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!

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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