Head Chef- Orange County

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $30.00 - $38.00
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Work Schedule

Flexible
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Benefits

competitive salary
Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Employee Discounts
supportive work environment

Job Description

Buona Forchetta is a cherished Italian restaurant located in Orange County, California, known for its dedication to blending traditional Italian culinary art with the vibrant spirit of San Diego. This restaurant has earned a reputation for serving authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas and housemade pastas that delight both locals and visitors alike. Buona Forchetta takes pride in not just the quality of its dishes but in creating an environment filled with joy and community, something that resonates strongly through its family-oriented approach and commitment to consistency and excellence in every meal served. Founded with a vision to bring genuine Italian flavors to the American palate, Buona Forchetta has successfully grown from a single location in South Park to a beloved group of trattorias that continue to attract food lovers seeking an authentic Italian dining experience. Their mission extends beyond just serving food; it's about building relationships with guests and providing an unforgettable culinary journey.

We are currently seeking a Head Chef to join the Buona Forchetta family full-time in Orange County, CA. This role is ideal for a passionate and experienced culinary leader who shares our respect for tradition and enthusiasm for innovation. The Head Chef will be instrumental in leading high-volume kitchen operations with heart, precision, and creativity. This position offers a competitive hourly wage of $30 to $38, commensurate with experience, and is an E-Verify employer, reflecting our commitment to legal and ethical hiring standards. As the Head Chef, you will oversee all aspects of the kitchen, ensuring that operations meet the highest standards of quality, hygiene, and cleanliness. You will be responsible for maintaining inventory control, managing supplier relationships, and overseeing the ghost kitchen operations to guarantee consistency in off-site orders. A significant part of the role involves collaborating with the General Manager on staffing decisions, scheduling, and maintaining a motivated, efficient kitchen team. The Head Chef will also focus on culinary innovation by developing new seasonal dishes that align with Buona Forchetta's vision while fostering a supportive, team-oriented kitchen culture. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a kitchen at one of San Diego’s most beloved Italian restaurants and to contribute meaningfully to the Buona Forchetta legacy by delivering an unforgettable dining experience to every guest.

Job Requirements

  • Minimum 10 years experience as a chef in high-volume restaurants
  • Proven leadership and team management skills
  • Strong understanding of inventory, ordering, and kitchen equipment maintenance
  • Experience developing seasonal menus and new recipes within brand guidelines
  • Familiarity with ghost kitchen models a plus
  • E-verify participation required

Job Qualifications

  • Proven leadership and team management skills
  • Experience in developing seasonal menus and new recipes within brand guidelines
  • Strong understanding of inventory, ordering, and kitchen equipment maintenance
  • Familiarity with ghost kitchen models a plus
  • Minimum 10 years of experience as a Chef in high-volume restaurants
  • Passion for Italian cuisine and culinary creativity

Job Duties

  • Ensure all kitchen operations meet Buona Forchetta's high standards of quality, hygiene, and cleanliness
  • Manage inventory, control stock levels, and handle supplier relationships to ensure top-quality ingredients
  • Oversee our ghost kitchen operations and ensure consistency in off-site orders
  • Maintain kitchen equipment and coordinate necessary repairs
  • Collaborate with the General Manager on staffing issues, including attendance, scheduling, and disciplinary actions
  • Develop new dishes in line with Buona Forchetta's culinary vision
  • Create and manage weekly kitchen schedules tailored to seasonal restaurant needs
  • Lead by example and foster a supportive, team-focused kitchen culture
  • Ensure guests enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience, every time

Job Criteria

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)


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