Executive Chef - Upscale Mediterranean Rooftop | $115K-$130K

Dallas, TX

$115,000–$130,000 Base Salary + Benefits

A nationally recognized hospitality group is preparing to launch an elevated Mediterranean rooftop dining concept in Dallas in March 2027 and is seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to lead the culinary operation.

This is a unique pre-opening opportunity for a proven culinary leader to join well in advance of opening, with the opportunity to spend time in Phoenix shadowing an established location of the concept before bringing its culinary standards, systems, and culture to Dallas.

ABOUT THE CONCEPT

This sophisticated Mediterranean rooftop restaurant will feature refined yet approachable cuisine inspired by the Mediterranean, including mezze, house-made pastas, shareable plates, premium proteins, vibrant seasonal ingredients, and an elevated beverage program.

The concept will offer a destination-style dining experience with indoor and rooftop outdoor dining, weekend brunch, private events, and high-volume service in an upscale environment.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Executive Chef will play a critical role in preparing the Dallas operation for opening and establishing the culinary culture from the ground up.

Prior to the Dallas opening, the selected chef will have the opportunity to spend time with the established Phoenix operation to learn the concept firsthand, including culinary standards, menu execution, kitchen systems, training practices, and operational expectations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead all culinary operations for the new Dallas location
• Participate in pre-opening planning and execution
• Spend time in Phoenix learning the established operation and culinary standards
• Build, train, and develop the Dallas BOH team
• Execute and maintain a sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired menu
• Establish recipes, prep systems, quality standards, and kitchen procedures
• Maintain exceptional food quality, consistency, presentation, and execution
• Manage food cost, labor, purchasing, inventory, and kitchen productivity
• Partner closely with FOH leadership to create an exceptional guest experience
• Lead culinary execution for brunch, private dining, special events, and high-volume service
• Maintain rigorous sanitation and food-safety standards
• Develop a strong culinary culture focused on accountability, hospitality, teamwork, and excellence

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Proven Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or senior culinary leadership experience
• Experience in upscale, luxury, chef-driven, hotel, or high-volume restaurant environments
• Mediterranean, Italian, Greek, Spanish, Middle Eastern, or related culinary background strongly preferred
• Strong scratch-cooking and menu-development experience
• Previous restaurant opening or pre-opening experience strongly preferred
• Proven ability to recruit, train, lead, and retain culinary teams
• Strong food-cost, labor, purchasing, and inventory-management knowledge
• Comfortable leading a high-volume operation while maintaining refined culinary standards
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Willingness to relocate to Dallas
• Able to participate in the Phoenix shadow/training experience prior to opening

WHY THIS ROLE

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a major new restaurant opening while having access to an established operation as a blueprint.

Rather than starting with a blank slate, you'll have the opportunity to learn the concept firsthand in Phoenix, build the Dallas culinary team, establish the kitchen culture, and lead the opening of a destination Mediterranean rooftop restaurant in one of the country's most dynamic hospitality markets.

COMPENSATION

• $115,000–$130,000 base salary
• Benefits package
• Pre-opening leadership opportunity
• Phoenix training/shadow experience
• Long-term growth potential

If you're an accomplished culinary leader who enjoys building teams, opening restaurants, and delivering elevated Mediterranean cuisine in a high-energy hospitality environment, we'd like to hear from you.

The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.