Executive Chef – Ready to Take a Top Halifax Restaurant National?
Studio East Asian Gastropub | Halifax, Nova Scotia
Let’s be clear.
This isn’t a maintenance role. This isn’t a clipboard job. And it’s definitely not for someone looking to coast.
This is for a chef who wants to build a name.
Studio East Asian Gastropub consistently ranks in the Top 10 Restaurants in Halifax, regularly sitting at #5 or higher, and holding the #1 spot for many months at a time. We’ve built a powerful following, an energetic 80-seat dining room, and a reputation for delivering something special.
Now we’re ready for the next chapter.
We’re looking for a chef who wants to help take Studio East from a Halifax standout to a national culinary destination — the restaurant people across Canada talk about when planning a visit to the East Coast.
And we intend to do it together.
Who This Role Is Really For
Maybe you’ve been a Sous Chef for years and never been handed the keys.Maybe you’re leading a kitchen now, but creatively boxed in.Maybe you know you’re capable of more — you just haven’t had the platform.
This is that platform.
We’re looking for a highly skilled, hands-on Chef with strong experience in Asian fusion cuisine who can:
- Develop innovative tasting menus
- Create exciting seasonal features and specials
- Elevate an already popular core menu
- Lead from the line during high-volume services
- Manage food and labour costs responsibly
- Mentor and grow a young, ambitious team
This is not a Monday-to-Friday administrative position.
This is a chef who thrives in service, commands respect through skill, and builds a kitchen culture that runs like a machine — without ego, without shouting, and without drama.
The Creative Opportunity
Beyond the main dining room, you’ll also curate and lead our hidden underground speakeasy-style Chef’s Table — an intimate basement dining experience designed for bold tasting menus and immersive culinary storytelling.
This is where you get to push boundaries. This is where your reputation grows.
You won’t be hidden behind a brand. You’ll be building one — yours.
What We Value
We don’t need a hot head. We don’t need ego.
We need:
- Dedication
- Professionalism
- Passion
- Mentorship
- Leadership by example
If you take care of the team, the team takes care of the guests. If the restaurant wins, you win.
The Bigger Vision
Studio East already has a strong foundation and a loyal following.
Now we want to take it national — through elevated events, stronger brand presence, and a chef who wants to be marketed as the creative force behind that growth.
We’re moving quickly and would ideally have our new Chef in place soon to participate in our busy summer and fall event season, helping shape the momentum for what’s next.
If you’ve been waiting for your moment — this is it.
Compensation
Let’s talk opportunity.
- Base Salary: $80,000 - $135,000
- Gratuity Split: Historically bringing total earnings to $100,000+
- Profit Sharing + Private Underground Event Gratuities:High performance can realistically push compensation to $135,000+ annually
If we perform at a high level, you share in that success.
We also offer:
- Employee medical and dental program
- Relocation allowance as necessary
We Are Searching Across Canada
We are actively recruiting from major culinary markets across Canada, including:
Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa, the GTA and Southern Ontario, Winnipeg, Regina, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and the surrounding region, Kelowna, and Victoria.
Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada (Permanent Residency or Citizenship). We are unable to sponsor immigration.
The Process
This will be a serious and thorough interview process.
If you apply, we expect:
- A thoughtful cover letter
- Clear reasons why Studio East
- Evidence you’ve researched us
- A long-term mindset
- An excellent background in Asian Cooking experience and techniques
- Solid references
We’re not looking for someone passing through.We’re looking for someone ready to plant their flag.
Final Word
If you want safe — this isn’t it.
If you want to prove you’re ready to lead a top Halifax restaurant into national recognition, build your reputation, and create something that lasts — we should talk.
While we would like to fill the position as soon as possible, we also want to take the time and select the right candidate, therefore we will spend the next couple weeks reviewing applications and respond to qualified candidate to start setting up interviews right away
Studio East is ready to level up.
Are you?
Recruitment Video - https://tinyurl.com/36btp489
Website - www.studioeastfood.ca
TripAdvisor - https://tinyurl.com/4sr4ch5k
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $80,000.00-$135,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
Work Location: In person
