Pastry Chef - Uchi Salt Lake City (Come train with us!)

Hai Hospitality is a dynamic and innovative multi-concept restaurant group headquartered in Austin, Texas. Established with a focus on hospitality, creativity, and giving back, Hai Hospitality owns and operates several acclaimed restaurant concepts, including Uchi, Uchiko, Uchiba, and Loro. These establishments are renowned for their commitment to high culinary standards, vibrant culture, and a continuous learning environment, making them some of the most sought-after dining destinations in their markets. The group prides itself on fostering a culture where employees can thrive, advance their careers, and enjoy an engaging, fun workplace atmosphere.

As a growing organization, Hai Hospitality is excited to announce the upcoming launch of Uchi Salt Lake City, a new flagship venue that promises to build on the company’s legacy of innovation and exceptional food experiences. To support this expansion, Hai Hospitality is seeking an experienced Pastry Sous Chef to join the opening team at Uchi Salt Lake City. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to be part of a high-energy, award-winning culinary team while contributing your expertise to shape the dessert program in a vibrant new market. The position offers an annual salary ranging from $75,000 to $80,000, commensurate with experience, reflecting the importance Hai Hospitality places on skilled leadership and culinary craft.

The Pastry Sous Chef will play a critical role within the kitchen hierarchy, working alongside culinary leadership to maintain the highest standards in a high-volume, scratch kitchen environment. This role is not only about producing exquisite desserts but also about mentoring and developing a dedicated pastry team that thrives on creativity and excellence. You will be responsible for crafting innovative pastry menus that align with Hai Hospitality’s culinary vision, catering both to daily service demands and special events, including off-site catering projects. Collaboration is key, as you will work closely with the broader culinary leadership team to ensure smooth kitchen operations and a cohesive guest experience.

Candidates should be prepared for an immersive onboarding process that involves temporary relocation to one of the existing Uchi locations, such as Austin, Denver, Scottsdale, or West Hollywood, for paid training. Travel and lodging expenses during this period will be covered, giving candidates a chance to fully immerse themselves in the company’s values, standards, and techniques prior to the Salt Lake City opening. This commitment to comprehensive training underscores Hai Hospitality’s dedication to quality and professional development.

The ideal applicant will have experience working in fast-paced, high-volume scratch kitchens and possess at least one year of culinary leadership or management experience. A passion for exceptional food, innovation in hospitality, and the ability to provide constructive feedback and develop team members are essential traits for success. The ability to celebrate team achievements enthusiastically while demonstrating a strong work ethic will also be critical in fostering a positive and productive kitchen environment.

Working at Hai Hospitality offers many benefits that enhance overall quality of life and career satisfaction. These include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and accident insurance options, an Employee Assistance Program providing mental health services, employer-matched 401k savings plan, dining discounts, paid vacation, maternity and paternity leave, and flexible family contribution options toward medical premiums. The company’s strong culture of promotion from within means that committed team members have ample opportunity for career advancement.

Hai Hospitality values diversity and inclusion, seeking to provide an equitable work environment for all employees. The group also complies with federal employment regulations, including E-Verify participation at certain locations, ensuring lawful and fair hiring practices. If you are passionate about pastry arts, skilled in leadership, and eager to be part of an award-winning team, Hai Hospitality encourages you to consider this exciting opportunity to contribute to the success of Uchi Salt Lake City and the broader restaurant family.