Executive Chef

Executive Chef Fine Dining Scratch Kitchen Detroit MI

Lead the Culinary Program at Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe

Harper Associates is conducting a confidential search for an accomplished Executive Chef to lead the culinary program at Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe one of Metro Detroits premier fine dining restaurants cocktail lounges and live music venues.

Founded by the late Gretchen Carhartt Valade a passionate supporter of the arts and jazz Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe was created to provide an intimate atmosphere where exceptional hospitality chef-driven cuisine and world-class jazz come together. With strong ties to the Detroit Jazz Festival the restaurant has become one of Michigans most respected dining destinations.

This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on culinary leader to oversee a high-performing scratch kitchen while preserving the standards that have made Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe an institution.

What Youll Do

• Lead all culinary and back-of-house operations
• Recruit train coach and develop a talented kitchen team
• Create seasonal menus features and chef-driven specials
• Ensure exceptional food quality consistency and presentation
• Manage food cost labor inventory purchasing and vendor relationships
• Partner with the General Manager to deliver an outstanding guest experience
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety sanitation and kitchen organization
• Drive continuous improvement in kitchen culture systems and financial performance

Qualifications

• 5 years as an Executive Chef Chef de Cuisine or Executive Sous Chef
• Experience in fine dining upscale casual luxury hospitality chef-driven restaurants or private clubs
• Strong scratch kitchen background
• Expertise in menu development food cost control labor management inventory purchasing budgeting and P&L management
• Proven leader with a passion for mentoring teams and creating exceptional guest experiences
• Strong knowledge of HACCP food safety and health department compliance

Why Join Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe

• Lead the kitchen at one of Metro Detroits premier dining and jazz destinations
• Work alongside an experienced hospitality leadership team
• Showcase your creativity in a chef-driven scratch kitchen
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid holidays 15 days PTO and paid restaurant shutdowns in July and January

About Harper Associates

For over 60 years Harper Associates has specialized in recruiting executive hospitality professionals for many of Michigans leading restaurants hotels clubs and hospitality organizations.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply or contact for a confidential conversation.

Kevin Swanquist

Executive Recruiter

Harper Associates

Required Experience:

IC