Birdies Social Club (Opening Summer 2025) is a high-energy entertainment venue in West Sacramento, directly across from Sutter Health Park , home to both the Major League A's and Minor League River Cats . Designed as a high-energy destination for dining, socializing, and immersive experiences , Birdies blends elevated hospitality with a lively, entertainment-driven atmosphere . The venue features state-of-the-art indoor golf simulators, a craft cocktail bar, live music and DJs, private event spaces, and a stunning indoor garden-inspired design .
We are seeking an experienced Executive Chef to take full ownership of the kitchen-from menu development to staffing, training, and daily execution . This is a unique opportunity to build and lead a kitchen from the ground up , shaping the food program to match the venue's upcoming dynamic atmosphere.
As Executive Chef , you will oversee all aspects of kitchen operations , ensuring an efficient, compliant, and profitable back-of-house (BOH) operation while delivering consistently high-quality food. This role requires a strong leader who can manage both day-to-day execution and long-term strategy in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Pre-opening Responsibilities:
- Develop a well-balanced, high-quality menu that is optimized for both efficiency and high-volume service.
- Conduct menu testing, refine recipes, and source high-quality ingredients from reliable vendors.
- Establish menu costing and portion control strategies to ensure profitability.
- Hire, train, and develop a full BOH team, creating a professional and collaborative kitchen culture.
- Create detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all kitchen operations, including food prep, service workflows, and sanitation.
- Develop daily operating procedures to ensure smooth, repeatable service execution.
- Design prep schedules and service plans to maximize efficiency while maintaining quality.
- Work closely with the FOH team to coordinate timing and service expectations.
- Obtain all necessary permits, licenses, and health department approvals before opening.
- Implement health, safety, and sanitation protocols to meet compliance and quality standards.
- Establish vendor partnerships and set up purchasing systems to streamline ordering and inventory control.
Post-opening Responsibilities:
- Oversee all daily kitchen operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and consistency.
- Maintain high standards for food preparation, plating, and service speed.
- Lead, train, and mentor the BOH team, ensuring strong performance and retention.
- Manage inventory, ordering, and food costs while minimizing waste.
- Monitor portion control and supplier costs to maintain profitability.
- Work closely with the bar team to develop seasonal offerings and food pairings.
- Launch weekly and seasonal specials based on sales trends and customer feedback.
- Ensure kitchen cleanliness, organization, and compliance with health code regulations.
- Plan and execute high-volume service during peak hours, private events, and game-day rushes.
- Implement technology-driven inventory tracking and service timing systems to optimize efficiency.
What We're Looking For:
- Minimum 5+ years of Executive Chef or Head Chef experience in a high-volume, full-service restaurant.
- Ability to balance creative menu development with business-driven cost control and efficiency.
- Strong leadership skills with proven experience in hiring, training, and developing teams .
- High-volume and event experience, with the ability to manage fast-paced, high-energy service .
- A hands-on operator who leads by example while keeping kitchen operations structured and organized.
- Strong understanding of food costing, menu pricing, and kitchen financials to ensure profitability.
- Ability to collaborate with FOH leadership and ownership to create a seamless guest experience.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Base Salary: $85,000 annually
- Bonus Potential: Performance-based bonuses tied to cost control, efficiency, and team management
- Full Creative Control: The opportunity to build and lead the kitchen from the ground up
- Leadership Role: A chance to take full ownership of the kitchen at a high-profile venue