Resident Chef (Sur La Table)

Sur La Table is a well-established retail company specializing in premium-quality kitchen and table goods, reputed for offering an unparalleled avocational cooking program, which is the largest in the United States. With a network of over 58 stores, Sur La Table is dedicated not only to providing exclusive culinary products but also to delivering expert culinary knowledge and inspiration to its customers. The brand has cultivated a strong presence in the retail culinary sector by combining product excellence with immersive cooking experiences, making it a go-to destination for cooking enthusiasts across the country. The company’s multifaceted approach involves engaging customers directly in store through hands-on cooking classes and private events that foster an educated, enthusiastic culinary community. This interactive approach helps increase foot traffic and strengthens customer loyalty, reinforcing the company’s reputation as a leader in the culinary retail market.

The Resident Chef role at Sur La Table is critical to the store’s overall success and the customer experience. This position is designed for a culinary professional who thrives in a leadership capacity, managing and inspiring a team of culinary associates and retail staff. Serving as the face of Sur La Table in the kitchen and classroom environments, the Resident Chef is responsible for delivering engaging, educational cooking classes that excite and inspire customers to return. Beyond instructional skills, the role demands a strong business acumen to drive sales growth through strategic planning and execution of the culinary program in alignment with retail objectives.

As a Resident Chef, you lead efforts to recruit, mentor, and retain a high-performing culinary team while maintaining a positive, motivating store culture. Performance is measured through key performance indicators such as class sign-ups, retail product sales, and customer satisfaction metrics including Google reviews. This role offers the opportunity to blend culinary passion with tactical business insights, creating an environment where customers have outstanding culinary experiences and the store meets its sales goals.

The position includes responsibilities that extend beyond cooking and teaching, encompassing store operations, compliance with food safety and alcohol regulations, inventory management, and ensuring overall store cleanliness and safety. The Resident Chef must possess the ability to communicate effectively, lead by example, and handle the physical demands of the role including standing for extended periods and performing a range of kitchen techniques. This role requires flexibility with work schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays, and the capacity to teach multiple classes weekly.

Candidates must be 21 years or older and demonstrate a blend of culinary instruction experience, kitchen management expertise, and certifications such as a valid Food Manager Certification. A culinary degree is strongly preferred, considering exceptional equivalent experience in rare cases. Sur La Table promotes a diverse, inclusive workplace and offers equal employment opportunities.