Cafe Head Chef - VA

Tatte is a renowned bakery and café brand known for its dedication to creating exceptional culinary experiences through high-quality, made-from-scratch food and genuine hospitality. Established as a prominent and beloved establishment in the foodservice industry, Tatte operates multiple locations and serves a broad customer base seeking delicious meals, fresh pastries, and warm, inviting atmospheres. The company prides itself on maintaining a culture that values creativity, teamwork, and dedication to excellence, making it an exciting place for culinary professionals to grow their careers.

As a Chef at Tatte, you will play a pivotal role in managing and overseeing all kitchen operations at one of Tatte's vibrant cafés. This position involves leadership and operational responsibilities, ensuring the smooth functioning of the kitchen and maintaining high standards of food quality and service. You will oversee up to 25 employees, including cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers, making your leadership skills and ability to inspire and engage your team critical to the success of your kitchen.

The role focuses on executing established production and service guidelines, adhering to standardized recipes, portioning, and presentation standards to maintain consistency and superior quality across all menu offerings. You will be responsible for completing daily production worksheets and waste logs, conducting quality control by tasting completed meals, and ensuring compliance with food safety and sanitation standards based on company policies and regulatory requirements.

In this fast-paced, high-volume environment, your responsibilities extend to training kitchen staff in proper food preparation techniques, equipment operation, and safety procedures. You will establish and maintain cleaning and maintenance schedules to keep equipment and work areas in pristine condition, while also managing inventory to stay within established guidelines and ensure that necessary products are available when needed.

The Executive Chef role at Tatte also includes participating in departmental meetings, staff development programs, and other professional activities to foster continual improvement and team growth. You will play an integral part in implementing seasonal menu changes, reflecting Tatte's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

Working conditions for this position require flexibility, as shifts may include days, nights, weekends, and holidays. The physical demands includes working long shifts, standing or walking for extended periods, and handling equipment or supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. The position is well-suited for energetic, organized individuals with a passion for culinary excellence and team leadership.

Tatte offers competitive compensation typically ranging from $76,000 to $96,000 annually, reflecting experience and qualifications. Additional perks include a 401(k) plan with company matching, parking benefits, employee assistance programs, flexible scheduling options without late-night shifts, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, hands-on and classroom training, free meals and beverages, and promising opportunities for career advancement within the company.

Joining Tatte means becoming part of a dynamic, collaborative environment dedicated to crafting memorable food experiences and fostering the professional growth of every team member. As a company that values diversity and equal opportunity, Tatte participates in the E-Verify program and aims to place managers in their preferred cafés within the greater DC market when possible.

If you are a passionate culinary professional seeking to lead a motivated kitchen team, improve operational excellence, and deliver outstanding food and hospitality, the Chef position at Tatte presents an exceptional career opportunity.