Executive Chef

We are seeking an Executive Chef to help shape the culinary identity of Gardenia as we build an upscale French-Asian fusion style that feels distinctive, refined, and deeply welcoming. This is an opportunity for a chef who brings both creative vision andoperational discipline someone who can lead a kitchen with excellence while helping define a memorable guest experience from morning through evening.What You Will Lead: Lead the culinary direction, standards, and daily execution of Gardenias kitchen. Develop and refine menus that reflect our upscale French-Asian fusion approach with balance, seasonality, and clarity of concept. Build strong kitchen systems for prep, plating, quality control, cleanliness, consistency, and service flow. Train and inspire a team culture rooted in professionalism, accountability, calm execution, and pride in craft. Partner with ownership and leadership on menu evolution, events, profitability, and long-term growth.Who You Are An experienced culinary leader with a strong command of execution, team development, and kitchen operations. A chef with refined taste, high standards, and the ability to translate concept into consistent guest experience. Comfortable balancing creativity with costing, labor awareness, inventory control, and disciplined systems. Experienced in upscale, chef-driven, boutique, or hospitality-focused environments. Excited to help build something distinctive and enduring in Los Gatos.A true leader with the character, integrity, and presence to earn the respect of the kitchen team and lead with professionalism, discipline, and accountability. Excellent communication and collaboration skills are essential, with the ability to work closely and effectively with FOH to deliver a seamless and elevated guest experienceWhy GardeniaGardenia is being built as more than a restaurant. It is intended to be a beautiful gathering place elegant yet relaxed, polished yet warm where cuisine, coffee, beverage, and hospitality come together with intention. We are looking for an Executive Chef who wants to help define that standard from the inside out.