Executive Chef, Steakhouse

Yaamava Resort & Casino is a premier luxury resort destination located in the Inland Empire, renowned for its exceptional hospitality, entertainment, and culinary offerings. As part of the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians enterprise, Yaamava Resort & Casino upholds a strong commitment to excellence, cultural heritage, and community enrichment. The resort features a wide range of amenities including gaming, entertainment venues, luxury accommodations, and high-end dining experiences. It is recognized as a major private employer in the Inland Empire, fostering career growth, employee well-being, and community development. The Pines Modern Steakhouse serves as the flagship fine dining venue within the resort, celebrated for its contemporary approach to classic steakhouse fare and its aspiration to achieve accolades such as Michelin Guide recognition, Forbes Travel Guide distinction, AAA Five-Diamond status, and inclusion in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. This venue epitomizes luxury dining with an emphasis on premium ingredients, innovative menus, and guest-centric experiences.

The Executive Chef – Steakhouse role is a pivotal leadership position within Yaamava Resort & Casino, responsible for driving the culinary vision and operational excellence at The Pines Modern Steakhouse. Reporting directly to the VP of Culinary Operations, the Executive Chef oversees all aspects of kitchen management, culinary innovation, team development, and financial stewardship. This role demands a seasoned culinary professional with specialized expertise in steakhouse operations, including dry-aging, butchery, and premium meat sourcing. The Executive Chef will create and execute globally inspired seasonal menus that elevate the dining experience, collaborating closely with mixologists and sommeliers to curate exceptional pairing journeys that engage and delight guests.

The successful candidate will lead a high-performing culinary brigade in a luxury, high-volume environment, fostering a culture of continuous learning, creativity, and excellence. This role requires strategic planning, operational oversight, and adherence to stringent health, safety, and quality standards that meet or exceed AAA Five-Diamond and other fine dining criteria. The Executive Chef is also charged with managing budgets, controlling food and labor costs, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. By building strong vendor relationships and prioritizing sustainable and premium ingredient sourcing, this leader will maintain the kitchen’s reputation for quality and innovation.

In addition to culinary leadership, the Executive Chef will contribute to the resort’s reputation by engaging in media opportunities, industry events, and special culinary programming. The role requires adaptability to evolving hospitality trends and the ability to perform effectively under pressure. With responsibilities ranging from team mentorship and compliance to strategic culinary development and financial oversight, the Executive Chef will be instrumental in positioning The Pines Modern Steakhouse as a world-class destination for discerning diners.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic culinary professional to join Yaamava Resort & Casino and lead an elite team within a renowned hospitality enterprise. The position demands a blend of technical culinary skills, strategic leadership, and a passion for creating memorable, immersive dining experiences that align with the highest standards of luxury and innovation.