Executive Chef / Food & Beverage Director

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Job Title: Executive Chef / Food & Beverage Director

Position: Executive Chef/Food and Beverage DirectorLocation: Hotel Garber, Red Cloud, NEEmployment Type: Full-Time

About Us:Hotel Garber is a carefully curated boutique hotel located in the heart of Nebraska in the town of Red Cloud. The property team is dedicated to delivering a unique and memorable experience for our guests with a focus on heritage tourism, exceptional service, and a food and beverage offering crafted from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The property features a signature restaurant for up to 35 guests and private event venues capable of hosting up to 75 guests in dedicated spaces.  

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Executive Chef / Food & Beverage Director responsible for the strategic leadership and operational management of all food and beverage functions. This role oversees culinary excellence, restaurant and bar operations, budgeting, staffing, guest satisfaction, and compliance with health and safety standards. The position balances creative culinary leadership with strong business, financial, and operational management.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership

• Develop, implement, and evolve locally inspired menus for the restaurant, banquets, catering, and special events. 

• Ensure consistency, quality, presentation, and portion control of all food items

• Establish standardized recipes, plating guidelines, and food specifications for Catering, Banquets, and Restaurant. 

• Stay current with food trends, seasonal offerings, and guest preferences in the region.  

Food & Beverage Operations

• Oversee all food and beverage outlets, including restaurant, bar, banquets, and catering with a potential to expand services to the adjoining Willa Cather Center and its venues.

• Ensure seamless coordination between kitchen, service, and bar teams

• Maintain high standards of guest service and overall dining experience

• Address and resolve guest concerns related to food and beverage operations

Financial Management & Cost Control

• Develop and manage F&B budgets, forecasts, and financial targets as set forth by ownership

• Control food, beverage, and labor costs while maintaining quality standards

• Oversee purchasing protocols, inventory control, vendor negotiations, and pricing strategies. 

• Build relationships with suppliers to support purchasing of food and beverage product in a remote environment. 

• Analyze financial reports and implement corrective actions as needed with above property team. 

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, train, schedule, and manage culinary and F&B staff (Restaurant, Bar, and Banquets)

• Establish performance standards and conduct regular evaluations

• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professional growth.

• Ensure proper staffing levels to meet operational demands

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and alcohol service regulations

• Enforce HACCP standards, health codes, and company policies

• Oversee cleanliness, equipment maintenance, and safety procedures

Strategy & Brand Development

• Collaborate with senior leaders at National Willa Cather Center and senior management on F&B strategy and the development of concepts for Hotel Garber. 

• Lead menu engineering, pricing, and promotional initiatives

• Support marketing efforts, events, and seasonal programming as presented by General Manager and Marketing team.

Qualifications

• 5- 7 years’ experience as an Executive Chef, Food & Beverage Director, or similar senior leadership role

• Culinary degree or hospitality management degree from an accredited culinary program preferred. 

• Strong understanding of kitchen operations, restaurant management, and beverage programs and trends in the region.

• Extensive knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and alcohol regulations in Nebraska

• Demonstrated success in budget management and cost control

Skills & Competencies

• Culinary creativity and technical expertise.

• Proficiency in operating in a smaller kitchen environment. 

• Strong leadership and people management skills

• Financial acumen and analytical thinking

• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities

• Ability to manage multiple outlets and high-volume operation

Working Conditions

• Ability to work in a compact kitchen

• Long and flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

• Standing and walking for extended periods

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance incentives

• Opportunity to contribute creatively to a unique food and beverage offering. 

• A supportive work environment in a close-knit community.

• Health insurance, retirement, and paid time off.

If you are a culinary professional looking for an opportunity to grow and make an impact in a boutique hotel setting, we invite you to apply and join our team at Hotel Garber!

To apply:email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to humanresources@willacather.org.