Job Overview
Compensation
Salary
Range $75,000.00 - $80,000.00
Work Schedule
Flexible
Benefits
Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Professional Development
Employee Discounts
Retirement Plan
flexible schedule
collaborative work environment
Job Description
About Aventura Spanish Restaurant:
Aventura Spanish Restaurant is a celebrated dining establishment rooted in the vibrant culinary traditions of Spain, located in the heart of Downtown Ann Arbor. For over 13 years, Aventura has provided guests with an authentic and experiential taste of Spanish cuisine. Under the visionary leadership of Executive Chef Quique Franco, who was born and raised in Madrid, the restaurant has earned a reputation for excellence and creativity. Chef Franco brings over two decades of global culinary experience, including prestigious opportunities such as cooking for royal families and owning a Spanish restaurant in Miami. Aventura focuses on creating a deeply social and communal atmosphere where guests can enjoy modern tapas, authentic Spanish paella, and warm, overflowing hospitality. It is a place designed for sharing not only food but also stories, laughter, and joyful moments.
About the Chef de Cuisine Role: Aventura is currently seeking a highly skilled and passionate Chef de Cuisine to lead its kitchen operations and culinary team. This role offers the rare opportunity to be a fundamental part of a renowned Spanish restaurant with a rich history and a dedication to culinary innovation. Reporting directly to Executive Chef Quique Franco, the Chef de Cuisine will play an integral role in maintaining and advancing the restaurant's culinary vision.
The Chef de Cuisine will be responsible for overseeing all kitchen activities during service, ensuring every dish meets Aventura's exacting standards for taste, texture, and presentation. This hands-on leadership position demands a leader who excels at developing culinary talent, maintaining operational excellence, and delivering an outstanding dining experience. With a focus on team development, the Chef de Cuisine will mentor cooks and sous chefs, encouraging skill growth, discipline, and professional pride.
Key responsibilities include guiding the kitchen team with poise and professionalism, translating the executive chef's creative vision into daily culinary execution, and implementing systems that guarantee consistency and efficiency. The role also requires a dedicated commitment to food safety, cleanliness, and compliance with health regulations. Leadership during service is crucial; the Chef de Cuisine must ensure that the kitchen operates smoothly and confidently under pressure, maintaining clear communication between the back of house and the front of house teams.
Working at Aventura means joining a team that values excellence, respect, and continuous improvement. The Chef de Cuisine will help foster a culture where creativity thrives alongside discipline, where every detail matters, and where the joy of Spanish cuisine is celebrated in every plate served. This role is ideal for a culinary professional who is not only passionate about Spanish food but also eager to grow as a leader, mentor, and innovator in the restaurant industry. Aventura welcomes candidates who are committed to operational excellence, team empowerment, and delivering an unforgettable dining experience that honors Spanish culinary heritage while embracing seasonal, adventurous innovation.
About the Chef de Cuisine Role: Aventura is currently seeking a highly skilled and passionate Chef de Cuisine to lead its kitchen operations and culinary team. This role offers the rare opportunity to be a fundamental part of a renowned Spanish restaurant with a rich history and a dedication to culinary innovation. Reporting directly to Executive Chef Quique Franco, the Chef de Cuisine will play an integral role in maintaining and advancing the restaurant's culinary vision.
The Chef de Cuisine will be responsible for overseeing all kitchen activities during service, ensuring every dish meets Aventura's exacting standards for taste, texture, and presentation. This hands-on leadership position demands a leader who excels at developing culinary talent, maintaining operational excellence, and delivering an outstanding dining experience. With a focus on team development, the Chef de Cuisine will mentor cooks and sous chefs, encouraging skill growth, discipline, and professional pride.
Key responsibilities include guiding the kitchen team with poise and professionalism, translating the executive chef's creative vision into daily culinary execution, and implementing systems that guarantee consistency and efficiency. The role also requires a dedicated commitment to food safety, cleanliness, and compliance with health regulations. Leadership during service is crucial; the Chef de Cuisine must ensure that the kitchen operates smoothly and confidently under pressure, maintaining clear communication between the back of house and the front of house teams.
Working at Aventura means joining a team that values excellence, respect, and continuous improvement. The Chef de Cuisine will help foster a culture where creativity thrives alongside discipline, where every detail matters, and where the joy of Spanish cuisine is celebrated in every plate served. This role is ideal for a culinary professional who is not only passionate about Spanish food but also eager to grow as a leader, mentor, and innovator in the restaurant industry. Aventura welcomes candidates who are committed to operational excellence, team empowerment, and delivering an unforgettable dining experience that honors Spanish culinary heritage while embracing seasonal, adventurous innovation.
Job Requirements
- Demonstrates and demands clarity in communication, expectations, and execution
- Maintains a high standard of professionalism in all interactions and environments
- Operates with a strong sense of urgency and accountability
- Proactively voices ideas, feedback, and solutions to advance the team and organization
- Invests in personal growth while actively developing the capabilities of others
- Ensures consistent, transparent communication with all relevant stakeholders
- Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time during service
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times
- Must be able to work a variety of hours
Job Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Chef de Cuisine or similar culinary leadership role
- Extensive knowledge of Spanish cuisine and culinary techniques
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Experience in menu development and seasonal menu innovation
- Excellent palate and attention to detail in flavor, texture, and plating
- Ability to mentor and develop culinary staff
- Demonstrated ability to work in high-pressure kitchen environments
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards
- Exceptional communication and organizational skills
- Culinary degree or equivalent professional training preferred
Job Duties
- Lead the kitchen team with presence, poise, and professionalism during service and behind the scenes
- Guide the team towards high standards of excellence in execution, prep, cleanliness, and communication
- Serve as the connecting force between the Executive Chef and the back of house and front of house teams, translating the culinary vision into daily practice
- Implement systems that build discipline, consistency, and excellence across all kitchen operations
- Foster a culture of high performance, respect, and continuous improvement
- Contribute and collaborate thoughtfully to menu development, tasting menus, and seasonal innovation
- Ensure all dishes meet the established standard for flavor, texture, and presentation before they leave the pass
- Oversee recipe adherence, plating precision, and proper technique during every service
- Lead final tasting and quality control during service
- Identify, coach, and develop culinary talent at all levels from prep to sous chefs
- Elevate team technique and skill level through daily feedback, mentorship, and teaching
- Support the growth of future leaders by delegating responsibility and fostering ownership
- Be a strong and steady leader during service with full ownership of closing standards
- Maintain composure, urgency, and clear communication between kitchen and FOH during service
- Implement and refine kitchen systems that drive consistency, efficiency, and excellence
- Oversee training on new systems, menu rollouts, and process improvements, ensuring team adoption and accountability
- Maintain accurate prep lists, production sheets, and station organization for seamless execution
- Partner with leadership to continuously evaluate what’s working and what needs refinement
- Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and food safety
- Ensure compliance with all health and sanitation regulations
- Monitor and enforce proper storage, labeling FIFO, temperature logging, and maintenance of kitchen equipment
Job Criteria
Experience
Expert Level (7+ years)
Job Location
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