Executive Chef – New Opening, Iconic Destination Restaurant
Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Compensation: Base Salary in the $85K Range + Guaranteed Bonus & Full Benefits
Presented by: Tom Bull, Gecko Hospitality
The Opportunity
Gecko Hospitality is exclusively representing the launch of a new, iconic destination restaurant in Lynchburg, Virginia. We are seeking a creative and hands-on Executive Chef to lead this exciting opening. This is a rare career opportunity to helm a brand-new, state-of-the-art kitchen, develop a culinary program from the ground up, and build your own Back of House team.
This role is for a true culinarian who thrives in a chef-driven environment and has the vision to create a landmark dining experience. If you are a proven leader with experience managing high-quality, independent concepts, this position offers the autonomy and resources to make your mark.
Leadership & Responsibilities

• Menu Development: Conceptualize, design, and execute an innovative, from-scratch menu that establishes the restaurant as a premier culinary destination.

• Team Building: Take full responsibility for recruiting, hiring, training, and mentoring the entire opening BOH team, creating a positive and high-performance kitchen culture.

• Hands-On Leadership: Act as a working chef, actively managing the line during service to ensure flawless execution, consistency, and quality control.

• Operational Excellence: Implement and manage all kitchen systems, including inventory control, purchasing, food costing, and labor management to achieve financial targets.

• Quality & Safety: Uphold the absolute highest standards of sanitation, food safety, and kitchen organization.

• Experience: A minimum of 3+ years of stable tenure as an Executive Chef or Head Chef is required.

• Proven Environment: Experience leading the kitchen of a smaller restaurant group or a successful independent restaurant with annual sales in the $2M - $3M range is highly preferred.

• Skill Set: Demonstrable expertise in menu creation, team building, and managing kitchen financials in a high-volume, scratch-cooking environment.

• Relocation: The ideal candidate will be available to relocate to the Lynchburg, Virginia area.

• Attributes: A creative, passionate, and systems-oriented leader dedicated to culinary excellence.

• Base Salary: A competitive base salary in the $85,000 range.

• Guaranteed Bonus: An additional guaranteed bonus provides further earning potential.

• Benefits: A comprehensive array of benefits is included.

• Creative Control: The autonomy to build your culinary legacy in a brand-new facility.