Job Description
$120,000 - $140,000 + Bonus Full-Time Denver Tech Center, CO
New Restaurant Opening - Hiring Begins Late July Fall 2026 Opening
We are opening an elevated, upscale steak and seafood restaurant in the Denver Tech Center and are seeking a Chef de Cuisine to lead the culinary program from pre-opening through launch and beyond.
This is a flagship opening backed by an established, award-winning hospitality group known for high-volume excellence, refined dining experiences, and strong culinary leadership.
We are looking for a hands-on, driven culinary leader who thrives in opening environments and brings a strong foundation in fine dining execution, team building, and operational discipline.
This is a rare opportunity to shape a restaurant from the ground up, building the kitchen, the team, the systems, and the culinary identity from day one.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all kitchen operations for a high-end, full-service restaurant opening
- Drive pre-opening execution including hiring, training, and kitchen setup
- Build, train, and lead a strong, disciplined culinary team
- Develop seasonal menus focused on premium steak, seafood, and elevated American cuisine
- Establish BOH systems: prep flow, ordering, inventory, and cost controls
- Maintain exceptional standards for food quality, timing, and presentation
- Manage food cost, labor, and operational efficiency
- Create a strong kitchen culture rooted in accountability and excellence
- Partner with FOH leadership to ensure a seamless guest experience
What We're Looking For
- 5+ years of progressive culinary leadership (Chef de Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef, or Executive Chef level)
- Strong background in upscale dining, fine dining, steakhouse, or seafood concepts
- Proven experience with new restaurant openings or major launches
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to lead under pressure
- Scratch kitchen expertise with strong fundamentals (sauces, proteins, butchery, plating)
- Solid financial understanding of food cost and labor management
- Ability to recruit, develop, and retain culinary talent
- Passion for high standards, consistency, and hospitality excellence
What We Offer
- $120K-$140K base salary
- Bonus potential
- High-impact leadership role in a flagship opening
- Real influence over menu direction and kitchen culture
- Career growth within a respected restaurant group
- Opportunity to build a kitchen from the ground up
Why This Role
This is a true opening Chef de Cuisine opportunity, where your leadership will directly define the success, culture, and culinary identity of the restaurant.
If you are a proven kitchen leader who thrives in building teams, executing at a high level, and launching standout dining experiences, this is an opportunity to make a real mark in the Denver market.
Company Description The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit-ensuring both clients and candidates succeed. Company Description The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit-ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.