Goode Company Restaurants logo

Chef - R&D

Houston, TX, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
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Benefits

competitive salary
performance-based incentives
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off
vacation days
Employee Discounts
Career growth opportunities

Job Description

Goode Company is a celebrated culinary establishment that has been a staple in the Texas food scene since 1977, founded by Jim Goode. With a rich heritage steeped in the smoky, savory traditions of Texas barbecue and the vibrant flavors of the Gulf Coast, the company has grown from a humble barbecue house into a renowned restaurant group that honors a diverse blend of cultures and cuisines. This dedication to authenticity and quality is evident in every aspect of their operation, from hand-blended sauces and spices to their close relationships with ranchers, fishermen, and farmers who supply fresh, sustainable ingredients.... Show More

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, food science, or a related field preferred
  • Minimum of 5–10 years of experience in a high-volume kitchen, food manufacturing, or R&D environment
  • Experience in new product development, menu innovation, and commercialization
  • Strong culinary creativity and knowledge of global cuisines and cooking techniques
  • Understanding of food science and product formulation
  • Knowledge of food safety regulations including FDA, USDA, HACCP
  • Ability to translate restaurant-quality recipes into scalable products
  • Proficiency with kitchen equipment and food preparation methods
  • Excellent project management and communication skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to work in test kitchens, production facilities, and corporate office settings
  • Frequent standing, lifting, and handling of food products and kitchen equipment
  • Willingness to travel for supplier visits, culinary expos, and product launches

Job Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or a related field (preferred)
  • Minimum of 5–10 years of experience in a high-volume kitchen, food manufacturing, or R&D environment
  • Experience in new product development, menu innovation, and commercialization
  • Strong culinary creativity and deep knowledge of global cuisines, flavor profiles, and cooking techniques
  • Understanding of food science, ingredient functionality, and product formulation
  • Knowledge of food safety regulations (FDA, USDA, HACCP, etc.)
  • Ability to translate restaurant-quality recipes into scalable foodservice or retail products
  • Proficiency in kitchen equipment, food preparation techniques, and operational efficiencies
  • Excellent project management, problem-solving, and communication skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment

Job Duties

  • Conceptualize, develop, and test new recipes, menu items, and food products for restaurants, concessions, events and retail
  • Experiment with ingredients, flavors, cooking techniques, and presentation styles to enhance product offerings
  • Ensure recipes and formulations align with brand identity, nutritional guidelines, and cost parameters
  • Adapt global and emerging food trends into innovative, scalable culinary solutions
  • Conduct food trend analysis, competitive benchmarking, and consumer research to identify opportunities for innovation
  • Collaborate with marketing, sales, and insights teams to understand customer preferences and develop relevant offerings
  • Partner with operations and supply chain teams to ensure consistency, scalability, and efficiency in production
  • Collaborate with culinary operations team and location management teams to maintain food safety and compliance standards
  • Align with brand team, photographers and stakeholders for photo shoots, website work and all related collateral
  • Lead and mentor culinary teams in R&D initiatives, fostering a culture of creativity and excellence
  • Develop training materials and conduct sessions for kitchen staff on new products, cooking methods, and presentation techniques
  • Provide guidance on kitchen equipment, food preparation methods, and process improvements
  • Develop recipes with a focus on cost-effectiveness, ingredient availability, and production feasibility
  • Conduct yield analysis, portion control, and food cost assessments to optimize profitability
  • Ensure adherence to food safety, allergen management, and labeling regulations

Job Qualifications

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)

Job Location

OysterLink connects hospitality employers and applicants.

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