Cafe Head Chef
- Washington, DC
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
- DC Corporate Office
1200 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
Full Time
- Salary ($76k
- $96k)
Expires:
Jul 22, 2026 Be an early applicant
Required Years of Experience 3 years Job Details Tatte began in 2007 in a home kitchen with a passion for baking and the belief that well-crafted food has the power to bring people together. That spirit continues to guide us today. We are a design-forward bakery and café bringing together handcrafted food, exceptional coffee, warm hospitality, and beautiful spaces designed for gathering, connection, and everyday ritual. At our core, we are craftspeople. Chefs, bakers, baristas, and café teams united by a shared passion for excellence. We believe even the smallest details matter, because every dish, every cup of coffee, and every interaction is an opportunity to brighten someone's day.
WHY TATTE
We're looking for people who believe hospitality matters and share our mission: To Inspire, Care for, and Nurture Life. Every day. At Tatte, we believe craft is more than a skill. It's a way of caring. It's found in the details: a perfectly prepared dish, a thoughtfully crafted guest experience, and a team committed to excellence. We believe these small acts, repeated every day, have the power to make life a little richer and more meaningful. You'll join a team that takes pride in its work, supports one another, and is committed to learning and growth. We hold ourselves to high standards while creating an environment where people can develop their talents, build meaningful careers, and make an impact. As we continue to grow, so do the opportunities for our team. Whether you're exploring a new path or taking the next step in your career, you'll help create moments of inspiration, comfort, and connection for our guests each day. Because while we serve exceptional food, coffee, and pastries, we hope to create something more enduring: places where people feel welcomed, cared for, and inspired to return again and again.
THE ROLE
The Cafe Head Chef is responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations within the café and plays a critical role in the success and growth of the kitchen team. Cafe Head Chefs may supervise up to 25 team members, including Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, and Dishwashers. This role requires the ability to engage, inspire, and lead a strong team while maintaining operational excellence in a fast paced, high volume environment. Our Cafe Head Chefs work closely with both Front and Back of House teams to deliver exceptional food quality, consistency, and hospitality standards throughout the café. Successful Cafe Head Chefs are passionate about culinary excellence, thrive in fast paced kitchen environments, and are committed to developing strong teams while upholding Tatte's standards for quality, execution, and guest experience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead with professionalism, accountability, and strong kitchen leadership
Maintain high standards for food quality, consistency, cleanliness, and organization
Develop, coach, and support kitchen team members
Lead kitchen operations with efficiency and attention to detail
Uphold all food safety, sanitation, and operational standards
Live Tatte's core values and help support our mission
Have flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Run kitchen production and service according to established operational guidelines
Follow and enforce recipe, portioning, and presentation standards
Complete and utilize daily production worksheets and waste logs while monitoring food quality
Train kitchen staff in food preparation, safe handling, equipment operation, food safety, and sanitation standards
Establish and maintain cleaning and maintenance schedules for kitchen equipment, storage, and work areas
Maintain inventory levels within established guidelines while ensuring product availability
Follow company safety and sanitation policies and procedures
Participate in meetings, trainings, and professional development programs as needed
Support implementation and execution of seasonal menu changes
Other duties as assigned
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / WORKING CONDITIONS
Ability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
Ability to work 10+ hour shifts and stand, sit, squat, or walk for extended periods of time
Ability to grasp, reach overhead, push, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Required Minimum 3-5 years of progressive culinary or kitchen management experience, depending on formal education or training
Proven passion for culinary excellence and exceeding guest expectations
Strong operational knowledge and understanding of systems, methods, and processes that contribute to successful kitchen execution
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Highly organized with strong attention to detail
High school diploma or equivalent Preferred Hospitality Education
O.S. Degree in Culinary Arts or Culinary Certificate with required experience
Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Outlook
Previous experience working with UKG/UltiPro, Toast POS, CrunchTime, and TeamworX
ServSafe, Allergen, and ChokeSaver certifications
OUR BENEFITS & PERKS
Competitive Pay:
$76,000
- 96,000 annually, depending on experience
401(k) with company match
Parking benefit when applicable
Free employee assistance program services
Flexible schedules with no late nights
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid sick and vacation time
Hands on and classroom style training
Free meals and drinks
Exciting potential for growth Please note that we hire managers for the market, and while we strive to place them in cafés that are convenient to them, we do not guarantee placement at specific cafés.
Learn more about us at tattebakery.com Join us on our journey to create something special! Please note that Tatte is an E Verify employer.
Compensation Details Compensation:
Salary ($76,000.00
00)
Benefits & Perks:
Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Paid Time Off, 401k, Commuter Benefits, Dining Discounts, Wellness Program Required Skills Team Management Problem Solving Time Management Customer Service Adaptability Customer Service Orientation Creativity in Menu Development Mentoring