Executive Chef, Sammie's Italian and Favorite Pizza

MML Hospitality • Austin, TX

42d • Onsite

About The Position

Sammie’s is a vibrant, retro-inspired Italian-American restaurant in downtown Austin, serving classic red-sauce favorites in a stylish yet welcoming setting. We are seeking a passionate and driven Executive Chef to lead our culinary program. In this role, you will set the vision for the kitchen, drive menu innovation, and ensure exceptional food quality while managing operations, budgets, and a high-performing team. This position offers the opportunity to elevate a beloved concept and deliver memorable dining experiences that embody the energy and spirit of Sammie’s.

Requirements

• Passion for Hospitality: Genuine enthusiasm for delivering extraordinary guest experiences.
• Leadership: Minimum two years leading professional kitchens, with a track record of building strong teams and fostering excellence.
• Experience: At least three years of progressive culinary leadership, preferably in upscale or fine dining environments.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal and cross-departmental communication skills.
• Financial Acumen: Ability to manage budgets, food and labor costs, and drive financial performance.
• Team Development: A leadership style grounded in mentorship, communication, and collaboration, with the ability to inspire and grow talent.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, or a related field preferred.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in English required; Spanish fluency preferred.
• Schedule & Hours: Full-time, with flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand, walk, and work in a fast-paced kitchen environment for extended periods.
• Regularly required to talk, hear, reach, and handle tools and equipment.
• Must occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Exposure to heat, cold, and steam in a kitchen environment.
• Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.
• If an offer is accepted for this position, you must undergo a comprehensive background check. This process may include verification of employment history, education credentials, criminal records, and other relevant information. By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree to the background check process as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience: At least three years of progressive culinary leadership, preferably in upscale or fine dining environments.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, or a related field preferred.
• Language Skills: Spanish fluency preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create and execute the restaurant’s culinary identity.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring efficiency and excellence.
• Uphold the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency.
• Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and professional culture.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Manage purchasing, inventory, and food cost controls to maximize profitability.
• Partner with front-of-house leadership to deliver seamless guest experiences.
• Promote continuous learning, innovation, and professional development within the culinary team.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive