Chef de Cuisine

Prato - Bethesda

7278 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814

Full Time

• Salary ($70k - $90k)

Expires:

Oct 26, 2026 Be an early applicant

Required Years of Experience 4 years Job Details Overview We are excited to announce the opening of a brand-new restaurant and are seeking a dynamic and passionate Chef de Cuisine to lead our culinary team. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to shape the culinary vision of our establishment, ensuring exceptional food quality, innovative menu development, and outstanding guest experiences. As the culinary leader, you will oversee all kitchen operations, foster a vibrant team environment, and uphold the highest standards of food safety and sanitation. Your expertise will drive the success of our restaurant from its inception and beyond, creating memorable dining experiences that reflect our commitment to excellence. Duties Lead the development and execution of innovative menus that highlight culinary creativity while maintaining consistency and quality.

Supervise daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and presentation to ensure standards are met.

Manage inventory control and food production processes to optimize costs, reduce waste, and ensure timely delivery of dishes.

Oversee food safety sanitizing procedures, ensuring compliance with all health regulations and safety standards.

Coordinate with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service delivery and exceptional guest satisfaction.

Recruit, train, and supervise kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative team environment focused on continuous improvement.

Implement shift management strategies to maintain efficiency during busy service periods and special events such as banquets or catering functions.

Oversee catering operations and banquet services, ensuring high-quality food presentation for large groups or special occasions.

Maintain detailed records related to food handling, inventory management, cost control, and sanitation practices.

Collaborate with management on menu planning, pricing strategies, and overall restaurant branding initiatives. Qualifications Proven experience as a Chef de Cuisine or Executive Chef in fine dining environments with a strong track record of successful restaurant management.

Extensive culinary experience including food preparation, cooking techniques, and menu development within the food industry.

Demonstrated supervisory skills with experience managing teams in fast-paced kitchen settings.

Strong knowledge of food safety sanitizing procedures and health regulations applicable to restaurant operations.

Experience with inventory management, cost control, and food handling practices to ensure operational efficiency.

Background in banquet service, catering, or large-scale event food production is highly desirable.

Excellent leadership skills with the ability to motivate staff and foster a positive work environment.

Exceptional organizational skills with attention to detail in shift management and inventory control.

Ability to thrive under pressure while maintaining high standards of quality and professionalism. About Us Park Lights Hospitality is expanding after calling Winter Park, Florida home for two decades. It started with Luma on Park, the restaurant that redefined dining on Park Avenue, and in 2011 we opened Prato just down the street—a wood-fired, modern-Italian kitchen built around simple ingredients, house-made pastas, and a room that hums seven nights a week. Next came Luke's opening in 2017. Now we're taking the show on the road. This fall, Prato opens its first location outside Florida at Bethesda Row in downtown Bethesda, Maryland, with Nashville following in early 2027 and more major markets in the works. Each new Prato brings the signature Winter Park feel—exposed brick, warm wood, and that perfectly dialed-in lighting—to a brand-new neighborhood, along with the energy and hospitality that made the original a legend. This is the start of a national brand, and we're building the team that will carry it there. If you love great food, big rooms, and the chance to grow with a company that's just getting started, we'd love to meet you. Join us as we launch this exciting new venture! Bring your culinary passion, leadership talent, and innovative spirit to create an unforgettable dining destination that celebrates excellence in every plate served.

Compensation Details Compensation:

Salary ($70,000.00 - $90,000.00)

Benefits & Perks:

Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Paid Time Off, Potential Bonuses, Dining Discounts Required Skills Creativity in Menu Design Ability to Foster Team Collaboration Strong Communication Skills Problem Solving Skills Time Management Skills Adaptability in Fast Paced Environments Customer Service Orientation Attention to Culinary Trends