Restaurant Executive Chef - Yacht Club

White Lodging is a renowned hospitality company that develops and operates a diverse portfolio of premium hotels, rooftop bars, and restaurants in some of the most dynamic cities across the United States. Known for their commitment to creating memorable guest experiences, White Lodging prides itself on delivering exceptional service and quality, making hospitality not just a business but a way to make people feel special. Their properties are known for their unique character and vibrant atmosphere, tailored to the local culture and community. One of their exciting projects is the upcoming Hotel Trinity, Autograph Collection, set to open in 2026 in the heart of downtown Austin, Texas. This luxury boutique hotel will feature 258 rooms and is strategically located at the corner of Trinity and Fifth Streets, adjacent to the historic 6th Street entertainment district and iconic venues such as Antone's. As the only Marriott Autograph Collection hotel in Austin's city center, Hotel Trinity aims to set new standards for luxury and hospitality in the area.

Yacht Club is slated to be the signature fine dining seafood restaurant at Hotel Trinity, anchoring the ground floor with a sophisticated yet approachable coastal dining experience. The restaurant will offer a high-quality seafood and oyster bar experience, complemented by thoughtful steakhouse selections, seasonal menus, and an elevated wine and beverage program. Designed to attract both locals and hotel guests, Yacht Club will combine polished, attentive service with a lively and social atmosphere, creating one of the most exciting new upscale seafood destinations in downtown Austin.

The Executive Chef role at Yacht Club is a rare pre-opening opportunity to lead the culinary program from its inception. This position comes with a starting salary of $95,000 and offers the chance to build your own kitchen team, shape the restaurant's menu identity, and establish the culinary standards that will define the Yacht Club dining experience. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in fine dining and hotel restaurant leadership, particularly within seafood-forward cuisine and coastal culinary traditions. This leadership role requires a visionary mindset to innovate and inspire, combined with hands-on culinary expertise to ensure operational excellence and superior guest satisfaction.

As Executive Chef, you will oversee all culinary operations, including recipe execution, menu development, financial management, staffing, and regulatory compliance. You will set the standard for food safety and quality in all kitchen activities and lead the culinary team through effective coaching, mentoring, and development strategies. Collaboration will be key, as you will work closely with Sales & Marketing, Event Management, front-of-house leadership, hotel departments, owners, business partners, and vendors to ensure a seamless and successful operation.

This position offers a unique career advancement opportunity for executive or senior sous chefs eager to step into a leadership role in a prestigious new dining venue within Austin's vibrant downtown hospitality scene. If you have a passion for coastal cuisine, a track record of culinary leadership, and a desire to build something from the ground up, Yacht Club is the perfect place to bring your culinary vision to life.