Executive Chef

About VAULT:

VAULT is NOW Hospitality’s newest experience-driven concept — where music, dining, and nightlife meet in the heart of downtown Peoria. Designed to redefine the city’s culinary and social scene, VAULT blends elevated dining with a vibrant late-night atmosphere, curated cocktails, and world-class sound.

NOW Hospitality is seeking an Executive Chef to help bring this concept to life — a leader with creativity, discipline, and the ability to execute an elevated menu with consistency and excellence.

The Role:

The Executive Chef will oversee all back-of-house operations and lead the culinary execution of VAULT’s opening menu in collaboration with a consulting chef who is developing the launch program. This position requires an organized, high-performing individual capable of balancing artistry with systems — ensuring the kitchen runs with precision from prep to plate.

Over time, the Executive Chef will have the opportunity to refine and evolve the menu based on demonstrated performance, creativity, and leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the consulting chef and ownership to execute the opening menu and culinary program.
• Lead all kitchen operations, including prep, line, and service execution.
• Recruit, train, and inspire a team that takes pride in precision and presentation.
• Manage inventory, vendor relationships, and cost controls to maintain profitability.
• Maintain compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Work closely with the General Manager and Beverage Director to align food and beverage experiences.
• Document recipes, prep lists, and BOH systems for consistency.
• Contribute to future menu revisions and seasonal updates once the concept is established.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of culinary leadership experience (Sous Chef, CDC, or Executive Chef).
• Proven ability to manage and motivate high-performance teams.
• Experience in upscale dining or restaurant-bar hybrid environments preferred.
• Strong understanding of food costing, inventory systems, and kitchen efficiency.
• ServSafe certification or the ability to obtain prior to opening.
• Creative but disciplined approach to operations and guest experience.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary Range: $70,000 – $100,000 DOE.
• Performance-based bonus potential.
• Paid time off and growth opportunities within NOW Hospitality.
• Collaborative and innovative workplace culture.
• Opportunities for advancement as VAULT expands its culinary footprint.

Join the VAULT Launch Team:

This is your chance to be part of something new — to help launch a concept where food, music, and atmosphere merge into one unforgettable experience. If you’re driven by excellence and thrive in the energy of building something remarkable, we’d love to meet you.

Apply now at [email protected]
Learn more at the-now-group.com

NOW Hospitality is a future-forward restaurant group crafting soulful, scalable concepts that connect with guests and drive strong returns. Built by operators and creatives, we blend thoughtful design with genuine hospitality—setting the pace for what neighborhood dining can be. Rooted in culture, designed for connection, and powered by performance. Visit our website to learn more: