Executive Chef: Barrel 21 Distillery & Dining (State College)
Overview
C&D Brewing Ventures, Inc. is seeking an experienced, driven, and creative Executive Chef to lead our culinary operations for Barrel 21 Distillery& Dining. Our venues are united by a shared philosophy—highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients, many of which are sourced within 100 miles of State College, PA, including from our own A.V. Farms and Keewaydin Orchards.
As Executive Chef, you’ll be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of food quality, kitchen hygiene, and culinary innovation. This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, creative environment and is passionate about showcasing Pennsylvania’s agricultural bounty through thoughtful, scratch-made cuisine.
Key Responsibilities
Culinary Leadership
- Supervise the preparation, execution, and presentation of all food across multiple restaurant concepts.
- Ensure all meals meet or exceed C&D Brewing Ventures' quality and timing standards.
- Lead seasonal menu development aligned with our local sourcing and brand identity.
- Drive culinary innovation through creative, cost-effective dishes that enhance guest experience and support sales growth.
Team Development & Management
- Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff to uphold excellence and consistency.
- Foster a collaborative and positive kitchen culture across all locations.
- Oversee daily performance and scheduling of all back-of-house team members.
- Resolve staffing issues efficiently and equitably.
Operational Excellence
- Monitor food, labor, and supply costs; maintain expenses within established budgets.
- Ensure all restaurants meet back-of-house financial targets (COGS, labor, and controllable costs).
- Maintain accurate inventory and stock levels of kitchen supplies and ingredients.
- Arrange repairs and coordinate kitchen equipment purchases.
- Oversee compliance with ServSafe, safety, and sanitation standards.
- Perform administrative duties and special projects as assigned by ownership.
Required Skills & Experience
- 4–6 years of kitchen management experience in a high-volume or multi-location setting.
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire and direct a diverse culinary team.
- Expertise in various cooking techniques, cuisines, and dietary accommodations.
- Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Creative thinker and effective problem-solver.
- Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work on your feet for extended periods.
- Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- Culinary degree or relevant certification.
- ServSafe certification.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Why Join C&D Brewing Ventures?
We’re a growing company rooted in community, creativity, and craftsmanship. From grain to glass and farm to fork, our teams are proud to deliver memorable experiences at every level. This is a unique opportunity for a chef to lead with vision, influence evolving menus across multiple venues, and work with exceptional ingredients from our trusted producers and farms.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $52,000-$58,000 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Shift:
- 12 hour shift
- Day shift
- Evening shift
Work Location: In person