Executive Chef | Fine Dining | Scratch Kitchen | Detroit, MI

Executive Chef | Fine Dining | Scratch Kitchen | Detroit, MI

Lead the Culinary Program at Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe

Harper Associates is conducting a confidential search for an accomplished Executive Chef to lead the culinary program at Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe, one of Metro Detroit's premier fine dining restaurants, cocktail lounges, and live music venues.

Founded by the late Gretchen Carhartt Valade, a passionate supporter of the arts and jazz, Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe was created to provide an intimate atmosphere where exceptional hospitality, chef-driven cuisine, and world-class jazz come together. With strong ties to the Detroit Jazz Festival, the restaurant has become one of Michigan's most respected dining destinations.

This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on culinary leader to oversee a high-performing scratch kitchen while preserving the standards that have made Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe an institution.

What You'll Do

• Lead all culinary and back-of-house operations
• Recruit, train, coach, and develop a talented kitchen team
• Create seasonal menus, features, and chef-driven specials
• Ensure exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation
• Manage food cost, labor, inventory, purchasing, and vendor relationships
• Partner with the General Manager to deliver an outstanding guest experience
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen organization
• Drive continuous improvement in kitchen culture, systems, and financial performance

Qualifications

• 5+ years as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Executive Sous Chef
• Experience in fine dining, upscale casual, luxury hospitality, chef-driven restaurants, or private clubs
• Strong scratch kitchen background
• Expertise in menu development, food cost control, labor management, inventory, purchasing, budgeting, and P&L management
• Proven leader with a passion for mentoring teams and creating exceptional guest experiences
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and health department compliance

Why Join Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe?

• Lead the kitchen at one of Metro Detroit's premier dining and jazz destinations
• Work alongside an experienced hospitality leadership team
• Showcase your creativity in a chef-driven, scratch kitchen
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid holidays, 15 days PTO, and paid restaurant shutdowns in July and January

About Harper Associates

For over 60 years, Harper Associates has specialized in recruiting executive hospitality professionals for many of Michigan's leading restaurants, hotels, clubs, and hospitality organizations.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply below.

Kevin Swanquist

Executive Recruiter

Harper Associates

Harper Associates specializes in the permanent placement of experienced personnel. Founded in 1968, Harper Associates has built an excellent reputation in the recruitment industry. Our long-standing history in the industry makes us unique. While we have progressed with the times, we still strive to offer personal attention and dedication to meet our clients’ needs. Harper Consultants are constantly networking, creating a continuous pool of experienced professionals to choose from.