Chanticleer Inn Culinary Team Leader

Description

Crafting Comfort Through Cuisine

At the Chanticleer Inn, the day begins with the warm scent of locally roasted coffee and fresh ingredients sizzling in the kitchen—where hospitality and culinary excellence meet. As the Culinary Team Leader, you won’t just cook—you’ll set the tone for each guest’s day. From elegant breakfasts to thoughtful evening bites, you’ll lead the charge in creating moments of comfort, delight, and discovery through food.

This is more than a kitchen job—it’s a leadership opportunity where food becomes part of the storytelling. Whether you're prepping a seasonal frittata, supporting a team member learning the ropes, or brainstorming a new amenity with the Director of Lodging, your impact is felt in every detail.

If you're someone who loves early mornings, beautiful plating, a well-organized kitchen, and being part of a small team with high standards, this may be your perfect fit.

What You’ll Do

• Lead with Care: Provide warm, professional service to guests and fellow team members. You set the tone for what excellence looks like—through your food and your attitude.
• Set the Table for Each Day: Prepare and execute a refined breakfast service with a focus on quality, seasonality, and consistency. In the afternoons and evenings, support refreshment offerings and light fare that reflects our boutique atmosphere.
• Train and Support: Guide Guest Services team members in kitchen operations—offering mentorship, structure, and encouragement to help them succeed.
• Stay Guest-Focused: Think ahead and personalize wherever possible. Whether it's remembering a guest’s preference or adding a thoughtful touch to a dish, your awareness and care make a difference.
• Keep It Clean and Safe: Maintain a kitchen that meets health standards every day—not just for inspections. You’ll log temps, monitor storage, and ensure everything is organized and ready to go.
• Create and Collaborate: Work with the Director of Lodging to update menus, plan seasonal items, and elevate the culinary experience for special packages or events.
• Inventory & Sourcing: Monitor stock levels, coordinate orders, and source ingredients that balance quality with sustainability and cost. Track food cost and usage with precision.
• Adapt and Assist: Step into other areas as needed—flexibility and teamwork are key parts of this small, tight-knit crew.
• Be a Calm, Reliable Presence: Whether you’re in the kitchen alone or with others, your steady presence helps keep things moving smoothly, efficiently, and safely.

Requirements

What You Bring

• Culinary Experience: Prior experience in a lead cook or culinary leadership role is required. Background in boutique lodging or breakfast service is a plus.
• Kitchen Know-How: You’re confident in recipe execution, food safety, prep planning, and plating standards. Serve Safe certification (or willingness to obtain) is needed.
• Leadership Style: You’re approachable, supportive, and can communicate expectations clearly. You give feedback constructively and listen well.
• Strong Work Ethic: You show up ready to lead, learn, and do your part—even if it means helping with dishes or a last-minute prep list.
• Attention to Detail: You care deeply about presentation, cleanliness, and the guest experience—from plate to prep station.
• Team Player: You thrive in small-team environments where collaboration is essential and roles often overlap.
• Physical Readiness: You’re able to stand for long periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and move easily in and out of a busy kitchen space.
• Flexible Schedule: Availability for early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional special events is a must.

Why This Role Matters

At Chanticleer, meals aren’t just part of the stay—they’re part of the memory. As Culinary Team Leader, you’ll help create a sense of home, comfort, and care through thoughtful dishes and a well-run kitchen. Your leadership will influence not just what’s on the plate, but how guests feel when they sit down to enjoy it.

This role is for someone who loves mornings, values precision, leads with kindness, and believes that great food—and great teams—make all the difference.