Executive Chef - Piatti Laguna Beach

We're building a team to launch our newest location and are seeking passionate individuals to join us, starting with BOH & FOH leadership, who are eager to champion our brand and shape an exceptional dining experience. For our General Manager and Executive Chef positions, we seek candidates with strong expertise in restaurant financial management, including the ability to analyze profit and loss statements. At Piatti, we value positivity, passion, and a commitment to creating memorable moments for our guests.

The ideal candidate has experience in Italian cuisine including knowledge of cooking techniques and preparation, knowledge of banquet operations, budget management and cost control as well as proficiency in food safety and hygiene. Leadership experience is key with 5+ years as either a CDC or Executive Chef supervising a team of food preparation staff, with the ability to teach and motivate your team. Teamwork is crucial to our company culture and a core aspect of this leadership position.

A LITTLE ABOUT US

Established in 1987, Piatti is a fresh take on the neighborhood Italian trattoria offering Italian cuisine, finely-crafted, with authenticity. The soul of the menu is our house-made pasta that we roll, cut and cook by hand everyday. Piatti combines a warm, inviting atmosphere, seamless service and gourmet takeaway experience with Piatti Provisions; a new retail and pasta shop. Whether dining in or taking home, Piatti brings friends and family together.

​WHAT WOULD YOU DO AS EXECUTIVE CHEF?

The Executive Chef is responsible for the daily operations of the kitchen. They are responsible for both short- and long-range planning including the development and execution of new menus and pricing, equipment, and budget planning, cost control, and profit contribution to the restaurant/hotel. They have overall responsibility for the day to day activities in the kitchen and for maintaining complete control of the kitchen at all times and to command the respect of the kitchen staff. The Executive Chef directly supervises kitchen staff with responsibility for hiring, inspiring, coaching, and performance management. They are responsible for maintaining food safety, sanitary and safety standards in the workplace. They will work hand-in-hand with the General Manager to focus on the vision of the restaurant. In this leadership role, the Executive Chef serves as a role model and mentor to the kitchen staff and must maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times.

ARE YOU THE EXECUTIVE CHEF WE'RE LOOKING FOR?

To be successful in the Executive Chef role at our restaurant, several key skills are necessary. First and foremost, strong communication skills are essential. Remaining calm under pressure and making sound decisions quickly is crucial in the fast-paced kitchen environment. You should possess excellent problem-solving skills and good judgment to analyze and resolve any issues that may arise during service. Detail orientation is important to ensure that all dishes are prepared with precision and adhere to our quality standards.

Being able to work closely with vendors and front-of-house staff is necessary, as is the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively. As Executive Chef, you will work in a collaborative team environment, so being a team player and providing support to your colleagues is crucial. Flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to lend a helping hand are all qualities we value.​ Basic computer skills are required to navigate recipe systems, order supplies, and complete administrative tasks. Additionally, the ability to perform basic mathematical calculations is important for portioning ingredients and managing inventory.

Piatti is a division of Palisades Hospitality, a Northern-California based bespoke hospitality management company that manages and develops a curated portfolio of 20+ hotels and restaurants and provides industry-tailored financial, design and development consulting services. Palisades is committed to creating design-driven, dynamic spaces thoughtfully rooted in their locale and that leave a lasting impact on our guests and in their communities.

Palisades Hospitality offers the following benefits for eligible full time employees:

Health: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Legal, Transportation,

Retirement: 401k Retirement savings program is available for all full and part time employees over the age of 18

Perks: All employees are eligible to enjoy a Travel + Dining Discount to stay and dine at sister locations. Employees celebrating years of service are recognized with a bonus award for milestone years