Chef de Cuisine

Franciska is a contemporary Argentine wine bar located in the vibrant culinary scene of Portland, Maine. Known for its thoughtful, ingredient-driven cooking rooted deeply in bodegon culture and influenced by Italian and Spanish culinary traditions, Franciska has quickly established itself as a standout independent restaurant since its opening just over a year ago. Renowned for its outstanding dining experience, it has received notable accolades such as The New York Times' "14 Best Desserts in America," a New York Times staff pick for new places to eat, The Infatuation's Top Places to Eat in Maine, and an impressive 4.9-star rating along with the OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award. These recognitions reflect the establishment’s commitment to quality and innovation in a competitive market.

Looking ahead to the summer season of 2026, Franciska is expanding by launching a seasonal sister restaurant located in a picturesque southern coastal town of Maine. To lead this exciting new venture, the restaurant is seeking a skilled and passionate Chef de Cuisine. This role will be central to launching and sustaining a small, focused operation designed for an intimate dining experience with a 45-seat capacity. The kitchen will be compact, serving approximately 90 covers daily during peak season, emphasizing a concise and carefully curated menu. The culinary focus will be on product-driven dishes prominently featuring live-fire and brick oven cooking techniques, designed to highlight the natural flavors and quality of the ingredients.

The Chef de Cuisine will thrive in a collaborative and fast-paced environment where balancing consistency, organization, and meticulous attention to detail are imperative. This leadership position requires someone capable of managing a small kitchen team efficiently and calmly, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and operational order. Due to the seasonal nature of the establishment, the ideal candidate should be comfortable adapting to a dynamic work environment and motivated by ingredient-driven cuisine, preferring thoughtful simplicity over complexity in cooking.

This opportunity is perfect for a culinary professional seeking creative input within a growing independent restaurant project. The work culture is serious about hospitality but eschews corporate rigidity, offering a respectful and collaborative atmosphere. The seasonal lifestyle in coastal Maine complements the role, providing a unique work-life balance in a community-oriented setting. Compensation is competitive and will be commensurate with experience, ensuring the right candidate is rewarded for their culinary expertise and leadership abilities. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resume, a brief introduction, and references if available, to be considered for this exceptional role at Franciska’s new summer restaurant project.