About the Club: Cosmos Club was born on November 16, 1878 in the home of John Wesley Powell, one of the most distinguished geologists of his time. (Initiation fee was set at $25 and annual dues at $20.) Its first Clubhouse was located on the corner of 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. on what is now the site of the Washington Hotel.
From 1886 to 1952, the Club occupied several historic residences along the northeast corner of Lafayette square, including the Dolley Madison House, in sight of the White House. Since 1952, the Cosmos Club house has been located at 2121 Massachusetts Avenue, an imposing historic structure.
Cosmos Club is a private social club, incorporated in Washington, D.C. in 1878 by men distinguished in science, literature and the arts. In June, 1988 the Club voted to welcome women as members. Since its founding, the Club has elected as members individuals in virtually every profession that has anything to do with scholarship, creative genius, or intellectual distinction. Among its members, over the years, have been three Presidents, two Vice Presidents, a dozen Supreme Court justices, 36 Nobel Prize winners, 61 Pulitzer Prize winners and 55 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The Club has a full panoply of programs for every member interest. Cultural programs include evening lectures, noon Forums, musical concerts, book and author dinners. A well-stocked library offers members a quiet haven. Among the social activities are movie nights, seasonal dinner dances, and other special dinners. There are sightseeing and travel, chess and bridge tournaments and “clubs within clubs” for members with special interests— Cosmotographers, wine lovers or computer enthusiasts, for example.
Facilities: In 1991 the Club completed a major renovation and expansion of its kitchen and dining rooms, and addition of an East Garden Bar and rear entrance. Note: The Club has begun a long-term plan to renovate its facilities and is in position to address a remodel of the kitchen in the near future.
Within the ornate iron grate doors are spacious dining rooms, convenient meeting places, comfortable lounges, cocktail room and bar. The Lafayette Room mirrors the four-sided view of the Club’s old home on Lafayette Square. There is a wood-paneled library on the second floor with a massive French Renaissance fireplace. On the third floor are rooms that members may engage for private meetings at which food and beverages may be provided. Bedrooms occupy the remainder of the third and fourth floors.
Especially notable is the baroque Warne Ballroom on the second floor. Initially built as a ballroom, it is used by the Club today for musical concerts, receptions, dances and other important events. The Powell Room on ground level is used for lectures, for special events such as wine tastings, luncheons and dinners for large groups, new member dinners, and for the Club’s Anniversary celebrations and annual meeting. The Warne Ballroom, Powell Room, and other rooms may be reserved by members for private gatherings. The Club also has 50 hotel room for members and their guests.
Scope, Expectations & Requirements: The Club is a traditional city club with a Chef that is retiring after 35 plus years in the position. The goal is to create an exciting and vibrant food and beverage operation, led by a dynamic Chef who can excite the staff to new levels and create a culinary evolution (all the while satisfying the “traditional members.”) The Executive Chef is responsible for the entire culinary operation including, but not limited to, menu design, food production, staff recruitment and development, establishment of standards, effective communications and cost controls. He/she maintains the highest professional standards for food quality and sanitation. Annual food sales are at $4,850,000 while maintaining a cost of goods below 37% with a sales mix of 43% ala carte and 57% banquet. The Club is supported by 3,000 members whose average age is 72; is open twelve months with consistent sales throughout the year. The Clubhouse is 100,000 sq. with two kitchens (the main kitchen and one on the second floor) the Club has two (2) a la carte dining outlets and several small private rooms for business luncheons and dinners. The Club has a magnificent Ballroom and has banquets serving up to 1,000 guests. A total kitchen staff staff of 28 is supported by a $1,600,000 labor budget.
Ideal Candidate Profile: Cosmos Club is a busy operation and often has multiple events occurring at the same time. The position requires a strong, well-organized leader who can handle a multi-faced operation and is committed to being the best in their field. The Club is looking for a long-term fit. The right individual will be selfmotivated, able to work in a multi-cultural environment, possess a creative approach to menu planning and continually be able to offer unique and distinctive dining experiences. The ideal candidate will possess a team attitude, healthy sense of humor, and solid business acumen along with attention to detail, organizational proficiency, and excellent communication skills. A proven track record of maintaining a sound sanitation program is important. Wine and beverage knowledge is a plus.
Key Expectations and Goals:
- Experienced in high-volume and production a must.
- Need a good Administrator who is computer knowledgeable.
- Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Is innovative and creative. Chef participates in creating New Programs (Excitement) for membership.
- Recruits and makes selection decisions; evaluates job performance of kitchen staff; corrects rewards and disciplines staff in a fair and legal manner.
- Training & Coaching important as Club has many tenured staff set in their ways.
- Prudent budgeting and planning. Monitors actual financial results; takes corrective action as necessary to help ensure that financial goals are met.
- Management’s desire is to transform the food and beverage operation into a desirable destination for the membership.
The Club prefers a (CEC) certification but not required with previous Club or high quality resort or hotel experience. 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 the Chef is expected to periodically visit the dining areas to visit with members. Cosmos is a solid, financially stable Club that has a history of treating its employees well.
Salary and Benefits: The compensation package includes a respectable base salary plus performance bonus potential: benefits including a comprehensive medical insurance program; 401k program; vacation (two weeks first year) 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., to us by clicking here.