Job Description

Job Title: Italian Chef de Cuisine

Location: Temecula, CA 92591

Salary: Up to $85,000 (DOE) + Performance Bonus Based on KPIs

Benefits: Full Benefits Package

Company Overview:

We are a family-owned and operated winery, vineyard, and hotel located in the scenic Temecula Valley. We are in the process of reconceptualizing our flagship restaurant, transforming it into an Italian-focused culinary destination. We seek an experienced and passionate Italian Chef de Cuisine to lead this exciting transformation. You will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day kitchen operations, developing a fresh Italian-inspired menu, and scaling the business through growth strategies and team leadership.

Position Summary:

The Italian Chef de Cuisine will be instrumental in rebranding and relaunching the restaurant with a strong Italian culinary focus. The ideal candidate will bring authentic Italian culinary expertise, lead the kitchen team, and collaborate with the ownership to scale the business. This role requires a creative, results-driven leader who is flexible with their schedule and able to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. You will be responsible for ensuring food quality, driving revenue through a compelling menu, and meeting KPIs tied to the growth and success of the restaurant.

Key Responsibilities:

• Menu Development: Create and launch an authentic Italian-focused menu, using local and seasonal ingredients where possible, while maintaining the winery’s standards of excellence.
• Reconceptualization: Lead the transformation of the restaurant into an Italian culinary destination, working with ownership on branding and concept execution.
• Operational Management: Oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring food quality, safety, and hygiene standards are consistently met.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment that promotes growth and development.
• Scaling the Business: Collaborate with the ownership team to identify opportunities for revenue growth, including special events, promotions, and seasonal menu changes.
• KPI Achievement: Meet and exceed key performance indicators, including food cost management, labor efficiency, guest satisfaction, and revenue goals.
• Flexibility: Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays, to meet the needs of the restaurant and guests.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the front-of-house team to ensure seamless service and a unified guest experience that reflects the restaurant’s Italian focus.
• Supplier & Inventory Management: Manage supplier relationships, inventory levels, and food cost controls, ensuring a balance of high-quality ingredients and profitability.

Qualifications:

• Culinary Expertise: Proven experience as a Chef de Cuisine, with a focus on Italian cuisine.
• Leadership: Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and mentor staff at all levels.
• Flexibility: Willingness to adapt and work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Financial Acumen: Experience managing food costs, inventory, and labor to ensure profitability.
• Creative Vision: Passion for Italian cuisine and the ability to develop innovative menus while maintaining authenticity.
• Customer-Focused: Strong understanding of guest expectations and a commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences.
• Growth Mindset: Ability to identify and execute on opportunities to scale the business through menu innovation, special events, and other revenue-driving initiatives.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary up to $85,000 DOE.
• Performance-based bonus tied to achieving KPIs.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within a family-owned business.
• Employee discounts on wine, hotel stays, and dining.

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