistent execution of all menu items
- Maintain strong kitchen discipline, urgency, and teamwork during service
- Step in seamlessly during staffing shortages or high-pressure situations
Team Development & Management:
- Train, mentor, and develop line cooks and prep staff into high-performing team members
- Enforce accountability, work ethic, and professional behavior across the team
- Assist in hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and performance management
- Build a culture of respect, urgency, and pride in craft
- Promote a positive attitude and atmosphere within the restaurant both for guests and employees
Quality Control & Culinary Execution:
- Maintain strict standards for authentic Italian cuisine
- Oversee preparation and execution of Fresh pasta (dough, fermentation, baking techniques), Sauces and traditional Italian dishes as well as some French inspired cuisine and steakhouse staples
- Ensure food quality, consistency, and presentation meets brand reputation
- Conduct line checks, tastings, and quality audits daily
- Inventory, Cost & Compliance Management
- Manage food cost, waste, and inventory levels
- Control purchasing and vendor relationships
- Maintain health, safety, and sanitation standards
- Ensure kitchen efficiency and profitability
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience:
- 5+ years in a leadership kitchen role (Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Executive Chef)
- Experience in high-volume, upscale casual or fine dining Italian restaurants
- Proven ability to run a full kitchen independently
Technical Culinary Skills:
- Strong foundation in authentic Italian cooking techniques - pasta making (handmade & extruded), dough fermentation, oven handling, sauce development and regional Italian cuisine
- Ability to execute under pressure with speed and consistency
Leadership & Operational Skills
- Lead by example on the line
- Manage multiple stations during peak service
- Recruit, train, and retain team members
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure
- High standards for cleanliness, organization, and structure
Performance Expectations
- Comfortable working long hours in a physically demanding environment
- Willing to step into any role necessary for team success
- Strong work ethic, reliability, and accountability
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience opening or scaling restaurants
- Experience working with new/green kitchen staff if need be
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
- Culinary school training
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Up to $100,000 base salary (depending on experience)
Lucrative performance-based bonus program
Growth opportunities including future multi-unit leadership
Potential partnership opportunities for exceptional candidates
Brand-new kitchen and equipment
Stable, family-owned company with long-term vision and great reputation
Two weeks paid vacation
Closed on major holidays including Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Strong ownership support and investment in your success
Performance-based bonuses (potential)
- Growth opportunities including multi-unit leadership
What's in it for you as an Executive Chef?
- Up to 100K base
- Bonus program
- 2 weeks vacation
- Closed on New Years Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas
- and so much more
If you're a chef who takes pride in your craft, enjoys building teams, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and wants the opportunity to help shape the future of an exciting new restaurant concept, backed by a 42 year old sister restaurant we'd love to hear from you!
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Company Description From the 42 year old fine dining favorite La Bistro Italian Grill in Hurst, Texas On The Rocks brings a truly unique interactive dining concept to the Burleson community. Showcasing handmade pasta, curated meats, chicken, veal, seafood, bourbon, cocktails On The Rocks brings a welcoming approach to elevated authentic Italian dining. Just like we have done it for the past 40 years. Family owned and operated and we treat our employees like family as well. Company Description From the 42 year old fine dining favorite La Bistro Italian Grill in Hurst, Texas On The Rocks brings a truly unique interactive dining concept to the Burleson community. Showcasing handmade pasta, curated meats, chicken, veal, seafood, bourbon, cocktails On The Rocks brings a welcoming approach to elevated authentic Italian dining. Just like we have done it for the past 40 years. Family owned and operated and we treat our employees like family as well.