Makai Kitchen & Groggery – Santa Cruz, CA

Makai Kitchen & Groggery is an award-winning Pan-Asian restaurant and tiki bar located on the historic Santa Cruz Wharf. Celebrating more than six years of success, Makai is known for its vibrant atmosphere, elevated yet approachable cuisine, specialty cocktails, and one of the largest rum selections in the country. Our waterfront location offers stunning views of Steamer Lane, West Cliff, Monterey Bay, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate executive chef to lead our culinary program, inspire our kitchen team, and uphold the high standards that have made Makai a destination for both locals and visitors.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who takes pride in building strong teams, maintaining high culinary standards, and creating a positive workplace culture while delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Position Summary

The Executive Chef is responsible for the overall leadership, organization, and execution of all kitchen operations. This role requires a hands-on leader who is equally comfortable managing food costs, developing staff, maintaining quality standards, and working alongside the team during service. The ideal candidate brings broad culinary experience with a strong understanding of Asian cuisine and flavors, a commitment to excellence, and the ability to thrive in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

Lead, mentor, and develop all back-of-house team members.
Recruit, interview, hire, train, coach, and, when necessary, discipline or terminate kitchen staff.
Foster a positive, professional, and accountable kitchen culture.
Create and manage weekly kitchen schedules to ensure appropriate staffing levels.
Work closely with the General Manager to maintain kitchen equipment, facilities, cleanliness standards, staffing needs, and operational systems to support a safe, efficient, and high-performing restaurant.

Culinary Operations

Oversee all food preparation and service to ensure consistency, quality, and presentation standards.
Maintain and execute Makai's established menu while identifying opportunities for thoughtful additions, seasonal offerings, and improvements.
Develop and feature creative monthly specials that complement the restaurant's Pan-Asian concept.
Work a minimum of three line shifts per week and provide operational support wherever needed.

Inventory & Purchasing

Manage daily and weekly ordering of food and kitchen supplies.
Monitor inventory levels and control food costs.
Maintain productive relationships with vendors and suppliers.

Kitchen Management

Ensure compliance with all health, safety, sanitation, and food-handling regulations.
Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment, including walk-ins, storage areas, prep spaces, and workstations.
Oversee operations across the prep kitchen, hot line, pantry station, and dish area.
Implement systems and procedures that support consistency, efficiency, and profitability.

Schedule & Availability Requirements

This is a hands-on leadership position requiring five days per week on-site.
Executive Chef will regularly work a combination of morning and evening shifts, including time working directly on the line.
Availability for weekend shifts is required.
Must be available to respond to urgent operational or staffing needs when not on-site.
Makai values work-life balance, and our goal is to provide the Executive Chef with 2 days off a week and one full day each week free from work responsibilities and communication whenever possible.
Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.

Qualifications

Minimum 5 years of professional culinary experience required.
At least 2 years of Executive Chef experience preferred.
Strong culinary background with experience across multiple cuisines; Asian cuisine experience strongly preferred.
Proven ability to lead, train, motivate, and develop kitchen staff.
Experience with inventory management, purchasing, scheduling, labor controls, and food cost management.
Spanish language proficiency preferred.
Creative self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
Demonstrated responsible work ethic and genuine commitment to the success of the kitchen, restaurant, team, and broader community.
Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Team-oriented leader who fosters a culture of trust, respect, accountability, communication, and fun.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume restaurant environment.
Reliable transportation and ability to consistently commute to the Santa Cruz Wharf.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $90,000–$110,000 annually, depending on experience

Benefits Include:

Annual performance bonus opportunity
Two weeks paid vacation
Potential relocation assistance for qualified candidates
Opportunity to lead the culinary program at one of Santa Cruz's most unique waterfront restaurants

About Makai

Makai Kitchen & Groggery serves lunch and dinner seven days a week and combines the energy of a tropical tiki destination with high-quality Pan-Asian cuisine and exceptional hospitality. Located directly over the Pacific Ocean on the historic Santa Cruz Wharf, Makai offers a one-of-a-kind work environment with spectacular views and a strong connection to the local community.

Restaurant Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily.

If you are a passionate culinary leader looking to make your mark on a successful and growing restaurant, we would love to hear from you. Join us in creating memorable experiences through outstanding food, exceptional hospitality, and a culture built on teamwork, respect, and excellence.

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