Executive Chef needed in beautiful Escalante. Help us create wonderful food with wonderful people!

Head Chef – Escalante, Utah

We are seeking a Head Chef to lead operations at our newly acquired boutique hotel and café
in Escalante, Utah. Timberroot Properties recently expanded into this unique location, and
Roasted Root Café—our companion brand—will anchor the food and beverage program.
Additional Roasted Root Café locations are planned in Chattanooga, TN.

In the short term, the Escalante café will focus on delivering a strong breakfast and dinner
service, complemented by a streamlined grab-and-go lunch offering. Guests of the Escalante
Canyon Inn will receive a simple complimentary breakfast as part of the experience.
Long term, the goal is to establish the café as a consistent, reliable experience for both
employees—new and returning—and guests alike. We are seeking a committed Chef who will
help stabilize and grow the Roasted Root brand, hopefully, with a commitment for the next
three years. This role offers significant potential for growth and long-term impact.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled chef who can adapt to a remote setting and
embraces the challenges of a highly seasonal business. We have launched with a small team
retained from the previous ownership, now we are seeking an experienced leader to help define
team structure (FOH and BOH), manage labor, hire, terminate, and develop a menu that brings
energy and distinction to the local dining scene.

This role is best suited for a well-rounded chef with experience in both savory and pastry
production. Roasted Root Café will place a strong emphasis on morning pastries and fresh
breads where applicable.

Key Responsibilities:

Menu Development
● Emphasize consistency and quality
● Incorporate local ingredients whenever possible
● Adapt menus to reflect regional culture and seasonal availability
● Menu creation with creative crossover ingredients use with minimal waste

Leadership
● Mentor and inspire kitchen staff
● Train and teach new skills as needed, patience is a must for this position
● Foster a collaborative, team-first environment

● Support professional growth and accountability

Operations Management
● Oversee all kitchen operations, including prep, safety, hygiene, and inventory
● Manage ordering and supply planning, with particular attention to the challenges of a
remote location

Budgeting
● Monitor food cost and minimize waste
● Establish a strong foundation for the Roasted Root Café brand, prioritizing quality and
consistency in early stages

Collaboration
● Work closely with FOH staff to ensure smooth service
● Develop clear systems for communication between front and back of house
● Contribute to a cohesive food and beverage program that sets Roasted Root Café apart

Desired Traits
● Kindness: Treat staff and guests with patience, respect, and understanding
● Ambition: Continuously seek to improve the kitchen and guest experience
● Conscientiousness: Prioritize sustainability, minimize waste, and support ethical sourcing
● Creativity: Bring fresh, thoughtful ideas to the culinary program
● Leadership: Lead with integrity, accountability, and a sense of ownership, heavy communication