Head Chef

Thunderbolt is a vibrant neighborhood cocktail bar located at the intersections of Historic Filipinotown, Echo Park, and Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA). This establishment is known for its inviting atmosphere, Southern-inspired food, and an extensive selection of cocktails, including an impressive array of Madeira on its backbar. The bar blends the warmth and charm of the American South with a contemporary twist, creating a unique dining and drinking experience that attracts a diverse clientele. Thunderbolt prides itself on its welcoming smiles and exceptional service, making it not just a place to enjoy drinks and food but a community gathering spot with a distinct cultural flavor.

Thunderbolt is currently seeking a Head Chef to join its dynamic team. As the culinary leader, the Head Chef will have a pivotal role in driving the success of all kitchen operations. This leadership position requires a balance of creativity and operational expertise, where the chef will own all aspects of menu development, food quality, kitchen systems, labor management, and financial performance. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring every dish meets the highest standards of taste, presentation, and consistency in every service—from brunch and lunch to dinner, late night, and specials. This role demands a disciplined approach, strong leadership skills, and the ability to work efficiently during both high-volume service periods and day-to-day kitchen operations.

The Head Chef will lead the development and maintenance of food menus that reflect the Southern-inspired concept while considering seasonality and operational feasibility. This includes creating new dishes, testing recipes, and standardizing preparation and plating guidelines. The chef will manage inventory, ordering, vendor relationships, cost control, and compliance with health and safety standards. Additionally, the role involves building a motivated and high-performing kitchen team by hiring, training, and coaching culinary staff and enforcing a culture of professionalism, urgency, teamwork, and respect.

This position reports to the Director and General Manager, requiring collaboration to align culinary and operational goals and to contribute to financial reviews. The Head Chef will also oversee kitchen cleanliness, maintenance, and BOH organization, ensuring operational discipline with thorough closing and reset procedures. Thunderbolt offers a vibrant work environment where creativity and leadership are valued, and the culinary team is an integral part of the bar's success and reputation.