Job Description

Job Description

Executive Chef - Keefer House Hotel Downtown Hillsdale, MI

Soon to open Red Room Restaurant

Exclusive Search By Harper Associates

Looking for Executive Chef with roots to Michigan!

Video for Keefer House Executive Chef Search – Hillsdale, MI

Hillsdale, MI offers family-friendly activities such as boating and fishing on Lake Baw Beese, enjoying Sandy Beach, and biking the Baw Beese Trail. The area is known for its historic downtown and provides numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, making it a charming and accessible location for families looking for a combination of community life and natural amenities. The city is also home to Hillsdale College, which features public lectures and cultural events, and the historic Hillsdale County Fairgrounds. Hillsdale is situated in southern Michigan, approximately 90 miles west of Detroit.

Job Summary:

The Chef & B for The Red Room at The Keefer House Hotel will play a pivotal role in ensuring the restaurant's successful pre-opening and ongoing operations. This includes overseeing kitchen operations, maintaining exceptional food quality and presentation, managing the restaurant’s front of house staff and delivering a memorable dining experience. From hiring and training staff to menu development, cost management, and equipment procurement, this role requires a creative and organized leader to set the standard for excellence.

Restaurant Overview:

This is a new restaurant located within a boutique hotel. The primary dining room has 45 seats with an overflow flex space for private dinning or additional table service for approximately another 20 – 30 seats. The restaurant has a lobby bar adjacent to the main dining room with another 12 seats. The overall approach will be a high-touch feel.

Pre-Opening Duties:

• Collaborate with the GM and third-party management company to develop and execute a comprehensive pre-opening strategy.
• Assist in the selection and procurement of kitchen equipment, small wares, and supplies.
• Recruit, hire, and train a top-tier culinary and service team to align with the restaurant’s vision and standards.
• Develop and test menus, incorporating innovative dishes and locally sourced ingredients while ensuring accurate pricing and food costing.
• Establish operational procedures, including inventory management systems, safety protocols, and quality control standards.

Ongoing Duties & Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring high standards in food preparation, cooking, plating, and service.
• Lead and inspire the front of house and culinary team, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.
• Optimize workflow and kitchen efficiency, implementing systems for inventory, ordering, and cost control.
• Monitor food quality, presentation, and freshness, addressing any inconsistencies promptly.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations to maintain a safe, clean work environment.
• Collaborate with front-of-house management to deliver a seamless dining experience and address guest feedback.
• Keep up with industry trends to enhance the culinary program and maintain the restaurant’s competitive edge.
• Plan and execute catering and banquet events for the hotel with precision and creativity.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Sous Chef in an upscale or high-volume restaurant environment.
• Expertise in menu creation, costing, and seasonal menu development.
• Highly skilled in front of house restaurant management.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training preferred.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills with a focus on fostering an inclusive and supportive culture.
• Advanced understanding of cooking techniques, food preparation, and kitchen operations.
• Knowledge of food safety standards, inventory control, and cost management strategies.
• Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• A passion for culinary innovation, high-quality food, and exceptional service.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to liaise between the kitchen team, management, and front-of-house staff.

Why Join Us?

At Red Room (located within the soon-to-open Keefer Hotel), you’ll have the unique opportunity to shape a new dining experience within a historic hotel. This is a hands-on leadership role where your creativity, expertise, and vision will leave a lasting impression on guests and the local culinary scene.

Excellent benefit package, and work/life balance.

Please email resume to Ben Schwartz: ben@harperjobs.com

Ben Schwartz | President | Harper Associates

Direct: (248) 737-0431 | Fax (888) 737-8525

ben@harperjobs.com |

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