Pastry Chef -Vida

Since 1997, Mike Cunningham, owner of Cunningham Restaurant Group (CRG), has created an array of unforgettable dining experiences for guests. From its humble beginnings in Brownsburg, Indiana to a growing tri-state restaurant group, CRG represents a steady beat of expansion and innovation fueled by a commitment to community impact. Our vision is reflected in forty restaurants…eighteen concepts… and sustainable, consistent growth.

Job Overview: As a Pastry Chef, you will be responsible for creating and overseeing the dessert and pastry program. You will have the opportunity to showcase your creative talents while working in a collaborative and innovative kitchen environment. Your culinary expertise will be instrumental in delighting our guests with an unforgettable dining experience. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Menu Development: 

   • Collaborate with the executive chef and other culinary team members to design and develop a diverse and seasonally inspired dessert menu that complements the overall dining experience.

2. Production: 

   • Lead the pastry and dessert production, ensuring the highest standards of quality, presentation, and taste. This includes baking, plating, and garnishing.

3. Lead the Pastry, Desserts, and Bread Program

   • Execute plated desserts with junior staff, pastry production, and bread preparation

   • Stay up-to-date with culinary trends and techniques, bringing innovation and creativity to the pastry section. Experiment with new ingredients, flavors, and techniques to create unique and memorable desserts.

4. Inventory Management: 

   • Manage inventory and order supplies to ensure freshness and quality of pastry ingredients. Minimize waste and control food costs.

5. Quality Assurance: 

   • Maintain strict quality control standards to consistently deliver top-notch pastry products to guests. Train and supervise the pastry team to ensure uniformity in execution.

6. Food Safety and Sanitation:

   •  Enforce strict hygiene and food safety standards in the pastry kitchen to ensure the health and safety of all staff and guests.

7. Team Leadership:

   •  Lead, mentor, and inspire the pastry team, fostering a collaborative and productive working environment.

8. Purchasing and Vendor Relations:

   •  Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors to source high-quality ingredients and equipment for the pastry kitchen.

9. Special Events:

   •  Participate in and contribute to special events, private dining experiences, and catering activities by creating customized pastry and dessert offerings.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Pastry Chef in a fine-dining or upscale restaurant setting.

• Culinary degree or relevant certification from a culinary school is preferred.

• Strong knowledge of pastry and dessert techniques, including baking, chocolate work, sugar work, and plating.

• Creative flair with a passion for experimenting with flavors, textures, and presentation.

• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain high standards of food quality.

• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen environment.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift heavy bags of ingredients.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

• Ability to bend, stoop, and reach as necessary.

• Mobility to move about the kitchen as necessary.

• Great hand-eye coordination for shaping dough and using precise knife cuts.

CRG offers competitive compensation and opportunities for advancement within our restaurants. If you are passionate about delivering outstanding customer service and thrive in a dynamic restaurant environment, we encourage you to apply. Join our team and be part of an exciting dining experience!