
In the world of fine dining, the right leadership and culinary talent are essential for delivering exceptional guest experiences. At JWB Hospitality, we focus on connecting restaurants with top-tier chefs, managers, and executive talent, helping establishments excel in the competitive dining landscape.
Whether it’s securing a Michelin-starred chef or finding a visionary general manager, our expertise ensures that every role is filled with precision and purpose.
Choosing the right recruitment partner is crucial for securing top culinary talent that aligns with your restaurant's vision. At JWB Hospitality, our expertise, expansive network, and tailored strategies set us apart as leaders in restaurant executive recruitment.
At JWB Hospitality, we partner with restaurants of all sizes—from Michelin-starred kitchens to high-volume neighborhood concepts—to recruit the leadership and talent that drive exceptional guest experiences. We specialize in sourcing top-tier General Managers, Executive Chefs, Pastry Chefs, Beverage Directors, Directors of Operations, and front-of-house leaders. Our network spans the industry’s most accomplished professionals, allowing us to match each client with the right expertise, cultural fit, and long-term potential.
Every restaurant faces its own unique set of challenges—from managing high-pressure kitchens to designing unforgettable dining experiences. Our team understands these nuances and crafts search strategies that align with your restaurant’s brand, operational needs, and culinary philosophy. We recognize that success in the hospitality industry goes beyond serving great food—it’s about building cohesive teams, fostering innovation, and delivering consistent quality.
Over years of industry experience, JWB Hospitality has built an extensive network of culinary professionals, including Michelin-starred chefs, renowned restaurateurs, and forward-thinking culinary innovators. Our chef recruiting agency doesn’t rely solely on traditional hiring methods. Instead, we proactively seek out both active and passive candidates, accessing a deep pool of talent that often remains hidden from conventional job boards. This means we can present you with top-tier candidates who may not be actively searching but are open to the right opportunity.
Recruiting for top-tier dining establishments demands confidentiality, transparency, and a deep understanding of client expectations. We focus on building long-lasting relationships with our clients, operating as true partners throughout the recruitment process. Trust is central to everything we do—especially when handling high-profile searches or navigating sensitive leadership transitions. Our clients can rely on us for discretion, integrity, and results-driven recruitment.
Every restaurant is unique, with its own culinary vision, operational needs, and brand identity. At JWB Hospitality, we tailor our recruitment strategies to ensure that each placement not only meets technical requirements but also complements your restaurant's culture and long-term goals.
Whether it’s an Executive Chef who can earn Michelin stars or a General Manager who ensures impeccable service, JWB Hospitality specializes in recruiting culinary and executive leaders who align with your restaurant’s vision. Our expertise includes Michelin chef recruitment, fine dining management, and front-of-house leadership placements.
Our structured recruitment process is designed for precision, efficiency, and long-term success.
The culinary industry is ever-changing, driven by new dining trends, evolving guest expectations, and technological advancements. To maintain a competitive edge, restaurants must adapt quickly while staying true to their unique culinary identity.
The culinary industry is dynamic, shaped by evolving consumer preferences, sustainability initiatives, and technological advancements. From farm-to-table dining to avant-garde tasting menus, staying ahead of culinary trends is essential for continued success. Our recruiters stay informed about industry shifts, ensuring that the candidates we present bring fresh ideas, adaptability, and a deep understanding of modern culinary demands.
Attracting and retaining top culinary talent requires more than competitive compensation. It’s about creating environments where chefs and managers can thrive. We provide clients with data-driven insights on salary benchmarks, industry trends, and workforce expectations, helping you make strategic hiring decisions. Our recruitment strategies are designed to ensure long-term retention, reducing turnover and building stable, high-performing teams.
Culinary excellence isn’t just about recipes—it’s about vision, creativity, and leadership. Whether it’s an Executive Chef redefining cuisine or a General Manager ensuring flawless operations, strong leadership drives every aspect of a restaurant’s success. At JWB Hospitality, we focus on sourcing leaders who elevate dining experiences and build award-winning teams.
At JWB Hospitality, we’re more than just restaurant recruiters—we’re your strategic partners in talent acquisition. Our tailored approach ensures that every placement strengthens your restaurant’s leadership and supports its long-term success. Whether you’re looking for a Michelin-starred chef or a seasoned general manager, our commitment to excellence ensures the perfect match.
Ready to transform your culinary team? Connect with JWB Hospitality today and discover how we can help your restaurant thrive in an ever-evolving dining landscape.
Proven Results. Exceptional Talent. Long-Term Impact.
At JWB Hospitality, we measure success by the quality of our placements — and by the lasting impact they have on our clients’ teams, culture, guest experience, and financial performance.
Below is a selection of recent searches that highlight our ability to identify, attract, and place exceptional hospitality leaders across the country.
Location: New York City
Search Duration: 6 weeks
Outcome: +14% RevPAR | +22% Guest Satisfaction
Client Challenge
A luxury 55-room boutique hotel experienced an unexpected leadership change and needed a seasoned GM who could stabilize operations, elevate service standards, and strengthen culture without disrupting the guest experience.
JWB’s Approach
· Immersive discovery with ownership & department heads
· Multi-market talent mapping across NYC, LA, and Miami
· Screening for emotional intelligence, leadership presence, and luxury service philosophy
· Delivered a curated shortlist of 4 finalists
Result
The chosen GM immediately brought structure, empathy, and elevated service refinement.
