Executive Chef

Executive Chef — Lokal Eatery & Bar (Jersey City Waterfront) Lokal Eatery & Bar is an upscale, high-volume Modern American restaurant located on the Jersey City waterfront. Our menu draws inspiration from the Mediterranean belt—spanning regions like France, Italy, Spain, Greece, and the broader Mediterranean—interpreted through a Modern American lens using locally sourced, high-quality ingredients . The food is designed for sharing , encouraging a dynamic, social dining experience. We operate at scale, serving up to 200-400 covers a night , while maintaining a high standard of execution, consistency, and guest experience. We are seeking an Executive Chef who understands how to lead a kitchen that delivers at this level—balancing strong culinary direction with disciplined operations. The Role The Executive Chef will oversee all aspects of the kitchen, from menu execution and team leadership to systems, structure, and performance . This role requires a chef who is comfortable in a fast-paced environment and can ensure that every dish reflects the restaurant's identity while maintaining consistency across volume. What You Bring A strong foundation in Modern American cuisine , with experience drawing from the Mediterranean belt (French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, and surrounding regions) Proven ability to lead kitchens serving high-volume service while maintaining quality and consistency Understanding of shared plate dining and how it impacts kitchen flow and service pacing Strong leadership skills with a focus on team development and accountability Solid operational knowledge, including food cost, labor management, and inventory control A composed and solutions-driven approach during service Key Responsibilities Lead all kitchen operations across prep and service Ensure consistency, quality, and timing of all dishes Maintain and evolve the menu within the framework of Lokal's concept Build, train, and develop a strong BOH team Oversee purchasing, inventory, and cost controls Maintain cleanliness, organization, and DOH compliance Collaborate with ownership on culinary direction and business goals Why Lokal Established, well-regarded restaurant with a strong and loyal guest base Clear culinary identity with room for thoughtful growth Opportunity to lead a high-performing kitchen in a fast-paced environment Supportive ownership with a focus on long-term success Compensation Competitive salary based on experience Performance-based incentives Growth opportunities within the group To Apply Please submit your resume along with a brief note on your experience leading high-volume kitchens and your approach to team leadership.