Ann Arbor
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 ___, enjoying ___, and biking the ___. 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 ___, which features public lectures and cultural events, and the historic ___. 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 Schwartz | President | Harper Associates Direct: (248) 737-0431 | Fax (888) 737-8525 | |