Executive Chef

Executive Chef

The Counter at The Fish Guy | Chicago, IL | Full-Time, Exempt | Opening Late Summer 2026

The Fish Guy has supplied Chicago’s best kitchens since 1997. The Counter is our next chapter: a chef-driven seafood counter opening inside our Albany Park retail seafood shop. Our 16-seat concept with a delivery component will start day one, and future phases will include a raw bar, brunch, ticketed dinners, private events, catering, and more.

**We’re looking for the chef who builds it with us**

The Role

You’ll lead all culinary direction at The Fish Guy, starting with The Counter and our prepared foods program. You’ll have creative authority, direct accountability, and a culinary consulting partner in Ripe Fruit/Underscore Hospitality to collaborate with during concept development and opening.

• Develop and execute The Counter menu: ingredient-led, seafood-focused, technique-driven
• Lead the prepared foods program across the retail case and grab-and-go
• Own food cost, ordering, inventory, and kitchen systems
• Build and lead a lean kitchen team from the ground up
• Collaborate with ownership on menu engineering, pricing, and growth

What We’re Looking For

• 7+ years in professional kitchens, with kitchen leadership experience (Executive Chef, CDC, or Senior/Exec Sous Chef)
• Strong command of seafood handling and whole-fish utilization
• Experience managing food cost and operations, not just cooking
• ServSafe Food Manager certification or equivalent
• Comfort in a small-team, startup-phase environment
• Infectious enthusiasm for building something from scratch

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $73,000 - $78000
• Performance bonus: $2,000 to $17,000 annually (revenue participation + food cost guardrail; details shared during interviews)
• Health benefit: $4,800 annual, paid out $400 monthly through QSEHRA (reimbursement for insurance plan premiums and other qualified medical expenses)
• Cell phone reimbursement: $900 annually, paid out $75 monthly
• 401(k) with up to 4% company match: eligible after 366 days of employment
• Time off: 10 days PTO plus federal holidays

To Apply

Send a resume to [email protected] along with a few words on why this role speaks to you, and what’s exciting in seafood to you.

Pay: $73,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person