Executive Chef

Located on South Congress at Music Lane, Aba is a renowned Mediterranean restaurant with a distinctive California influence, reflecting a vibrant culinary fusion that has captivated patrons in Austin, TX, Chicago, IL, and Nashville, TN. The restaurant is named after the Hebrew word for "father," signifying a sense of warmth, tradition, and community which permeates its dining experience. Aba boasts a menu crafted by Top Chef Alum and Chef Partner CJ Jacobson, whose modern approach to Mediterranean cooking emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, bold flavors, and innovative techniques. The beverage program complements the menu perfectly, showcasing an impressive selection of spirits and rare wines sourced from lesser-known Mediterranean regions, providing guests with an authentic and immersive dining journey. Aba is part of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, a culinary-driven restaurant company celebrated for its Culture of Caring and commitment to diversity, training, and career development across its more than 130 locations nationwide.

Aba Austin is currently seeking an Executive Chef with a minimum of 2 years' experience in an executive chef role to lead its kitchen operations. This is an exceptional career opportunity to join a dynamic and supportive team that values creativity, leadership, and operational excellence. As an Executive Chef at Aba Austin, you will be responsible for overseeing all back-of-house (BOH) operations, ensuring that food quality and safety exceed the high standards the restaurant has established. The role involves managing and motivating both hourly and management teams, fostering a positive workplace culture that aligns with Lettuce Entertain You’s renowned Culture of Caring. You will have the creative freedom to research, develop, and execute seasonal menus and new culinary offerings in collaboration with divisional leaders, helping to keep the dining experience fresh and exciting for returning guests and new visitors alike.

This position offers a competitive salary ranging from USD $70,000 to $100,000 annually, in addition to a comprehensive benefits package including quarterly bonuses, paid time off comprising holidays, personal days, and vacation, as well as 401(k) retirement plans. Health benefits are robust, featuring Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Insurance, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, accident protection, and critical illness insurance. Additional perks include domestic partner benefits, generous restaurant discounts, and access to an employee assistance program focused on mental health and wellness. The Executive Chef will engage in continuous professional growth and training opportunities provided by Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, ensuring a fulfilling and rewarding career path.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership in BOH system management, cost control, and purchasing while maintaining excellent communication and problem-solving skills to handle challenges related to guests, vendors, and employees tactfully. Flexibility with work schedules, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and occasional overnight travel to multiple locations, is required. Physical demands include the ability to move and lift varying weights as part of the typical kitchen environment. This role is ideal for passionate culinary professionals seeking to elevate their career within a supportive, culture-driven company dedicated to quality, innovation, and community impact.