Executive Chef | Kitchen Manager at Petit and Keet Little Rock, AR

Petit & Keet is a celebrated dining establishment located in West Little Rock, Arkansas, renowned for its multiple awards as 'Best Overall Restaurant.' This polished casual restaurant and bar offer an inviting atmosphere that blends casual fine dining with an approachable, friendly vibe. The culinary approach is rooted in New American cuisine with a classic French backbone, enriched with regional influences. Known for scratch recipes and exceptional quality, Petit & Keet serves a high volume of guests, boasting a 225-seat capacity and catering to more than 1200 covers per week, Monday through Sunday. The restaurant emphasizes the use of local products and ingredients, supporting local producers and chefs to deliver an authentic and fresh dining experience. Additionally, the establishment has recently been redesigned, featuring an outdoor patio and bar, a full specialty cocktail bar, and a private event room, creating a versatile space for varied guest experiences.

Petit & Keet is now seeking a dedicated and skilled Executive Chef and Kitchen Manager to lead their back-of-house (BOH) operations. This key leadership position requires an individual with pride, strong work ethic, and a passion for culinary excellence. The role is pivotal in maintaining the high standards of food quality, kitchen sanitation, and operational efficiency that have defined the restaurant’s success. The Executive Chef will oversee all facets of the BOH department, including managing kitchen staff, ensuring food consistency, optimizing kitchen workflow, and driving continual growth through data-informed decisions. Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Executive Chef will play a crucial role in profit and loss management, including labor cost control, inventory management, and ensuring the profitability and sustainability of kitchen operations.

This is a full-time position with competitive salary ranging from $60,000 to $70,000 annually, supplemented by profit-sharing opportunities based on performance. The ideal candidate will possess advanced culinary skills, strong administrative capabilities, and the interpersonal skills necessary to foster positive team morale. They should be adept at monitoring restaurant industry trends, identifying innovative culinary techniques, and leading by example during high-pressure situations.

The Executive Chef will be responsible for organizing all food preparation from start to finish while maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations. Their leadership will ensure that all kitchen staff operate within the set parameters, consistently delivering menu items that meet Petit & Keet’s exacting standards. Besides culinary expertise, the role demands strong management abilities to coordinate staff training, performance evaluation, and communication flow across the BOH and front-of-house departments.

If you have a passion for food, a commitment to excellence, and are ready to contribute to a prestigious dining destination like Petit & Keet, this opportunity will allow you to showcase your talents and grow your career in a vibrant and supportive environment. To apply, candidates should send their resumes to [email protected]. Join the team at Petit & Keet and help create memorable dining experiences that delight guests daily.