Executive Chef

Busch Gardens is renowned for delivering thrilling, fun-filled experiences and creating positive, lasting memories for guests from around the world. As part of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Busch Gardens is a leading theme park that offers a wide variety of attractions, shows, and culinary experiences designed to delight and entertain visitors of all ages. The park's commitment extends beyond guest satisfaction to fostering an engaging and rewarding workplace where employees are empowered to contribute to the park's vibrant atmosphere. Employment at Busch Gardens means joining a dynamic team dedicated to exceptional service and operational excellence within the hospitality and entertainment industry.

The Executive Chef role at Busch Gardens is a critical leadership position that oversees all culinary operations across multiple outlets including restaurants, carts, kiosks, specialty snack stands, banqueting functions, catering services, and consumer events throughout the park. This role demands not only the mastery of culinary arts but also outstanding skills in management, cost control, food safety, and operational planning. The Executive Chef will be the face of the food program, collaborating closely with the marketing department to design innovative menu items and creative marketing campaigns that engage guests and elevate the overall experience. The position involves managing kitchen staff such as Sous Chefs, production bakery staff, and line cooks, ensuring that all food produced is of high quality and cost-effective. This leadership role includes responsibility for food inventory control both in the park and at the warehouse, ensuring compliance with food safety protocols and cleanliness standards.

Further responsibilities include menu planning and seasonal menu development, training and developing staff, overseeing bakery production, and managing food costs and recipe management. The Executive Chef works under the Vice President of Food & Beverage, maintaining strong collaborating relationships with the Food & Beverage Director and other department heads to ensure seamless operational performance. The job requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and who can juggle both hands-on kitchen leadership as well as administrative duties such as menu costing, event recaps, staff documentation, and enforcing accountability.

Ideal candidates will have at least three years of experience as an Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef in a high-volume or multi-outlet venue, preferably within a theme park setting, with advanced knowledge of food cost control, inventory management, culinary safety protocols, and menu engineering. Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs like Excel and Outlook is necessary, as well as the physical ability to stand and walk for several hours, lift up to 50 lbs, and work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays. The role may also involve travel between park locations and require availability for on-call duties.

By joining Busch Gardens as an Executive Chef, you become part of a prestigious entertainment organization that values dedication, dependability, and a passion for guest service. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the culinary vision of a world-class theme park while benefiting from a wide array of employment perks and a collaborative, inclusive work environment.