Head Chef

Knoxville, TN, USA|

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $47,700.00 - $71,600.00

Benefits

Paid Vacations

time off for most holidays

401K with company match

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Pet insurance

Job Description

Upper Crust Food Service is a distinguished company dedicated to providing fresh, high-quality meals tailored specifically for sororities and fraternities nationwide. Founded with a clear mission to bring consistency and professionalism to fraternity and sorority kitchens, Upper Crust Food Service has become a trusted name in the hospitality and food service industry. Known for their exceptional freshness, quality, variety, and outstanding customer service, the company delivers tens of thousands of meals each week to college students across the country. Their commitment to excellence ensures that every meal is crafted with care, meeting the highest standards in taste and presentation while supporting the dynamic lifestyle of Greek life.

The company values the essential role its staff play in delivering fresh, healthy food, emphasizing a unique work-life balance with minimal late nights and weekend hours, which is uncommon in the hospitality sector. This approach highlights Upper Crust’s commitment not only to food quality but also to employee well-being.

The Head Chef role at Upper Crust Food Service is pivotal, tasked with creating, planning, and executing from-scratch weekly menus that receive input from both clients and management. This role demands a classically trained chef who is passionate about cooking and driven by a dedication to quality food preparation and excellent customer experiences. Head Chefs lead their kitchen teams by directing food preparation, maintaining rigorous sanitation and safety standards, managing kitchen staff and their schedules, and ensuring that all operations uphold the company’s core values and positive culture.

This position also involves regular communication with management and customers to guarantee satisfaction with meal quality and service. Head Chefs are essential in maintaining a professional and inviting kitchen environment, fostering teamwork, and contributing to special events as needed. The role requires culinary creativity coupled with operational discipline to manage supplies, adhere to budgetary constraints, and comply with local and state health regulations.

Upper Crust offers competitive benefits, including paid vacations, time off for most holidays, health, dental, vision, and pet insurance, and a 401K plan with company match. The company promotes an inclusive and equal employment opportunity environment, ensuring a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. If you are enthusiastic about pioneering fresh Greek life food and aspire to work in a supportive, professional kitchen environment, this head chef opportunity offers a rewarding career path with growth potential and competitive rewards.

Job Requirements

3+ years in professional, high-volume food production or catering or equivalent education and/or experience
Ability to pass a background check
Must hold or obtain valid manager level sanitation certification within 30 days of employment

Job Qualifications

Ability to work well as part of a team
Understand, remember, and apply oral and/or written instructions
Deal with challenging customers professionally
Demonstrate proficiency in various cooking methods, cuisines, ingredients, equipment, and procedures
Commit to a professional appearance and positive attitude
Maintain excellent record of kitchen and staff management
Show accuracy and speed in handling emergency situations and providing solutions
Be familiar with industry best practices
3+ years in professional, high-volume food production or catering or relevant education and/or experience
Ability to pass a background check
Culinary degree is a plus
Must hold or obtain valid manager level sanitation certification within 30 days of employment

Job Duties

Prepare, design, and execute menus
Hold menu meetings with chapter clients
Create high-quality meals with excellent presentation and flavor
Send photos of meal presentations to management regularly
Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen and dining room
Wash kitchen utensils, equipment, and dishes
Ensure kitchen operates timely
Oversee and train kitchen staff, manage schedules, assess performance with management's approval
Order supplies in line with budget and stock inventory
Enforce sanitation and food safety standards per local and state regulations
Maintain professional and positive attitude with coworkers and customers
Assist in planning and executing special events as directed by management
Communicate regularly with management via calls, emails, and texts
Ensure compliance with all policies among staff