Catering Chef & Kitchen Manager (Asian Cuisine Focus)

Tiato is a vibrant gourmet fast-casual restaurant and event space located in Santa Monica, California. Specializing in innovative Californian-Asian cuisine, Tiato brings a unique fusion of traditional Asian flavors and modern culinary techniques to provide guests with an extraordinary dining experience. The establishment integrates cultural influences from diverse Asian regions, such as Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Korean, and Vietnamese, blending them seamlessly with Californian freshness and creativity. Tiato serves not only as a popular dining destination but also as an elegant venue for various social events, including weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, and corporate gatherings. With its commitment to exceptional food quality, innovative menus, and high standards of service, Tiato has become a respected name in the local culinary and event scene.

The restaurant is currently looking to hire a passionate and skilled Junior Chef de Cuisine & Kitchen Manager. This role is critical to supporting the executive kitchen leadership in creating and executing delicious, well-balanced dishes that showcase the signature Califasian flavors. The Junior Chef de Cuisine will collaborate closely with ownership and the executive chef, assisting in menu development and ensuring that consistency in taste, quality, and presentation is maintained throughout all offerings. A key part of the role includes managing day-to-day kitchen operations, training and mentoring kitchen staff, and fostering a positive and high-performance culture in a fast-paced and collaborative environment. This position also involves overseeing event catering operations from buffet setups to formal plated services, accommodating special dietary needs such as vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and halal options.

Additionally, the role includes responsibilities such as controlling food costs, managing inventory, and implementing streamlined kitchen procedures. Familiarity with cost control software like Margin Edge is highly regarded. The ideal candidate will bring strong multitasking abilities, excellent communication skills, and the flexibility to work various shifts, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Preference will be given to those with prior catering experience for large or high-end events. Furthermore, any skills related to social media, food photography, or graphic design are considered valuable additions for promoting dishes and enhancing the restaurant’s brand.

This opportunity offers a competitive salary starting from $72,500 per year, paid vacation, health insurance, employee dining credits, and growth opportunities within a creative and collaborative team. The position is full-time and located in Santa Monica, CA, requiring candidates to be on site with the ability to commute or relocate before starting work. Tiato invites culinary professionals passionate about Asian cuisine and kitchen leadership to apply and contribute to its innovative culinary vision.