Executive Chef

Located on South Congress at Music Lane, Aba is a distinguished Mediterranean restaurant with a unique California influence. Aba, which means father in Hebrew, celebrates a rich cultural heritage through its innovative menu that champions the flavors of the Mediterranean region. With notable locations in Austin, TX; Chicago, IL; and Nashville, TN, Aba is widely recognized for its culinary excellence and vibrant dining atmosphere. The restaurant prides itself on being a beacon of modern Mediterranean cuisine, combining traditional recipes with contemporary techniques under the expertise of Top Chef Alum and Chef Partner CJ Jacobson. His approach elevates each dish, making Aba a sought-after destination for food enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

At Aba Austin, the pursuit of exceptional quality is matched by a strong commitment to a welcoming customer experience and operational excellence. The establishment not only offers a unique dining experience but also promotes a workplace culture built on collaboration, care, and professional growth. As part of the Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants family, Aba benefits from the support of a culinary-driven company that values diversity, nurtures talent, and fosters a Culture of Caring across its 130+ locations. The organization emphasizes ongoing development, career advancement opportunities, and well-being initiatives to empower its teams to achieve success in their roles.

Aba Austin is currently seeking to hire an Executive Chef to lead its kitchen operations. The position is ideal for a dynamic culinary professional with at least two years of executive chef experience in a full-service restaurant environment. The Executive Chef will take charge of overseeing efficient and effective back-of-house operations, managing purchasing and inventory, and controlling food costs to optimize profitability. More than just managing logistics, this role requires inspiring leadership to guide both hourly and management teams to perform at their best while fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture.

The Executive Chef will also engage in culinary innovation, working closely with divisional leaders to research, develop, and execute seasonal menus and new menu items that reflect Aba's modern Mediterranean identity. Enabling consistent training and development across the kitchen staff is a key responsibility, ensuring high standards of food preparation and operational procedures are met at all times. Regular audits and assessments will be conducted to uphold quality and safety standards, solidifying Aba's reputation for culinary excellence.

In addition to the kitchen's daily operations, the Executive Chef will collaborate closely with general managers and other chefs to manage recipe books, costing, and purchasing decisions, ensuring both quality and cost-effectiveness. The role demands flexibility, with varied shifts including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and potential overnight travel to support multiple sites as necessary. Physical demands include lifting and moving food supplies and kitchen equipment safely and efficiently.

Compensation for this position ranges between $70,000 and $100,000 per year and includes a competitive salary coupled with quarterly bonuses. Aba Austin, through Lettuce Entertain You, offers generous benefits like paid time off, comprehensive health insurance including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k), and life and accident protection, among others. This opportunity is perfect for an Executive Chef eager to advance their career while contributing to a respected and innovative restaurant brand.