Catering & Events Chef

AFURI is a renowned restaurant brand known for its authentic Japanese cuisine, particularly its specialty in handcrafted ramen and izakaya-style dishes. With a commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation, AFURI has expanded beyond its flagship location to a fast-growing events program that includes onsite and offsite catering services, tasting dinners, food pop-ups, corporate collaborations, and much more. The company prides itself on creating unique and memorable culinary experiences that celebrate the flavors of Japan while embracing a modern, dynamic approach to food service. AFURI’s emphasis on high-quality ingredients, meticulous preparation, and exceptional presentation has earned it a loyal following and recognition within the culinary community. This position offers a full-time salaried opportunity to lead the culinary side of AFURI’s catering and events program, directly contributing to the success and expansion of this exciting initiative. The role is ideal for a passionate culinary professional with an extensive background in catering operations and Japanese cuisine, seeking to drive innovation and excellence in a vibrant and fast-paced environment.

The Catering & Events Chef at AFURI will take the helm of all culinary operations for the brand’s diverse events program. This includes planning, preparing, and executing high-quality Japanese cuisine for a wide variety of events such as weddings, corporate functions, private parties, festivals, and special occasions. The chef will be responsible for maintaining consistent food quality, presentation, and adherence to company standards while leading a skilled culinary team. Collaboration with the Events, Sales, and Restaurant Management teams will be key to develop customized menus that delight guests and reflect the authentic flavors of Japanese cuisine.

In addition to menu development, the role requires meticulous coordination of production schedules to ensure timely preparation and delivery for multiple simultaneous events. The chef will oversee logistics including packing, transportation, setup, and live station management during events, handling sushi bars, robata grills, omakase experiences, and chef-attended food stations. Training and supervising event kitchen staff, maintaining compliance with health regulations and food safety standards, managing inventory and vendor relationships, and maintaining cost control measures are essential components of the position.

Adaptability and problem-solving skills are crucial as the chef will need to adjust quickly to varying event needs, guest counts, venue limitations, and last-minute requests. Beyond the kitchen, the chef will assist with recipe development, menu costing, and seasonal updates to the catering menu, ensuring the culinary program remains fresh and competitive. AFURI values a leadership style that fosters teamwork, professional development, and exceptional guest experiences at every event. Candidates should be eager to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts to meet the demands of a growing and dynamic events calendar.

This role not only demands technical culinary expertise but also a strategic approach to culinary operations within the event catering space. Candidates with experience in high-volume catering, mobile kitchen operations, and various Japanese cooking techniques including sushi, sashimi, robata, izakaya, and omakase will find this position both challenging and rewarding. AFURI offers a collaborative environment where innovative chefs can lead the brand’s culinary vision forward while creating unforgettable event experiences for diverse clientele.