Executive Chef and Culinary Innovator in Mexican Cuisine
Full Time • Corporate
Responsive recruiter
Benefits:
- Employee discounts
- Free food & snacks
- Wellness resources
Benefits and Perks:
- 401K with company match
- Health insurance including Medical, Dental, and Vision
- HSA with company match
- Ancillary benefits including STD, LTD, and Life insurance
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- FREE lunch at local brand-related restaurants
- PerkSpot corporate nationwide discount program
- And much more!
About Us:
Sun Holdings, founded in 1997, is a premier franchise management services provider for leading U.S. restaurant brands including Freebirds, Taco Bueno, Uncle Julio's and more! With over 1,200 franchises, we are the second-largest franchisee organization in the U.S. and were recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces 2024 by Newsweek magazine!
Sun Holdings, founded in 1997, is a premier franchise management services provider for leading U.S. restaurant brands including Freebirds, Taco Bueno, Uncle Julio's and more! With over 1,200 franchises, we are the second-largest franchisee organization in the U.S. and were recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces 2024 by Newsweek magazine!
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Summary:
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Executive Chef with expertise in authentic Mexican cuisine to lead culinary innovation across our restaurant portfolio. This role is responsible for corporate culinary management, menu development, kitchen operations, team leadership, recipe and SKU management, and food quality oversight. The ideal candidate is a creative culinary leader with a strong business acumen with back-office expertise and a deep understanding of traditional and modern Mexican flavors, techniques, and regional specialties.
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Executive Chef with expertise in authentic Mexican cuisine to lead culinary innovation across our restaurant portfolio. This role is responsible for corporate culinary management, menu development, kitchen operations, team leadership, recipe and SKU management, and food quality oversight. The ideal candidate is a creative culinary leader with a strong business acumen with back-office expertise and a deep understanding of traditional and modern Mexican flavors, techniques, and regional specialties.
Key Responsibilities:
Menu Development & Culinary Innovation
- Design and refine authentic and innovative Mexican dishes that align with brand strategy
- Source and incorporate high-quality, traditional, and seasonal ingredients
- Develop and implement standardized recipes, costing, and SKU management for operational efficiency
- Stay ahead of culinary trends and drive menu enhancements that appeal to diverse audiences
Kitchen Operations & Team Leadership
- Support new store openings, menu rollouts, and vendor relationships
- Control and monitor food costs, inventory levels, and back-office systems to maximize profitability
- Partner closely with vendors to assure best volume pricing across multiple Mexican cuisine concepts
- Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and adherence to food safety standards
- Lead, train, and mentor kitchen teams across multiple locations
Food Quality & Compliance
- Conduct regular quality checks and tastings to uphold culinary excellence
- Maintain the highest standards for food presentation, taste, and consistency
- Ensure full compliance with food safety regulations and sanitation protocols
Requirements:
- Culinary degree or equivalent experience; must have experience in high volume full service multi-unit or corporate culinary roles
- Requires authentic Mexican cuisine expertise with menu development and recipe design
- Strong costing, vendor relationship building and negotiations skills, procurement, and SKU management experience
- Familiarity with back-office systems and restaurant operational software
- Exceptional leadership, organization, and communication abilities
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
If you have a passion for authentic Mexican cuisine and the leadership skills to drive culinary excellence, we’d love to hear from you!
Sun Holdings was founded in 1997 by Guillermo Perales, funded by an SBA loan, and provides world-class management services to the franchise ownership teams of some of America’s most popular restaurants. Brands serviced include over 1,200 Applebee’s, Arby's, Burger King, Golden Corral, IHOP, McAlister’s, Papa John’s, Popeye’s, Taco Bueno and Uncle Julio's locations in 35 States. The collective portfolio of brands makes up one of the largest franchisee organizations in the U.S.
Mission
Mission
Our mission is to create great locations and facilities, so each unit operates at maximum potential. Our goal is to satisfy our customers' demands and exceed expectations for the products and services each brand offers. As we continue to expand, we want to hire dedicated staff and run a proficient business.
Vision
Vision
To be the nation’s leading retail and restaurant management-services company in total sales, operational metrics, customer satisfaction, and unit-level economics.
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401(K)
Health Insurance
Vision & Dental Insurance
Life Insurance
Paid Time Off
Paid Vacation
FREE Brand Meals