Chef de Cuisine / Opening Kitchen Manager

Limousine is an exciting new cocktail bar set to open in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, in August 2026. This establishment is brought to you by the owners of the well-regarded Five Leaves and Goldies, promising a fresh yet refined addition to the neighborhood's vibrant dining and nightlife scene. Limousine focuses on delivering exceptional classic cocktails alongside warm hospitality and a carefully curated menu of refined small plates. The kitchen is intentionally compact, allowing for a focused selection that includes thoughtfully prepared items like oysters, steak tartare, deviled eggs, and other bar snacks designed to perfectly complement the beverage program. This new cocktail bar aims to create a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere where guests can enjoy meticulously crafted drinks and elevated culinary offerings in an intimate setting.

The role available is a Chef position that offers an exciting opportunity to help build the kitchen and culinary identity from the ground up. The ideal candidate will be an ambitious Sous Chef or Chef de Cuisine with experience working in high-quality kitchens who understands the importance of organization, systems, and leadership. As a hands-on leader, this person will oversee all kitchen operations from the pre-opening phase through the ongoing daily service. The position requires approximately 50 hours per week and involves a wide range of responsibilities aimed at ensuring the highest standards of food quality, safety, and team efficiency.

Before the launch of Limousine, this chef will collaborate closely with the ownership team to refine and test the menu, develop recipes, create prep lists and production systems, organize the kitchen layout, and assist with purchasing equipment and smallwares. In addition, they will be responsible for hiring and training the opening kitchen staff and establishing cleanliness, food safety, and organizational standards that align with the establishment's overall vision.

Once Limousine opens, the chef’s role will expand to leading service 3-4 nights per week during peak shifts while managing day-to-day kitchen operations. This includes writing weekly prep guides, production schedules, and mentoring the kitchen team to maintain a culture of consistency, quality control, and continuous development. The chef will also handle ordering all food and kitchen supplies and ensure compliance with Department of Health standards to maintain an exceptionally clean kitchen environment. Working in collaboration with ownership, they will contribute to seasonal menu changes, new dish development, and controlling food costs, waste, and inventory.

The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in organized, systems-driven kitchens and leads by example, enjoys mentoring others, and balances creativity with execution. Experience running an entire kitchen is a plus but not mandatory. What is essential is strong culinary fundamentals, leadership potential, curiosity, adaptability, and a great attitude. The position offers a competitive salary range of $75,000 to $80,000, commensurate with experience, along with paid time off, dining discounts, commuter benefits, potential bonuses, and opportunities for growth as the business expands.

If you are passionate about food and beverage, ready to take ownership of a kitchen, and eager to be part of one of Greenpoint's most exciting and innovative new openings, Limousine provides an exceptional platform to develop your culinary career and build something truly special from its very inception.