Head Chef

Job Description

Head Chef

Idletyme Brewing Company — Stowe, Vermont

Campfire Hospitality

Idletyme Brewing Company, located on Mountain Road in Stowe, VT, is seeking a hands-on Head Chef to lead our high-volume, from-scratch kitchen.

We specialize in elevated pub fare with a strong commitment to quality, consistency, and community. This role is ideal for a chef who thrives in a fast-paced environment, leads from the line, and takes pride in building strong, motivated teams.

If you’re equal parts chef, mentor, and operator, we’d love to meet you.

What You’ll Do:

Lead the Kitchen

Own day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring the highest food quality standards, presentation, and recipe adherence.

Set the tone on the line—leading by example during busy services, events, and peak seasons

Communicate clearly with Front and Back of House teams on specials, allergies, and service updates

Create and approve seasonal, on-brand specials

Source high-quality ingredients, prioritizing local farms and producers whenever possible

Maintain high culinary standards through regular quality checks and training

Build and Develop a Strong Team

Hire, train, and mentor a collaborative, high-performing kitchen team

Foster a culture of respect and “whatever it takes” teamwork

Hold the team accountable to standards while maintaining community.

Coach team members in real time to improve execution, efficiency, and confidence

Partner with leadership to support ongoing development and growth

Handle all feedback, both positive and negative, in a professional manner.

Run a Smart, Efficient Operation

Manage labor and food costs with intention—meeting financial goals without compromising quality

Build weekly schedules that align with business levels and control overtime

Oversee ordering, inventory, and waste reduction

Partner with leadership on COGS, pricing, and cost analysis

Maintain Safety & Standards

Uphold a clean, organized kitchen

Ensure full compliance with all food safety and sanitation regulations

Maintain an up-to-date manager’s ServSafe credential as well as ensure all managers on staff are certified.

Resolve operational challenges as they arise – ie. long ticket times, presentation of food, food waste, etc.

What We’re Looking For

Proven kitchen leadership experience in a high-volume, from-scratch environment

A hands-on leader who is comfortable working the line daily

Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills

Ability to stay calm, focused, and solutions-oriented under pressure

Experience with inventory, scheduling, and cost control (Restaurant365 a plus)

Passion for mentoring others and building team culture

Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and peak seasonal periods

Compensation & Benefits

Salary starting at $80,000+, based on experience

Quarterly performance bonus

Relocation assistance available

Paid Time Off

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Dining discounts across Campfire Hospitality restaurants

Why Idletyme?

A well-established, high-volume restaurant with a strong local following

A commitment to scratch cooking, quality ingredients, and community connection

Support from an experienced Culinary Director and restaurant group

The opportunity to lead, shape, and grow a team in one of Vermont’s most vibrant hospitality markets

If you’re ready to take ownership of a busy, quality-driven kitchen and build something meaningful with a great team, we’d love to connect.

Full-time