Within three months:
· RevPAR increased by 14%
· Guest satisfaction improved by 22%
· Staff turnover dropped by 18%
Client Feedback
“JWB delivered an exceptional leader who fit our culture from day one. Their understanding of luxury boutique hospitality is unmatched.”
Location: Miami
Search Duration: 8 weeks
Outcome: Award-winning relaunch | 95% kitchen retention
Client Challenge
A critically acclaimed restaurant needed a visionary Executive Chef for a complete culinary relaunch — someone who could innovate, lead a large brigade, and maintain the restaurant’s high standards.
JWB’s Approach
· Tapped into a national and international network of Michelin-trained chefs
· Evaluated technical skill, culinary philosophy, and leadership
· Collaborated with ownership on concept evolution
· Shortlisted 3 elite candidates
Result
The selected chef reimagined the menu, strengthened brigade culture, and helped the restaurant achieve:
· 95% kitchen retention
· 12% increase in covers
· Significant press attention
· A major culinary award within 12 months
Client Feedback
“This was a mission-critical hire. JWB understood our vision and delivered a chef who exceeded expectations and transformed our kitchen.”
Location: Southern California
Search Duration: 7 weeks
Outcome: 3 new openings | +9% EBITDA
Client Challenge
A rapidly growing restaurant group needed a DO who could build systems, refine operations, and prepare the company for expansion.
JWB’s Approach
· Deep operational discovery & growth plan analysis
· Market mapping for DOs with both fine-dining roots and multi-unit experience
· Intensive leadership & scaling capability interviews
· Final shortlist of 5 high-performing operators
Result
The DO implemented systems that clarified communication, improved training, and enabled successful multi-unit expansion.
· 3 new units opened within 10 months
· EBITDA increased by 9%
· Staff turnover decreased by 20%
Client Feedback
“The DO JWB found for us has been transformational. They understood exactly what we needed to scale responsibly.”
Location: South Florida
Search Duration: 5 weeks
Outcome: Increased membership satisfaction | Streamlined operations
Client Challenge
A private club needed a refined Executive Chef who could elevate culinary consistency, manage cost structure, and curate seasonal menus that aligned with member expectations.
JWB’s Approach
· Identified leaders from luxury resorts & fine-dining backgrounds
· Screened for cost discipline + creative menu development
· Focused on candidates experienced with high-volume, high-touch environments
· Delivered a shortlist of 3 finalists
Result
The new Executive Chef modernized the culinary program, tightened systems, and raised member satisfaction scores by 27% in the first quarter.
Client Feedback
“The chef understands luxury, consistency, and cost control. JWB found someone who checks every box.”
Location: Texas
Search Duration: 6 weeks
Outcome: Successful multi-outlet refresh | Stronger training culture
Client Challenge
A lifestyle hotel with multiple F&B venues needed a director who could unify teams, elevate brand standards, and drive revenue across outlets.
JWB’s Approach
· Conducted departmental interviews to uncover gaps
· Sourced seasoned leaders from boutique and lifestyle hotel groups
· Evaluated management style, creativity, and financial acumen
· Shortlisted 4 finalists
Result
The new F&B Director refreshed service standards, rebuilt training systems, and implemented new programming that boosted overall F&B revenue by 11%.
Client Feedback
“We needed someone who could manage culture, operations, and creativity across several concepts. JWB delivered the perfect match.”
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
“JWB is the only search firm we trust for mission-critical roles.”
— Hospitality Group, NYC
“Their knowledge of luxury hospitality is simply on another level.”
— Boutique Hotel Owner, Miami
“They deliver the right candidates, not a stack of resumes.”
— Executive Chef, Los Angeles
“The culture fit and leadership alignment were perfect — exactly what we needed.”
— Restaurant Group COO, Chicago
A specialist restaurant recruiter saves you time, reduces hiring risks, and connects you with talent you wouldn’t find through traditional job postings. At JWB Hospitality, we leverage an extensive network of pre-vetted professionals—from executive chefs to general managers—ensuring you meet candidates who not only meet your skill requirements but also align with your brand’s values and vision.
Recruiting Michelin-level talent requires a deeper understanding of culinary artistry, discipline, and international fine dining standards. These chefs are accustomed to precision, creativity under pressure, and operating in high-stakes environments. Our team has firsthand experience in Michelin-starred kitchens, which means we know how to identify, evaluate, and present chefs who can elevate your dining experience to an exceptional level.
Timelines vary depending on the role, the level of experience required, and market conditions. For most placements, our clients meet strong candidates within 1–3 weeks. Highly specialized or senior roles may take longer to ensure the right fit, but we work efficiently without compromising quality.
We start by understanding your business’s DNA—its service philosophy, pace, leadership style, and guest expectations. Every candidate is evaluated not only for skills and experience but also for personality, values, and adaptability. This ensures we place individuals who will thrive in your environment and contribute to your long-term success.
Our fees are structured as a percentage of the candidate’s first-year base salary and vary depending on the role and level of specialization. We operate on a success-based model—meaning we only invoice once you hire one of our candidates—so there’s no upfront cost to start your search.
Yes. We handle all searches with the highest level of discretion, whether you’re replacing a current employee or exploring leadership changes. Candidate details are only shared with your approval, and sensitive information about your business remains strictly private throughout the process.
Absolutely. If a placed candidate leaves or is terminated within the agreed guarantee period, we will restart the search at no additional cost to you. This ensures you have peace of mind knowing we stand behind every placement.
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