Complex Executive Chef – The Radical Hotel & Zelda Dearest

Golden Hour • after/glow • The Roof • Banquets & Catering
Asheville, North Carolina

The Radical Hotel is redefining hospitality in Asheville's River Arts District through bold design, unforgettable experiences, and exceptional food and beverage. At the heart of that experience is our culinary program, featuring Golden Hour, our Michelin Recommended signature restaurant, after/glow café and lounge, The Roof rooftop bar, and an expanding banquet and catering operation as well as at our sister hotel Zelda Dearest.

We're looking for an innovative, passionate, and experienced Executive Chef to lead the culinary vision across all dining venues. This is more than a restaurant leadership role—it's an opportunity to oversee one of Asheville's most dynamic hotel culinary programs while shaping the future of a growing food and beverage operation.

About the Role

The Executive Chef provides strategic and day-to-day leadership for all culinary operations throughout The Radical Hotel, including:

• Golden Hour – Michelin Recommended signature restaurant
• after/glow – Coffee, breakfast and lunch café & evening lounge bar.
• The Roof – Rooftop bar and seasonal dining
• Catering & Private Events - at The Radical Hotel and sister property Zelda Dearest

You'll lead a talented culinary team while ensuring exceptional food quality, operational excellence, financial performance, and memorable guest experiences across every outlet.

What You'll Do

• Lead all culinary operations across multiple restaurant concepts and event spaces.
• Partner with our James Beard nominated F&B consultant Jacob Sessoms
• Create and evolve seasonal menus that reflect The Radical's creative spirit while delivering consistent execution.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop an exceptional culinary leadership team.
• Partner with Food & Beverage leadership to elevate guest experiences across every outlet.
• Oversee banquet, catering, and special event culinary execution at both The Radical Hotel and Zelda Dearest
• Manage food cost, labor, purchasing, inventory, and kitchen budgets to achieve financial goals.
• Ensure exceptional quality, consistency, cleanliness, and food safety standards.
• Build strong partnerships with local farms, artisans, and regional producers.
• Foster a positive, collaborative culture built on accountability, creativity, and continuous improvement.
• Stay ahead of culinary trends while maintaining operational efficiency and profitability.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef in a luxury hotel, upscale restaurant, or multi-outlet culinary operation.
• A hands-on leader
• Demonstrated success leading high-performing kitchen teams.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing food cost, labor, and purchasing.
• Experience overseeing multiple restaurant concepts and banquet operations.
• Passion for seasonal, locally inspired cuisine and innovative menu development.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment while maintaining exceptional standards.
• Hotel experience is strongly preferred.

Why The Radical?

The Radical Hotel is one of Asheville's most distinctive boutique hotels, blending art, culture, and hospitality in the heart of the River Arts District. Our culinary program has earned recognition from the Michelin Guide and continues to grow through innovative dining concepts, rooftop experiences, and memorable private events.

This is an opportunity to lead a culinary team that values creativity, collaboration, and genuine hospitality while helping shape one of the region's most exciting food and beverage programs.

Driftwood Hospitality Management’s company culture empowers our associates to take initiative, be proactive, and contribute to the success of their property with well-defined strategies and objectives. Driftwood Hospitality Management is renowned for our fully integrated approach to hospitality services — all with outstanding client service. Our team is made up of the best talent in the hospitality industry, down to every employee, position, and hotel.