Executive Chef

Job Summary

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is opening a new restaurant in collaboration with Chef Rita Sodi and Chef Jody Williams, known for their distinctive approach to Italian cooking. This role offers the opportunity to lead a chef-driven concept within one of the world’s most iconic cultural institutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute and uphold the culinary vision established in collaboration with Chef Rita Sodi and Chef Jody Williams, ensuring consistency, integrity, and excellence
• Lead menu development and seasonal updates that reflect the restaurant’s philosophy while meeting the needs of a diverse audience
• Ensure high standards of flavor, technique, and presentation across all services
• Balance creativity with approachability, honoring the context of a museum setting
• Build, mentor, and lead a diverse culinary team, fostering an inclusive and respectful kitchen culture
• Create clear systems for training, feedback, and professional growth
• Support a collaborative environment where chefs at all levels feel valued and invested
• Work with Restaurant Associates leadership on recruiting, onboarding, and talent development
• Oversee all back-of-house operations, including ordering, inventory, scheduling, food safety, and sanitation
• Manage food and labor costs responsibly while protecting quality and team experience
• Implement systems that support consistency, efficiency, and sustainability
• Ensure compliance with all organizational, local, and state standards
• Work closely with front-of-house leadership to deliver a seamless, hospitality-driven guest experience
• Collaborate with all stakeholders and museum partners to align culinary operations with goals
• Serve as a thoughtful ambassador for the restaurant and its values

What We’re Looking For

• Experience leading chef-driven restaurants or high-profile culinary programs
• A cooking style rooted in technique, restraint, and respect for ingredients
• Comfort operating in dynamic, public-facing environments
• A collaborative leadership approach that values communication, mentorship, and inclusion
• Operational fluency and the ability to balance creativity with structure
• A steady, engaged presence in the kitchen and across the restaurant
• Experience opening new restaurants or leading established concepts through growth
• Familiarity with Italian or European-influenced cuisine
• Background working within cultural institutions, destination dining, or hospitality groups
• Interest in the intersection of food, art, and public space

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retailer Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commute Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Contact Information

Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USA
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: here.

Associates at Restaurant Associates are offered many fantastic benefits.

For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here for paid time off benefits information.

Req ID: 1544186

Restaurant Associates

Michael Abbey