Restaurant Executive Chef

About The Opportunity

Practice Hospitality is seeking an experienced Restaurant Executive Chef for a new restaurant in downtown Colorado Springs. This will be affiliated with but the Mining Exchange Hotel but positioned independently as a freestanding restaurant concept.

About The Hotel

Mining Exchange Hotel was built in 1902 as a stock exchange for local mining companies, The Mining Exchange Hotel offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs. Our elegant, yet casual public spaces, and guestrooms are all newly renovated.

Job Role

Are you a culinary trailblazer with a passion for Italian flavors and a taste for adventure? Here’s your chance to lead a vibrant new dining concept that brings rustic Italian refinement to the heart of Colorado Springs. We’re seeking a visionary chef to open and helm this one-of-a-kind restaurant, which – while adjacent to our bustling hotel – will operate as an independent culinary destination. Think of this as more than a job; it’s your canvas to create an experience that captures the warmth of Italy with a Colorado twist.

With a focus on creativity, seasonality, and authentic Italian techniques, this restaurant is ideal for a chef ready to make their mark. You'll have the resources of the hotel at your back, yet the freedom to make this uniquely yours, recruiting and inspiring a dedicated team, crafting signature menus, and attracting a loyal local following. The ideal candidate will bring at least five years of experience in fine dining Italian cuisine and 2-3 years in a leadership role, with a proven ability to inspire and guide a culinary team. Knowledge of local purveyors is a plus, as we aim to integrate the best of Colorado’s fresh, artisanal ingredients.

If you’re ready to pioneer a dining experience that blends Old World charm with modern artistry, we want to hear from you. This isn’t your average chef gig – it’s a launchpad for someone who’s hungry to create, connect, and lead.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and direct the preparation and presentation of all foods in all venues of the restaurant.
• Maintain and follow all local Health Department food preparation codes and regulations
• Ensure all food preparation licenses and training (as required) is maintained by all team members
• Hire, train, supervise, schedule and participate in activities of chefs, cooks, and other team members involved in preparing, cooking and presenting food in accordance with merchandising and productivity standards, cost controls and forecast needs
• Listen actively and communicate clearly while interacting with guests to promote food products and directing staff activities
• Analyze feedback from guests and team members, make judgments and take action to implement suggestions for improvement
• Maintain working rapport with hotel staff for efficient operation and service to guests
• Monitor staff performance, product quality and production flow; foster improvement where necessary
• Create and implement new menus and individual menu items for Restaurant based on current food trends, regional demographics and in accordance with revenue and profitability goals
• Develop innovative menu selections for special banquet themes and parties in accordance with client budgetary considerations and expectations
• Confer with Corporate Director of Culinary regarding new selections and changes
• Audit food storeroom items and storage to maintain consistent quality products using FIFO (first in, first out) and ensure adherence to all health code requirements
• Maintain controls and tracking of high value items (proteins such as steaks, bacon and sausage, etc.)
• Development, implementation, and monitoring of programs that assures a safe facility and work environment that is in compliance with all appropriate regulations-Food Safety, Ergonomics, Emergency Response, Injury and Illness Prevention, and Hazard Communications Programs
• Assist the Food & Beverage Director in estimating annual food budget and controllable expenditures

Basic Qualifications & Skills

•  High School degree or equivalent
• 5+years experience working as an Italian Executive Chef in a high-end restaurant
• 2-3 years experience in restaurant leadership role responsible for financials, menu development, and personnel related matter
•  Must be flexible regarding scheduling based on business demands, including nights, weekends and Holidays as needed
• Successful completion of criminal background check
• Passion for Italian cuisine and commitment to delivering high-quality dishes to customers

Desired Qualifications & Traits

• Culinary education degree
• Previous authentic Italian Restaurant Executive Chef experience
• Prior kitchen experience in hotel/resort industry
• Understanding of sanitation-related issues and knowledge of precautions necessary to ensure a clean food preparation environment
• Proven teamwork
• Projects professional image that inspires trust and confidence
• Enthusiastic and positive energy
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Able to bend, stretch, and twist
• Able to stand for long periods of time

Job Type: FLSA Designation: Full Time-Exempt

Compensation: $90k-to$100k salary range -annually paid on a biweekly basis

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Hospital indemnity insurance
• Eligible to participate in the Employee Referral Bonus Program.

About The Company

Practice Hospitality manages hotels differently. A growing company with opportunities for advancement, we infuse hotels with style, spirit, and soul. We inspire, innovate and advocate. We deliver results and do well by our owners because we respect the individuality that we all bring to the table, the connectedness of our world and the impact we have on our community.

We are looking for someone who thinks big because, at Practice Hospitality, we value creativity, emotional intelligence, problem solving and innovation. This is an opportunity to be an integral part of a team that supports one another, is empowered, and holds themselves accountable. If you bring your A game every day and pursue excellence with tenacity, we want to invest in your professional and personal growth. But, more than anything, we are looking for good humans who care; about our guests, each other and making every moment together enriching, fulfilling and fun.