Executive Chef at Mercadito

Mercadito is expanding! Following the success of our flagship River North location, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of Mercadito Lincoln Park — Spring 2026. Known for our vibrant atmosphere and modern take on Mexican cuisine, Mercadito is dedicated to delivering an exceptional dining experience built on authenticity, creativity, and the highest-quality ingredients.

As we prepare to bring Mercadito’s signature energy and flavor to Lincoln Park, we are seeking a talented and experienced Executive Chef to lead our culinary team and help shape the newest chapter of our story.

Position Overview:

The Executive Chef – Mercadito Lincoln Park will play a key leadership role in launching and overseeing all kitchen operations for our new location. The ideal candidate is a creative, passionate culinary professional with a deep understanding of Mexican cuisine and a proven ability to manage, inspire, and elevate a team.

This position will be instrumental in menu development, pre-opening preparation, and ongoing execution, ensuring every dish reflects Mercadito’s standards of excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Lincoln Park kitchen team in executing consistently high-quality, innovative dishes.
• Develop and launch the opening menu, in collaboration with ownership and the culinary leadership team.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations including prep, production, inventory management, and ordering.
• Ensure that all dishes meet Mercadito’s standards for flavor, presentation, and consistency.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant kitchen environment aligned with all health and safety regulations.
• Recruit, train, and mentor BOH staff prior to and following opening.
• Collaborate with management on menu planning, costing, and seasonal updates.
• Manage food and labor costs to maintain profitability without compromising quality.
• Foster a positive, motivated, and professional kitchen culture.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Chef de Cuisine, ideally in a high-volume or concept-driven restaurant.
• Strong background in Mexican or Latin-inspired cuisine with a passion for innovation.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
• Experience with pre-opening operations is highly preferred.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in kitchen financial management including inventory, food cost, and labor control.
• Culinary degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Commitment to quality, consistency, and teamwork.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to lead and shape the culinary direction of Mercadito’s newest location.
• Employee dining discounts across Mercadito restaurants.
• Career growth potential within a growing restaurant group.
• A dynamic, supportive, and creative environment during an exciting expansion phase.

How to Apply:

If you’re passionate about authentic, elevated Mexican cuisine and ready to lead the culinary vision for a new restaurant opening, we’d love to hear from you.

Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and why you’d be an excellent fit for Mercadito Lincoln Park.

Mercadito is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.