Job Description

Toasted at the Lyric
The Florian & Eaves, Chicago Loop

About the Role

Toasted Hospitality is seeking an Executive Chef to lead the culinary program for Toasted at the Lyric , overseeing both The Florian (our elevated supper club) and Eaves (our Southern European–inspired cocktail bar & bistro) located at the iconic Civic Opera Building.

This is a unique opportunity to operate at the intersection of hospitality and the performing arts, serving guests of the Lyric Opera and Joffrey Ballet while also building a destination for the Loop’s everyday lunch and dinner crowd.

Concept Overview

Eaves is a refined, intimate cocktail bar and bistro inspired by French, Italian, and Spanish café culture, featuring handmade pastas, composed small plates, and a beverage program rooted in thoughtful, savory-driven cocktails.

The Florian is a classic supper club experience designed to complement performance nights, focused on polished execution, timing, and elevated guest experience.

Together, the venues operate as a dynamic, seasonally driven business tied closely to the performance calendar, with strong lunch, pre-theater, intermission, and post-show demand.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary operations across both venues, including menu development, execution, and team leadership
• Build and maintain a high-performing kitchen team across multiple dayparts and service styles
• Execute a menu that balances refinement with operational efficiency in a space with physical constraints
• Collaborate closely with beverage leadership to ensure cohesive food & beverage pairings
• Own food cost, labor management, and kitchen systems with a strong focus on consistency and profitability
• Manage prep, service flow, and timing around performance schedules (pre-show, intermission, post-show)
• Drive seasonal menu changes and continuous product improvement
• Maintain strong vendor relationships and sourcing standards
• Uphold all sanitation, safety, and compliance standards

Schedule & Work-Life Balance

One of the defining features of this role is a more balanced schedule relative to traditional executive chef positions:

• Primarily Monday–Friday during non-opera season
• Weekend and evening volume concentrated around performance schedules
• Seasonal ebbs and flows tied to the Lyric Opera and Joffrey Ballet calendars

This role offers a rare opportunity for a high-level chef to maintain creative and operational leadership while achieving a more sustainable work-life balance.

Ideal Candidate

• 3+ years in a senior kitchen leadership role (Executive Chef or strong CDC ready to step up)
• Experience with European-inspired cuisine (French, Italian, Spanish)
• Strong systems operator, comfortable managing cost controls, prep systems, and multi-outlet execution
• Experience in high-volume, high-standard environments (hotels, theater dining, or multi-concept groups a plus)
• Ability to lead through both structured service (pre/post theater) and à la carte flow
• Collaborative mindset with strong communication across FOH, beverage, and ownership
• Passion for hospitality, detail, and guest experience

About Toasted Hospitality

Toasted Hospitality is a Chicago-based, family-owned restaurant group known for thoughtful concepts, strong beverage programs, and operational excellence across multiple venues in the Loop and West Loop.

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