Job Opportunities

Executive Chef, Chicago Yacht Club, Chicago, IL

Executive Chef, Chicago Yacht Club, Chicago, IL

Tradition; Passion; Community

Located at the East end of Monroe Avenue, Chicago Yacht Club has been cultivating its values off the coast of Lake Michigan since 1875. As one of the oldest and most respected clubs in the world, Chicago Yacht Club is proud of their diverse membership. The members revel in the camaraderie and social opportunities of the club and come together with a passion for boating and a love of the lake. Embracing over 135 years of experience paired with a wide breadth of services and opportunities, the Chicago Yacht Club is proud to advance the community’s knowledge, proficiency, participation and enjoyment of boating and the nautical arts. No other yacht club in the country presents more national-level racing than the Chicago Yacht Club along with Race to Mac the longest fresh water race in the United States.

Dining

Chicago Yacht Club offers an array of spectacular off-the-water amenities such as fine dining and full-service catering at two clubhouses – Monroe Station and Belmont Station. The MONROE STATION features a large variety of menu choices, from casual bar fare to upscale plates. Monroe Station offers seasonal menu options prepared from scratch and also has an herb garden on the Club’s north dock so chefs can cook with fresh, on-hand ingredients. They also feature the majority of produce and meat from local Midwest farms.

Scope, Expectations & Requirements

The Chef is responsible for all food production at the Monroe Station. Annual food sales near $1.25M while maintaining a 40% cost of goods with a sales mix of 60% ala carte and 40% banquet. The club is supported by 1,300 members whose average age is 58; is open ten and one-half months per year and has 10,000 square feet of banquet space allowing the club to serves up to 150 guests. A culinary and stewarding staff of 12 is supported by a $470,000 labor budget.

Although it has been said that sailors are not foodies the CYC members support the Club and like many other establishments’ desire “great food at reasonable pricing.” CYC needs a chef who is an excellent manager, great PR person and has the skill-set that doesn’t necessarily translate into ‘fancier” food…it translates into better tasting; more consistent food produced with a high level of kitchen efficiency. The candidate’s willingness to interact with the membership and understanding of the Yacht Club philosophy will be a critical factor in selecting the new Chef. The candidate’s character and innate ability to build a professional and friendly kitchen environment that is respectful of the front-of-the-house staff, membership and management is an important skill set desired. Cornerstone to these requirements is a genuine passion for the profession coupled with a high-degree of integrity and maturity. The Club’s professional management and volunteer leadership team is bringing a fresh, ambitious, and collaborative approach to club governance, and is seeking a Chef who can play a major role in achieving the Club’s strategic objectives. Candidates with previous Yacht Club experience a plus.

The position reports to the General Manager and works closely with the clubs other department heads including the Chef/Manager at their Belmont Station.  He/she is expected to complete all objectives and special projects on a timely basis as assigned by the General Manager. High visibility is a must as is strong written and verbal communication skills.

Salary and Benefits

The compensation package includes a respectful base salary plus a performance bonus of up to 20% of base salary: benefits including a comprehensive medical insurance program; 401k program; vacation and professional development allowance. A relocation allowance if required is negotiable.

Inquiries: Interested individuals should send resumes, a well-conceived cover letter and supporting information including menu examples, pictures, personal website, etc., in strict confidence by Click Here to upload your information.