SOUS CHEF - SUENO - come live/work in Dayton!

The Idea Collective is a distinguished hospitality company based in Dayton, Ohio, known for its innovative and unique hospitality concepts. The company owns and operates several distinct dining establishments including Sueno, Tender Mercy, and Three Birds. Each venue offers a different experience, aiming to elevate Dayton's culinary scene through creativity, quality, and commitment to hospitality excellence. The Idea Collective prides itself on creating vibrant dining environments that blend exceptional food, inspired service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Being a significant contributor to the local culinary landscape, The Idea Collective continually looks for passionate individuals to join its team and help further its mission to provide memorable dining experiences through high standards and a collaborative work culture.

Sueno, one of the flagship restaurants under The Idea Collective's portfolio, stands out as Dayton's first contemporary Mexican Restaurant and Bar. Led by James Beard nominee Chef Jorge Guzman, Sueno offers a dynamic culinary journey centered on traditional techniques and innovative flavors. The restaurant highlights a scratch masa program featuring imported heirloom corn from Oaxaca, hand-crafted in-house, emphasizing authenticity and craftsmanship. Its kitchen is designed around an open concept with an impressive 8-foot centralized hearth that specializes in wood-fired proteins and produce, ensuring a captivating dining experience for guests.

Sueno is currently searching for a seasoned Chef to lead its kitchen and back of house operations. Offering an annual salary ranging between $46,000 and $52,000, depending on experience, this role presents a fantastic opportunity for culinary professionals seeking a new chapter in an emerging urban market. Dayton offers not only affordability and a high quality of life but also a growing creative culture and exciting urban development, making it an attractive place for chefs coming from larger cities like Cincinnati or Columbus seeking a fresh and energetic environment.

The ideal candidate for the Chef position is more than just an experienced cook; they are a dynamic leader, an inspiring mentor, and a passionate advocate of the culinary craft. This role demands the ability to lead a team of over 15 cooks alongside 2-3 sous chefs in management positions, requiring excellent communication and organizational skills. Candidates must demonstrate their capability in managing all kitchen systems including inventory, scheduling, prep lists, and ordering. Creativity and problem-solving skills are highly valued, as the role requires bringing new ideas to the table and developing innovative solutions to everyday challenges.

Leadership here is seen as a coaching role, guiding the team with patience and resilience even during high-pressure situations. The successful Chef will embrace the core spirit of hospitality, recognizing that the team exists not only to serve guests but also to support each other in collaborative success. Integrity, maturity, punctuality, and ownership of the kitchen's financial performance are integral aspects of the position. Reporting directly to the General Manager, this role involves working closely under mentorship to steer daily kitchen operations and uphold the high standards associated with Sueno's brand and culinary vision.

Overall, this is an excellent opportunity for a culinary professional ready to raise their personal and professional bar while contributing meaningfully to the growth of an innovative restaurant in a vibrant city. The Idea Collective fosters an environment where leadership, creativity, and dedication to hospitality are nurtured and rewarded, ensuring a fulfilling and impactful career path for the right candidate.