About Us:
Fearless Restaurants is a renowned collection of restaurants, committed to delivering exceptional culinary delights in a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. Our commitment to innovation, creativity, and impeccable service has earned us a reputation for excellence. We are currently seeking an experienced and passionate Culinary Director of Events to join our talented team.
This position will start at Triple Crown, with the opportunity to expand to create and oversee event menus throughout Fearless.
Triple Crown is the largest project by Fearless Restaurants to date. Located in the Radnor Hotel, Triple Crown will consist of 17,000 sq ft of banquet space inside (opened April 2024), 20,000 sq ft of banquet space outside (opening 2025), and finally a premier restaurant opening fall of 2024. This 3-phase project has been a huge endeavor, one of the most extensive and largest in the Fearless Restaurants portfolio.
The indoor event space is currently open for business with over 100 events booked. The space accommodates up to 250 guests seated with a dance floor. We are currently busy on a weekly basis with many events ranging from weddings, funerals, graduations, to corporate luncheons, training, and large scale functions. The Triple Crown offers some of the most extensive A/V in the greater Philly area making it a corporate event destination.
The Ralph Lauren inspired equestrian theme is seen throughout the space with classic patterns of plaid, stripes, and chinoiserie accents.
The most exciting phase of this project will be the outdoor garden featuring a glass conservatory for a la carte dining (for the restaurant) or to be used for events or wedding ceremonies. Finally, we will have a Sperry sail-cloth tent that can accommodate 250 guests seated with a dancefloor.
This project will have 2 kitchens and is a chef's dream.
Position Overview:
As the Culinary Director of Events, you will play a pivotal role in crafting extraordinary dining experiences for our guests, particularly for large-scale events and banquets. Your expertise will drive the culinary vision of our banquet operations, ensuring the highest standards of quality, presentation, and creativity are met. The ideal candidate will have experience working in high-volume kitchens, with a deep understanding of fine dining principles and a flair for creating menus that impress at every level.
Key Responsibilities:
Menu Development: Design innovative and high-quality menus tailored to the specific needs and preferences of clients. Create seasonal menus showcasing the finest ingredients and culinary techniques.
Food Preparation: Oversee the preparation, cooking, and presentation of all banquet dishes. Ensure that food is cooked to perfection and plated beautifully, adhering to high standards of quality and presentation.
Kitchen Management: Manage and coordinate all activities in the banquet kitchen, including staff scheduling, inventory management, ordering supplies, and maintaining kitchen hygiene and safety standards.
Team Leadership: Lead and motivate a team of culinary professionals, including chefs, cooks, and kitchen assistants. Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to ensure that all team members perform at their best.
Event Coordination: Collaborate closely with event planners, catering managers, and other departments to ensure seamless execution of banquets and events. Coordinate food service timing, staffing requirements, and special dietary requests.
Quality Control: Maintain strict quality control standards throughout the food preparation process, from ingredient selection to final plating. Conduct regular tastings and inspections to ensure consistency and excellence in every dish.
Cost Management: Monitor food costs and labor expenses to ensure profitability while maintaining high-quality standards. Implement cost-saving measures without compromising on quality or guest satisfaction.
Vendor Relations: Establish and maintain relationships with local suppliers and vendors to source the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. Negotiate pricing and contracts to secure the best deals for the establishment.
Adherence to Regulations: Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations governing food handling and preparation. Uphold industry standards and best practices to maintain a safe and hygienic kitchen environment.
Qualifications:
- Proven experience in high-end banquet or event catering, with at least 6 years in a culinary leadership role.
- Strong culinary skills with a refined understanding of contemporary cuisine, fine dining, and banquet operations.
- Ability to work under pressure and handle large, high-stakes events with precision and care.
- Exceptional leadership and team-building abilities.
- A passion for creativity, innovation, and delivering extraordinary dining experiences.
- Solid understanding of food safety and sanitation standards.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across multiple departments.
- A formal culinary degree is preferred, but experience is paramount.
Why Join Fearless Restaurants?
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunities for growth and career advancement.
- A creative and dynamic environment that celebrates culinary excellence.
- The chance to work alongside a team of passionate professionals who share your love for great food and service.
If you are a talented and driven Culinary Director of Events ready to bring your culinary expertise to a prestigious and innovative restaurant group, we'd love to hear from you.