Head Chef

HEAD CHEF – IZAKAYA
Royal Sushi & Izakaya | Philadelphia, PA

Acclaimed Philadelphia destination Royal Sushi & Izakaya is seeking an experienced, passionate, and highly driven Head Chef to lead the kitchen for the restaurant’s celebrated Izakaya dining program.

Owned and operated by Jesse Ito and Royal Restaurant Group, Royal Sushi & Izakaya has earned national acclaim for its thoughtful approach to Japanese cuisine, hospitality, and culinary excellence.

The Head Chef will oversee all culinary operations for the Izakaya portion of Royal Sushi & Izakaya, leading kitchen execution, menu development, staffing, training, systems, and service standards. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership skills, operational excellence, and a deep respect for ingredients, consistency, and kitchen culture.

• Lead all day-to-day kitchen operations for the Izakaya program
• Maintain exceptional standards for food quality, consistency, and presentation
• Collaborate with ownership on seasonal menu development and specials
• Manage ordering, food cost, prep systems, and labor efficiency
• Hire, train, mentor, and develop kitchen staff while fostering a positive and accountable culture
• Uphold cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards
• Work closely with front-of-house leadership to ensure an outstanding guest experience
• Drive consistency during high-volume service while maintaining culinary integrity

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, Sous Chef, or senior kitchen leader in a high-level restaurant environment
• Strong knowledge of Japanese cuisine and technique preferred; deep curiosity and willingness to learn required
• Experience with high-volume, detail-oriented service
• Demonstrated success managing teams, systems, and kitchen operations
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
• Passion for hospitality, mentorship, and culinary excellence

• Opportunity to lead the kitchen at one of Philadelphia’s most acclaimed restaurants
• Competitive salary based on experience
• 401k, annual reviews, paid vacation, health benefits
• Collaborative, ambitious, and hospitality-driven culture

To Apply:
Qualified candidates should submit a resume and a brief introduction outlining their culinary background and leadership experience.