Chef

Porchlight is a vibrant and unique bar located in the heart of New York City, known for its distinctive Southern accent. This establishment masterfully blends the rich hospitality, soulful flavors, and culinary traditions of the ever-evolving South with the fast-paced innovation and energy of New York. Born from Southern roots with a home in New York, Porchlight celebrates cities such as Charleston, New Orleans, and Memphis while embracing the undeniable charm and dynamism of the Big Apple. This fusion creates a warm, inviting atmosphere where guests can experience the best of both worlds — the comfort of Southern hospitality combined with the hustle and creativity of a major metropolitan city. The bar has earned a place as a favored destination for those seeking a unique dining and drinking experience that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

The role of Chef at Porchlight is a key leadership position responsible for setting the tone and culture of the kitchen. This role embodies the philosophy of Enlightened Hospitality, ensuring that every guest and team member experiences the highest standards of culinary excellence and service. The Chef leads by example, fostering a positive, collaborative environment where communication between the kitchen and dining teams is seamless and efficient. They are entrusted with overseeing daily kitchen operations, focusing on consistency, cleanliness, safety, and health standards, all while managing important administrative duties such as ordering, inventory, cost of goods sold (COGS) management, and scheduling.

Beyond the operational responsibilities, the Chef is deeply invested in developing talent, building strong teams, and nurturing the long-term growth of the business. This leadership role demands a balance of culinary skill, people management, and business acumen. Those who thrive in this position are not only masters of the culinary arts but also passionate mentors who provide coaching, training, and formal feedback to team members, encouraging their professional growth. The position requires a strong commitment to fostering a culture of Enlightened Hospitality, a concept that values empathy, kindness, and excellence in all aspects of service.

As part of Union Square Hospitality Group, Porchlight offers a robust compensation package including a competitive salary starting at $75,000 annually plus bonus potential, comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, generous paid time off and parental leave, a matched 401(k) plan, life insurance, employee assistance programs, and unique perks like dining credits and discounts across the USHG restaurant family. The company culture emphasizes care, creativity, and growth with ongoing opportunities for learning, mentorship, and collaboration with passionate hospitality professionals.

Working at Porchlight means joining a team that lives by six core behaviors that guide their work ethic and interpersonal relationships: playing to win with humble swagger, turning over rocks to connect dots, centering the salt shaker on excellence and core values, writing a great next chapter through resilient learning, bringing a charitable assumption with generosity, and leaving the campsite better than they found it by being mindful of impact. The Chef role is integral to upholding these values and advancing this unique blend of Southern hospitality and New York innovation for a memorable guest experience every day.