Cafe Chef

Daily Provisions, founded in 2017 from the kitchen of Danny Meyer’s acclaimed Union Square Cafe in New York City, is a dynamic and expanding collection of all-day neighborhood cafes that merge restaurant-quality cuisine with a warm, approachable cafe environment. Known for its elevated yet familiar menu, Daily Provisions offers classic dishes that pay homage to traditional flavors while incorporating contemporary culinary creativity. Their signature offerings, such as crullers, all-day breakfast sandwiches with runny yolks, and freshly brewed coffee and teas, have garnered a devoted following. As the day progresses, the menu shifts to include chef-driven salads, made-to-order sandwiches, seasonal sides, and comforting dinner entrées like their famous Roast Chicken. Originating as a beloved neighborhood institution in New York, Daily Provisions has grown significantly, now boasting multiple locations across New York City, Jersey City, Boston, and Washington, D.C., making it a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike.

The Cafe Chef role at Daily Provisions is a pivotal leadership position central to maintaining the exceptional standards of culinary excellence and hospitality that the brand is known for. This role involves overseeing the Back of House operations with a focus on high-quality food execution, operational efficiency, and an unwavering commitment to hospitality. The Cafe Chef leads by example, fostering a culture of respect, teamwork, accountability, and continuous learning, ensuring that every team member is supported and empowered to grow within their role.

Working closely with the Executive Culinary Director and esteemed James Beard Award recipient Chef Claudia Fleming, the Cafe Chef plays an instrumental part in shaping the culinary vision and daily execution that defines the guest experience at Daily Provisions. The position emphasizes consistency in operational systems, proper inventory and par management, and stringent adherence to cleanliness and food safety standards based on ServSafe protocols, HACCP logs, and allergen guidelines. Beyond culinary duties, the Cafe Chef manages the Back of House P&L, carefully balancing food costs, waste, labor, and inventory turnover to meet financial targets. This role is not only about food preparation but also about developing the team through training, validations, tastings, and clear communication to create a professional and supportive environment.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned culinary professional with at least three years of experience in kitchen leadership within casual dining environments. They possess excellent food and beverage knowledge and demonstrate a passion for culinary excellence paired with exceeding guest expectations. Strong communication skills, a transparent leadership style, and a coaching mindset are essential attributes for success in this role. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and certification in a hospitality-related field are desirable qualities that will support the candidate’s effectiveness. Fluency in English is required, while additional language skills are considered a bonus.

Daily Provisions and its parent company, Union Square Hospitality Group, deeply value their people as their greatest ingredient and are committed to fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes care, creativity, growth, and Enlightened Hospitality. The Cafe Chef will be rewarded with competitive pay ranging from $80,000 to $92,500 annually, including performance-based bonuses, as well as comprehensive health coverage, generous paid time off, a matched 401(k) plan, and wellness programs. Additional benefits like dining credits and discounts, commuter benefits, and access to emergency relief funds underline the group’s commitment to supporting their team both professionally and personally.

Joining Daily Provisions means becoming part of an inclusive and dynamic hospitality family that embraces six core behaviors: playing to win with humility, connecting dots to enhance experiences, committing to excellence, embracing growth through handling mistakes, assuming generosity, and leaving a lasting positive impact. The Cafe Chef’s role is indispensable in putting these values into daily practice, ensuring that guests enjoy memorable meals and team members thrive in a respectful and accountable environment. This is a unique opportunity to join a distinguished hospitality brand recognized for its culinary innovation, community roots, and dedication to enriching lives through food and service.