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Executive Chef
full-time•Indianapolis
About this role
Since 1997, Cunningham Restaurant Group (CRG) has been creating thoughtful, memorable dining experiences rooted in hospitality, craft, and connection. What began in Brownsburg, Indiana has grown into a dynamic, multi-concept restaurant group across the Midwest, driven by consistent growth, community impact, and a deep respect for the people behind the work.
As we continue to grow, we’re building relationships with culinary leaders who believe great food starts with intention, discipline, and care.
Job Overview
As an Executive Chef, you will lead the culinary direction and day-to-day kitchen operations of one of our Indianapolis flagship concepts. This role is ideal for a chef who values simplicity done exceptionally well, believes in teaching and developing others, and understands that consistency, quality, and leadership matter just as much as creativity. You will oversee menu execution, kitchen culture, and operational excellence while partnering closely with operations and service leaders.
Key Responsibilities
Culinary Leadership
- Lead a clear, focused culinary vision rooted in quality ingredients, disciplined technique, and thoughtful execution
- Develop and refine menus that are seasonally driven, balanced, and intentional
- Ensure food tells a story through flavor, restraint, and consistency rather than excess
Kitchen Leadership & Team Development
- Recruit, train, and develop a strong culinary team with high standards and pride in their work
- Establish a calm, organized, and accountable kitchen culture
- Set clear expectations and provide consistent coaching, feedback, and mentorship
- Partner with front-of-house leadership to ensure menu knowledge and cohesive guest experience
Quality & Execution
- Maintain exceptional standards for food quality, preparation, and presentation
- Ensure consistency across every plate, every shift
- Oversee prep, line execution, portioning, and plating with precision
Kitchen Operations
- Manage inventory, ordering, food cost, and waste with a disciplined approach
- Ensure all health, safety, and sanitation standards are met or exceeded
- Maintain an organized, efficient, and well-run kitchen environment
Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Bring fresh ideas while respecting the integrity of the concept
- Collaborate with culinary leadership on seasonal features and menu evolution
- Stay informed on ingredients, techniques, and industry trends without chasing fads
Financial & Business Partnership
- Partner with operations leadership to meet food cost and budget expectations
- Understand how culinary decisions impact the business and guest experience
- Balance creativity with profitability and operational reality
Qualifications
- Proven experience as an Executive Chef or senior culinary leader in a high-quality restaurant environment
- Strong foundation in classic techniques and ingredient-driven cooking
- Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and retain kitchen teams
- Solid understanding of food cost control, inventory management, and kitchen operations
- Calm, confident leadership style with high standards and strong follow-through
- Culinary degree or equivalent experience preferred
- Food safety and sanitation certification preferred
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Ability to move throughout the kitchen and stand for extended periods
- Ability to lift and carry kitchen equipment and supplies
- Strong attention to detail and execution under pressure
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Flexible spending accounts
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off
- Excellent dining benefits
CRG offers competitive compensation and long-term growth opportunities within a respected, values-driven restaurant group. If you’re a culinary leader who believes great food is built on discipline, hospitality, and pride in craft, we’d love to start the conversation.
At Cunningham Restaurant Group, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe great teams are built through respect, fairness, and opportunity, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds.
What you'll do
- The Executive Chef will lead the culinary direction and day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of food quality and kitchen culture. This role involves menu execution, team development, and maintaining operational excellence.
About CRG Dining
Community…Ownership…Connection
Local is best. And for us, local starts with you and me: neighborhoods and communities where we live, work, and play. Since 1997, Mike Cunningham, owner of Cunningham Restaurant Group (CRG), has created an array of unforgettable dining experiences for guests. From its humble beginnings in Brownsburg, Indiana to a growing tri-state restaurant group, CRG represents a steady beat of expansion and innovation fueled by a commitment to community impact. Our vision is reflected in 43 restaurants, 19 concepts, and sustainable, consistent growth.
From BRU Burger Bar, a gourmet burger and craft beer hangout, to Vida, a fine dining venue with sommeliers in-house, CRG invites guests to engage in restaurant dining like never before.
If you asked team members, what would they say about being a part of CRG? They would say they are proud to work for an organization that takes pride in serving dishes using local ingredients to create a thoughtful, artistic presentation. They would also say the company’s core values—connection, ownership, honesty, fairness, respect, kindness, and opportunity—are shared, and all play a vital role in the team. Most importantly, our team members would say they are supported and cared for in a way that allows colleagues to become friends and feel like family. Being part of Cunningham Restaurant Group is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity for a career full of personal and professional growth.
CRG restaurants are part of the fabric of communities.
Join Us.
Ready to join CRG Dining?
Take the next step in your career journey
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Executive Chef do at CRG Dining?
As a Executive Chef at CRG Dining, you will: the Executive Chef will lead the culinary direction and day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of food quality and kitchen culture. This role involves menu execution, team development, and maintaining operational excellence..
Is the Executive Chef position at CRG Dining remote?
The Executive Chef position at CRG Dining is based in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the Executive Chef position at CRG Dining?
You can apply for the Executive Chef position at CRG Diningdirectly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process.