Executive Chef - Pasta Louise Restaurant : Job Details

Pasta Louise Restaurant, Pasta Louise Caf , and Bar Louise

About UsPasta Louise is a busy, beloved Italian-American restaurant group in Brooklyn. Since opening our doors, we ve become a true community pillar known for hand-made pastas, simple and delicious food, and our commitment to giving back through constant fundraising and neighborhood involvement.

We re more than one restaurant we re a family of three unique spaces:

• Pasta Louise Restaurant a lively, family-friendly bar and restaurant.

• Pasta Louise Caf a neighborhood staple for takeaway pastas, sandwiches, and more.

• Bar Louise a swanky cocktail bar with elevated small plates and refined, adult-forward dining.

We are now seeking an Executive Chef to oversee and inspire the culinary program across all three locations.

The Executive Chef is the creative, operational, and cultural leader of our kitchens. You ll manage a talented team of CDCs, Sous Chefs, Leads, Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, and Dishwashers providing mentorship, systems, and consistency across multiple venues.

The right candidate balances big-picture leadership with a willingness to jump in during busy services. You ll guide menu development, ensure financial sustainability, strengthen vendor relationships, and foster a supportive, professional, and motivating kitchen culture.

Spanish language skills are a big plus for this role, as they support clear and respectful team communication.

• Develop and evolve seasonal menus for each venue, aligned with the vision of ownership and the style of each brand.

• Maintain detailed knowledge of all menus and dishes; lead tastings, trainings, and recipe documentation.

• Standardize and archive recipes, plating guides, and prep systems to ensure consistency.

• Participate in service as needed expedite, cover a station, or lend a hand to keep service running smoothly.

• Partner with FOH and bar leadership to ensure food aligns with guest experiences and special events.

• Lead and mentor CDCs, Sous Chefs, and kitchen leaders; provide training, feedback, and growth opportunities for the entire BOH team.

• Create and maintain weekly schedules for all BOH roles across three locations.

• Cultivate a positive, calm, and professional kitchen culture, motivating staff while leading by example.

• Support and align with FOH managers, owners, and peers presenting a united leadership team.

• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and (when necessary) terminations, ensuring compliance with company policies.

• Manage food and labor costs; monitor overtime, correct time-punching, and schedule efficiency.

• Regularly check invoices for accuracy and track price changes; source competitively when needed.

• Oversee daily and monthly inventories, maintain pars, and reduce waste through thoughtful purchasing and prep.

• Maintain vendor relationships, source seasonal products, and stay ahead of seasonal availability.

• Monitor and maintain walk-ins, equipment, and supplies; schedule repairs and manage restocking of service ware.

• Use POS and software tools (Square preferred) to analyze sales and inform menu engineering.

• Ensure strict adherence to NYC health and sanitation guidelines; maintain inspection readiness at all times.

• Train staff in safe food handling, allergen protocols, and sanitation standards.

• Uphold cleanliness and organization throughout kitchens and storage areas.

• Work closely with ownership and managers on financial goals, marketing campaigns, and special events.

• Support fundraising and community initiatives helping align our food with our values.

• Partner with FOH leadership on pacing, service flow, and communication for smooth, guest-focused operations.

• 4+ years of progressive kitchen leadership, with experience as an Executive Chef or CDC in a high-volume, multi-faceted restaurant.

• Deep knowledge of Italian-American cuisine and a passion for hand-made, simple, well-executed food.

• Strong leadership skills: calm, motivating, and solution-oriented under pressure.

• Proven ability to manage food/labor costs, ordering, and inventory across multiple outlets.

• Excellent communication skills; Spanish proficiency strongly preferred.

• Commitment to teamwork, hospitality, and community engagement.

• Competitive salary

• Health benefits and paid time off.

• Monthly dining credit to sample the best NYC restaurants have to offer and stay relevant

• A collaborative, community-driven environment where your leadership will make a direct impact.