Executive Chef

Harper Associates•Grosse Pointe, MI

27d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

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