Head Chef- San Diego

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

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
competitive salary
Employee Discounts
Retirement Plan
Career development opportunities

Job Description

Buona Forchetta is a beloved Italian restaurant located in San Diego, California, known for blending traditional Italian culinary practices with the vibrant soul of San Diego's food scene. Established in South Park, Buona Forchetta has grown into a family of trattorias that emphasize quality, community, and authenticity. The restaurant is widely celebrated for its Neapolitan-style pizza and housemade pasta, crafted with a commitment to excellence and fresh, high-quality ingredients. Buona Forchetta is an E-Verify employer offering full-time positions with competitive hourly wages ranging from $30 to $38 depending on experience.

The role of Head Chef at Buona Forchetta is a pivotal leadership position responsible for maintaining the highest standards of quality within the kitchen. This position demands a passionate culinary professional with at least 10 years of experience in high-volume kitchens and a deep respect for traditional Italian cuisine. The Head Chef will lead a dynamic team, manage kitchen operations including inventory control, supplier relations, and maintenance of kitchen equipment, and oversee the ghost kitchen operations to ensure consistency across all dining platforms. Working closely with the General Manager, the Head Chef will also handle staffing logistics, develop innovative seasonal menus, and foster a supportive kitchen culture that prioritizes teamwork and excellence. This role challenges the individual to combine culinary creativity with operational precision to deliver unforgettable dining experiences to every guest. Buona Forchetta values leaders who lead by example and place great importance on kitchen morale and guest satisfaction. Joining the Buona Forchetta family means becoming part of a community that values hard work, collaboration, and a genuine love for food, creating an environment where culinary professionals can thrive and grow.

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

  • 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
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills
  • Passion for traditional Italian cuisine

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)


Job Location

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