Culinary Director | Multi-Concept | Dallas

Overview

Our client is crafting a new neighborhood establishment that is equal parts chic restaurant and bar, gourmet sandwich counter, and curated market. Think elevated European-American bar food, paired with cocktails mixed professionally, and a wine program that’s as savvy about Bordeaux, as it is excited about today’s emerging vineyards.

Morning coffee service will be as sharp as your evening martini, lunch complemented by elevated counter sandwiches and expert barista offerings. The adjacent specialty market will inspire discovery, while the evening transforms into a neighborhood restaurant with high-touch service and unreasonable hospitality. This unique dining experience aims to set a new standard for the Dallas restaurant scene, offering an unparalleled blend of elements that redefine expectations.

Role

The Culinary Director will not merely manage the kitchen; they will establish the foundation and set the tone for the entire culinary program across a multi-concept, hospitality driven, all day dining operation. Our client is seeking a culinary leader who views cooking as both an act of love and a demonstration of leadership.  

In this role, you will collaborate with ownership and the general manager to shape the menu, manage costs, and cultivate a team culture that prioritizes attention to detail, ensuring that every dish is crafted as a thoughtful gift. This position rewards both creativity and precision. You will lead the opening of a highly anticipated, elevated, new neighborhood venue in Dallas, balancing a steady hand with a visionary mindset. 

• Design and execute diverse and elevated menus using the best of seasonal ingredients. Invite feedback from ownership and leadership and refine dishes until they sing. Keep off menu specials rotating based on availability and seasonality. 

• Maintain relentless attention to detail: conduct daily walk throughs, use prep lists and ensure cleanliness, ordering and equipment maintenance are all dialed in. 

• Own the profit and loss: manage food and labor budgets, minimize waste and schedule with purpose. Participate in weekly meetings and keep costs aligned with targets without compromising quality. 

• Model teamwork and unreasonable hospitality. Treat every teammate with respect, coach constructively and build a positive kitchen culture. Work closely with the general manager and head bartender to align the front and back of the house. 

• Hire, train, develop and mentor cooks and dishwashers. Cross train your team so the kitchen can adapt to any situation. Keep recipe books current and be a teacher who loves watching others grow. 

• Lead the kitchen schedule, handle call outs and protect your team’s days off by planning ahead. Communicate any changes clearly to managers and ownership. 

• Manage repairs and maintenance efficiently. Identify the right fix, order parts when needed and keep everyone informed until equipment is back online. 

• Champion food safety and compliance. Keep us at an “A” rating, maintain your Texas Food Handler’s Certificate and represent the business at media and charity events at the highest level of excellence. 

Candidate Profile

• A minimum of 5+ years in senior culinary leadership role in concept driven kitchens.
• Previous experience in fine-dining / elevated restaurants with recognized awards and or / successfully opening new restaurants is a plus. 

• Excellent people leadership skills, with the ability to recruit, develop and retain talent. A servant leader who sets the pace and inspires through action. 

• A calm, confident presence under pressure, with sharp judgment. Speed and efficiency without sacrificing quality. 

• Demonstrated financial literacy with experience in payroll, cost controls, and budgeting scale. 

• Current Texas Food Handler’s Certificate and a commitment to safe practices. A deep understanding of sanitation, cleanliness and personal hygiene. 

• Reliable attendance and excellent attention to detail. 

• Confidence operating all kitchen equipment and willingness to jump in wherever needed. 

• Competitive salary $95k - $105k (dependent on experience) 

• Incentive bonus structure (post 90 days of operation) 
• 15 days paid time off annually

• Health monthly wellness stipend 

• Opportunities for career growth and development 

Our client is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and hires regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, Veteran status any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.