Restaurant Executive Chef

Stella Van Buren is an upscale Italian American Steakhouse located within the prestigious Westin Milwaukee hotel, situated in downtown Milwaukee. This restaurant offers guests a sophisticated dining experience featuring expertly crafted dishes with a focus on Italian and American steakhouse cuisine. As part of White Lodging, a company known for developing and operating a portfolio of award-winning, premium-brand hotels, rooftop bars, and restaurants across some of the country’s most vibrant cities, Stella Van Buren reflects a high standard of hospitality, culinary excellence, and guest satisfaction. White Lodging prides itself on fostering an environment where employees can thrive personally and professionally, placing strong emphasis on hospitality as the essence of hospitality business success.

The role of Restaurant Executive Chef at Stella Van Buren is a pivotal leadership position responsible for overseeing the entire culinary operation of this renowned outlet. This position requires a professional who is highly trained and experienced in managing daily operations of an upscale dining establishment. The Executive Chef works collaboratively with the General Manager to ensure all aspects of the kitchen and food service meet the restaurant’s standards for quality, consistency, and profitability. This includes menu conceptualization and development, recipe creation, inventory control, staff management, and compliance with health and safety regulations.

The Executive Chef role involves strategic financial management to meet and exceed budget goals related to culinary operations, including controlling costs associated with food, labor, and overhead. Additionally, this individual is responsible for maintaining compliance with all relevant local health department regulations, corporate HACCP standards, food safety standard operating procedures, and federal guidelines. The role also requires the Executive Chef to build and manage the kitchen brigade, appropriately assigning stations following White Lodging’s standard operating procedures and directives.

As a Subject Matter Expert, the Restaurant Executive Chef not only leads the culinary team with strong interpersonal and communication skills but also serves as a key resource for food handling, preparation, and presentation knowledge. Effective leadership in this role involves implementing a positive kitchen culture, managing stress levels within kitchen operations, and employing strategic workplace planning to ensure efficient and smooth service.

This full-time role offers competitive compensation and benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance from day one, paid parental leave, vacation with rollover, tuition reimbursement, unlimited referral bonuses, and a 401(k) plan with company match. Additional perks include complimentary wellness tools, leadership development opportunities, and discounts on hotel stays, dining, and travel within the White Lodging portfolio. Stella Van Buren and White Lodging are committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and supportive work environment, aiming to attract and retain talented associates passionate about hospitality. This position is ideal for culinary professionals seeking to advance their careers in a vibrant, upscale setting while contributing to a dynamic team that values quality, innovation, and guest experience.