We're building something genuinely special in downtown San Rafael — Excelsior Pub, the first and flagship pub of Hidden Splendor Fine Beer Co. A lively, all-day gathering place and brewery, Excelsior channels the spirit of great pubs and taverns from London to Philadelphia, filtered through a Bay Area lens: beer-forward, craft-driven, rooted in comfort and warmth, with serious technique hidden under casual ease. We're looking for a talented Chef de Cuisine to help us bring it to life from the ground floor.
About the Role:
As Chef de Cuisine, you'll run the Excelsior kitchen. Working closely with our Culinary Director, you'll execute and uphold a food program that's as thoughtful and craft-driven as our beer. Your focus will be on building and mentoring a strong, cohesive BOH team, maintaining the highest standards of kitchen operations, and creating a culture of consistency, accountability, and genuine pride in the work — within a hospitality group that loves what it does and takes care of its people.
What You'll Do:
-Lead all BOH operations and set the standard for quality, consistency, and hospitality
-Execute our menus with precision and care — seasonal, Bay-Area-sourced, with a globally-inspired pub soul
-Develop specials that reflect the season, the brewery, and the moment
-Build, train, and inspire a talented kitchen team from the ground up
-Partner with local farms and vendors to source the best ingredients the Bay Area has to offer
-Manage food costs, inventory, and ordering with care and efficiency
-Collaborate closely with our Culinary Director, ownership, and FOH leadership to create a seamless guest experience
-Coordinate with the brewery team to integrate beer into the food program at every turn
-Represent the restaurant's values in every dish that leaves the kitchen
What We're Looking For:
-Minimum 5 years of experience in professional kitchens
-At least 3 years in BOH management at Sous Chef, CDC, or Kitchen Manager level
-Genuine passion for seasonal, ingredient-driven cooking with a pub sensibility
-Deep understanding of and curiosity about beer — how it's made, how it pairs, how it shapes a menu
-A collaborative, people-first leadership style — you lift your team up
-Strong understanding of food costs, kitchen systems, and operational best practices
-Familiarity with British pub cuisine, European tavern traditions, or American tavern cooking — a genuine plus
-A good sense of humor and a team-first attitude
Why Join Us:
-Salary commensurate with experience, with room to grow as the company grows
-True ground-floor opportunity — you'll help build the kitchen, shape the culture, and leave your mark on something that's meant to last
-Defined creative role with genuine influence — developing specials and collaborating on R&D within a clear culinary vision led by our Culinary Director and ownership
-Company that takes craft seriously across beer, food, bar, and guest experience — and values the people who bring it to life
-Beautiful Marin County location with access to world-class local farms and producers, and 30 years of relationships to back it up
Benefits:
Health insurance
Paid time off
