Executive Chef | Upscale Casual Dining

We are a rapidly growing upscale casual restaurant group based in Charlotte, North Carolina, known for delivering exceptional dining experiences through scratch kitchens and high-quality culinary craftsmanship. Our brand is built on a foundation of consistent food quality, operational excellence, and a people-focused approach to leadership and team development. With several restaurants opening annually, we foster a culture that prioritizes internal promotion and career advancement, supporting our team members' long-term professional growth within a thriving and dynamic culinary environment.

Currently, we seek an experienced Executive Chef to join our established leadership team in Charlotte with the unique opportunity to relocate in Spring 2027 to Wilmington, North Carolina, where a brand-new restaurant will be opening. This role is perfect for a motivated culinary leader who is passionate about developing people, managing high-performing teams, and excelling in a scratch-kitchen setting. The ideal Executive Chef will have a strong background in upscale casual dining concepts, a proven record of leadership in high-volume full-service restaurants, and an unwavering commitment to quality, consistency, and operational standards.

In this position, the Executive Chef will lead all back-of-house operations, ensuring that every dish maintains our brand’s high standards of food quality and presentation. You will be responsible for mentoring culinary team members to help them grow in their careers while cultivating a positive, accountable, and team-oriented kitchen culture. From controlling labor and food costs to scheduling and purchasing, you will play a critical role in managing kitchen operations efficiently while adhering to all safety, sanitation, and allergy protocols.

This role not only provides the opportunity to lead a successful Nashville-based restaurant but also to directly influence the opening and operational success of a new location in Wilmington. The position offers a competitive base salary of $85,000 to $90,000 plus an annual bonus, reflecting the value we place on strong leadership and culinary expertise. Additional benefits include medical coverage, paid time off, relocation assistance for the move to Wilmington, structured leadership training, and clear pathways for future advancement within the organization.

We are searching for a hands-on leader with excellent communication and organizational skills who can balance the demands of a fast-paced kitchen with the precision needed to maintain exceptional food standards. Candidates with stable employment histories demonstrating progressive responsibility in executive culinary roles will thrive here. Those coming from upscale casual or polished casual dining backgrounds with experience in chef-driven concepts and strong operating systems will find this role aligns well with their expertise.

Our growing organization is committed to building strong, empowered culinary teams that drive operational excellence and memorable dining experiences. If you are an Executive Chef eager to develop talent, build culture, and lead high-performing scratch kitchens, this is an exciting opportunity to join a respected restaurant group that values leadership, growth, and culinary innovation.