Job Description Job Description
Head Chef
Cantina Imperfecto
Myrtle Beach, SC
Cantina Imperfecto () seeks to hire a talented and driven Head Chef to lead our kitchen operations and play a key role in the continued growth of our brand. This is an opportunity for a culinary professional who thrives in a high-energy environment, values consistency and execution, and is excited to be part of building something long-term.
Cantina Imperfecto is the newest restaurant developed by the creators of Drift, located in the beautiful Grande Dunes area of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. An elegant dining experience featuring modern Mexican cuisine with a unique touch of Tequila and Mezcal, Cantina Imperfecto invites diners to celebrate flavorful dining with a menu that excites palates and ignites dialogues.
Position Overview
The Head Chef is responsible for overseeing all back-of-house operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, managing kitchen staff, and maintaining strong cost controls. This role reports directly to the Operating Partner and serves as the senior culinary leader within the restaurant.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage all kitchen operations, including prep, execution, and service
Train, develop, and mentor kitchen staff to maintain high performance and consistency
Ensure all dishes meet Cantina Imperfecto's standards for quality, presentation, and flavor
Oversee ordering, inventory, and vendor relationships
Maintain food cost targets and implement cost-control strategies
Enforce cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards
Collaborate with ownership on menu execution and future development
Build and maintain a strong, team-oriented kitchen culture
Qualifications
Proven experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef, or strong Sous Chef ready to step up
Demonstrated leadership ability and experience managing kitchen teams.
Strong understanding of food cost management, inventory control, and kitchen systems
Ability to execute consistently in a fast-paced environment
Experience with Mexican or Latin cuisine is a desired but not require
Passion for hospitality, quality, and continuous improvement
Compensation & Benefits
Annual salary based on experience and credentials
Bonus opportunity based on food cost and overall performance
Paid time off
Growth Opportunity
Cantina Imperfecto is an expanding concept with plans for additional locations. This role offers significant opportunity for career growth, including advancement into multi-unit leadership as the company grows. We are looking for someone who wants to be part of building a brand not just fill a position.