Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager

About Us

Smoke on the Water isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a destination. Whether it’s locals boating in for a meal, families gathering for a special occasion, or live music setting the stage for a perfect night out, we deliver an atmosphere where strangers become friends and friends become family. Our food is as much about the experience as it is about the ingredients—fresh, high-quality, and crafted with care.

About the Role

As our Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager you’ll take the reins of our culinary program, leading a talented kitchen team to maintain the highest standards of quality, consistency, and creativity. You’ll have the opportunity to design specials, develop new menu items, and put your personal stamp on a beloved local favorite. Your expertise will ensure smooth operations, cost management, and an efficient, high-energy kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Lead & Inspire – Manage and mentor a hardworking kitchen team, fostering a culture of teamwork, efficiency, and passion for great food.
• Menu & Culinary Creativity – Oversee menu execution, develop innovative daily specials, and ensure top-notch quality in every dish.
• Scratch-Made Excellence – Maintain high standards in our scratch kitchen, ensuring adherence to recipes, prep lists, and proper smoking techniques. (If you’re new to smoking, we’ll train you!)
• Operations & Cost Control – Manage food costs, inventory, ordering, and waste reduction to ensure efficiency and profitability.
• Scheduling & Staffing – Create effective schedules that align with business needs and maintain labor budgets.
• Catering & Special Events – Lead kitchen operations for our private events and special occasions, delivering an unforgettable experience for guests.
• Team Player – Willing to work alongside teammates in the kitchen when needed.
• Lake Vibes & Customer Satisfaction – Work closely with the front-of-house team to ensure seamless service, happy guests, and a kitchen that thrives in our lively, high-energy atmosphere.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience leading a full-service kitchen.
• ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Passion for scratch-made food and high-quality ingredients.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality and consistency.
• Knowledge of food costing, inventory management, and scheduling.
• Experience with smoked meats, BBQ, and catering is a plus—but if you’re a great chef willing to learn, we’ll train you!

Benefits

• Competitive Pay – Based on experience, skills, and past results.
• Work-Life Balance – Flexible scheduling in a fun, supportive environment.
• Creative Freedom – The chance to create and execute your own culinary vision.
• A Beautiful Workplace – Enjoy coming to work every day at a lakeside gem, surrounded by great people and great food.
• Free Meals & Perks – Because every great chef deserves a great meal!
• Growth Potential – Be part of a growing, community-loved restaurant with room to evolve your career.

Pay

$65-80,000 Plus bonuses