Culinary Director

Culinary Director–Tso Chinese Takeout & Delivery Location:Austin, TX Job Type:Full-Time Company: Tso Chinese Takeout & Delivery is a fast-growing, modern Chinese-American restaurant group based in Austin, TX. We’re a Public Benefit Corporation committed to quality, innovation, and community impact. With a unique no-tipping model, we take care of our people so they can take care of our guests. We’re seeking an experiencedCulinary Directorwith deep expertise inwok cooking and Chinese-style cuisineto lead our culinary vision as we expand across Texas and beyond. The ideal candidate combinesculinary artistry with data-driven decision-making, bringing both operational discipline and creativity to scale a multi-unit restaurant group. Responsibilities • Lead the culinary direction across all current and future locations, ensuring consistency, quality, and authenticity in every dish • Develop, test, and document recipes with a focus on wok technique and Chinese-style cooking • Build and mentor strong culinary teams through hands-on wok training, leadership development, and systemized training programs • Standardize recipes, procedures, and plating for efficiency, scalability, and brand consistency across multiple units • LeverageRestaurant365 (R365)and other analytics platforms to monitor and optimize food costs, labor efficiency, and kitchen performance • Use data insights to drive menu engineering, inventory control, and culinary program profitability • Collaborate with leadership on menu innovation, seasonal promotions, and new concept launches • Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and operational excellence standards across all units • Partner with supply chain and operations teams to source high-quality ingredients while achieving cost and margin targets • Play a key role in expansion planning by developing scalable culinary systems and processes for new unit openings • Represent Tso in culinary events, tastings, and industry collaborations Qualifications • 10+ years of professional cooking experience, with mastery of wok and Chinese culinary techniques • Proven leadership as an Executive Chef, Culinary Director, or equivalent in a multi-unit or high-growth restaurant group • Strong analytical skills with hands-on experience usingR365 or similar platformsfor cost analysis, forecasting, and performance optimization • Track record of building scalable systems that balance culinary excellence with financial performance • Ability to train, coach, and inspire diverse teams at all levels • Deep knowledge of food safety, operational best practices, and cost management • Passion for Chinese cuisine and innovation within a fast-paced, modern restaurant model • Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus (not required) What We Offer • Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses • Health, dental, and vision benefits • PTO and work-life balance support • Growth opportunities with a mission-driven, expanding restaurant group • A supportive team culture that values kindness, innovation, and excellence Job Type: Full-time Pay: $90,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year Benefits: • Dental insurance • Food provided • Health insurance • Paid time off • Vision insurance Ability to Commute: • Austin, TX 78748 (Required) Ability to Relocate: • Austin, TX 78748: Relocate before starting work (Required) Work Location: In person