Head Chef at a Chic and Elegant Cafe

Pico Cafe is seeking a talented and innovative Head Chef to lead our kitchen and help take our menu to the next level. We are looking for a chef with strong café and Mediterranean experience who specializes in vegetarian and fish-based cuisine. This is an opportunity for someone who loves creating fresh, vibrant, high-quality food that keeps guests coming back.

Responsibilities

• Lead all kitchen operations and manage the culinary team.
• Develop and introduce new menu items that fit an elevated café concept.
• Create premium salads using fresh, seasonal ingredients and house-made dressings.
• Design and prepare a variety of:
• • Gourmet salads
  • Mediterranean specialties
  • Fish entrées
  • Fresh pasta dishes
  • Homemade soups
  • Omelets and breakfast dishes
  • Sandwiches, paninis, wraps, and grain bowls
  • Vegetarian entrées and seasonal specials
• Standardize recipes for consistency and quality.
• Maintain excellent food presentation and portion control.
• Manage food costs, inventory, and vendor ordering.
• Train and mentor kitchen staff.
• Ensure cleanliness, organization, and compliance with food safety standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional culinary experience.
• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef.
• Strong background in café, brunch, Mediterranean, vegetarian, and seafood cuisine.
• Experience creating modern, health-conscious menus.
• Ability to develop recipes from scratch with an emphasis on fresh ingredients.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience managing inventory and controlling food costs.

Ideal Candidate

We're looking for a chef who can elevate our café with fresh ideas and exceptional execution. The ideal candidate is passionate about Mediterranean flavors, creative vegetarian cooking, fresh seafood, beautiful salads, homemade soups, and all-day café dining. They should be excited to build a menu that is both approachable and memorable while leading a team committed to quality and consistency.