Role: Seasonal Patio Chef, Dundas Location

Reports: General Manager

Employment Type: Full Time

Wage Range: $27-31/ hour depending on experience + tips while working service

Position Summary: We are looking for an enthusiastic, talented chef to join us for the busy summer 2025 patio season at our Dundas location! This is a dynamic, unique role in search of the perfect creative, detail-oriented, people-loving-cook looking to show their stuff in a fun, supportive environment. We’re looking for this chef to design and execute a simple & delicious snacky menu with support from our team that can be assembled quickly in bar-style service without compromising flavour: think a country fair winning potato salad, a white bean dish for the stars, fresh veg brought to life, our beautiful tinned fish, transformed, & the world’s greatest cheese plate. A compact & limited back end work space will require flexibility & simple dishes that delight. If you've been to Buvette or great tapas bars around the world, this is the vibe! This is a full time, five day a week role. One day a week will be prep, the other four will be a mix of prep and service during our busiest days. We are a small, but mighty space and you will be responsible for executing every dish that hits the patio on your on days - aka you are the one and only chef on the team! You’ll also train a few of our patio staff to perfectly plate these dishes during your days off, so they must be simple enough to be executed by others. Pay is $27-31/ hour based on experience + good tips while in service & a health spending account that kicks in at month two. This is a season role that will begin part time with menu development in mid April and be full time mid-May to October, requiring night and weekend availability for the full summer. At least two years in a busy kitchen are required - our patio is fast paced and you’ll be a big part of it! Applications are now open and close Wednesday, March 5th. We'll follow up with interviews and a cooking trial for the top applicants, looking to select our dream chef by the end of the month and get to work in mid April!

While we are big natural wine people here, it’s not essential for you to be as deeply into it as we are! If you are curious and love wine, amazing; if you are a detail-oriented people person who loves great food keen to find a great place to work, that works too! Even if you don’t have all the requirements we mention below, but think you’d shine in this role, we’d still love to hear from you.

Perks:

• A positive, supportive, and inclusive work environment working on the cutting edge of natural wine.
• Juicy staff discount on delicious bottles (duh!).
• Flexible health spending account.
• Three paid sick days.
• The chance to show your stuff & take on a leadership position in one of the city's most beautiful, busy and dynamic patios!

Main Responsibilities:

• Design & execute a simple & delicious menu in collaboration with the leadership team that highlights seasonal ingredients & perfect patio bites.
• Do all weekly prep required to execute this menu: this includes purchasing from suppliers & receiving and preparing all ingredients, sauces & recipes.
• On four service days, work in our open 'kitchen' - that is a small back bar space with limited supplies! - preparing each order that comes through.
• Communicating with patio staff on any allergens & issues.
• Training key patio servers to plate dishes & setting them up for success on your off days - this means all prep done and simple plating clearly communicated.
• Limiting waste and ensuring dishes are appropriately priced - offering exceptional flavour and value, while keeping the business in a healthy positon.

Job Demands and Environment:

• Must love food & be an excellent, creative cook who dreams of creating the perfect summer bite!
• High focus and organization, a people person who excels at communication and loves designing & following systems and working in a team.
• Fast-thinking, problem solving and detail-oriented attention will be key to success.
• Must be able to comfortably lift 30 pounds (some of our bulk ingredients!) and stand for 8 hours five days a week.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Must have food handlers certificate.
• At least 2 years experience in a busy kitchen.
• Passion for fresh summer recipes & a desire to make simple, beautiful patio-ready creations.
• Communication skills, problem analysis and problem-solving are critical.
• Confident self-direction with support from the team when needed - you will be our one and only chef on staff!
• Attention to detail, discipline, initiation, clear communication and task accountability are important skills for success.
• Great attitude is key! You will often be guest-facing & a positive, upbeat working style, even in the crunchiest times, is a must.

Accomodations Statement:

We highly (and warmly!) encourage folks from communities traditionally underrepresented in hospitality to apply! If you need accommodations with any part of the interviewing and application process, we’re happy to provide. Let us know what you need.

We are passionately committed to equal opportunity for all employees, increasing diversity at our workplace, and providing team members with a work environment free from discrimination and harassment.

Applications close on March 5th, and interviews will take place the week of March 17th. Top candidates will be asked to have a cooking trial.

To apply, send us an email at hello@grapewitches.com with your resume, including cooking references and a cover letter letting us know your favourite summer snacks & why you'd be the perfect candidate for this role!