Director of Culinary Operations

Director of Culinary OperationsTony’s Tacos | Long Island, NYPosition OverviewTony’s Tacos is seeking a Director of Culinary Operations to lead and elevate all back-of-house operations across our restaurants. This role is responsible for building systems, developing people, and ensuring consistent, high-quality execution of our food at every location.This is not just a chef role — this is an operator, builder, and leader who can scale a growing brand.Key ResponsibilitiesCulinary Leadership & StandardsOwn and enforce all food quality standards across every locationEnsure consistency in taste, presentation, and execution of all menu itemsConduct regular store visits and audits to maintain “Tony’s Standard”Quickly identify and fix gaps in execution, prep, and cleanlinessHiring, Training & Team DevelopmentLead hiring and onboarding of all BOH team members (including kitchen managers)Build and implement structured training programs (day-by-day, position-based)Develop certified trainers and strong kitchen leaders at each locationCoach and hold teams accountable to performance and standardsSystems & OperationsCreate and maintain clear, scalable systems for:Prep proceduresStation setup and executionOpening/closing routinesFood safety and sanitationEnsure all kitchens are organized, efficient, and built for speed + accuracyPartner with Operations to optimize labor and kitchen flowMenu Development & Recipe ManagementMaintain and standardize all recipes with exact specs, portions, and buildsDevelop new menu items, LTOs, and improvements to existing offeringsEnsure all recipes are costed accurately and aligned with target marginsWork with vendors to source quality ingredients at the best costFood Cost & Inventory ControlOwn food cost performance across all locationsImplement inventory systems, ordering processes, and waste control measuresTrain teams on proper portioning, storage, and handlingIdentify opportunities to improve margins without compromising qualityNew Store OpeningsLead BOH setup for all new locationsBuild kitchen layouts, equipment needs, and prep flowHire and train opening BOH teamsEnsure smooth, high-standard openings from day oneWhat We’re Looking For5+ years of experience in multi-unit restaurant leadershipProven ability to manage and scale across multiple locationsStrong background in both culinary execution and operational systemsExperience building training programs and developing teamsDeep understanding of food cost, inventory, and kitchen efficiencyHands-on leader — not afraid to jump in and fix problems in real timeSuccess in This Role Looks LikeEvery location executes food consistently at a high levelBOH teams are trained, confident, and accountableFood cost is controlled and predictableKitchens run clean, organized, and efficientNew stores open smoothly with strong BOH teams in placeCompensationSalary: $90,000 – $120,000 (based on experience)Performance bonus tied to:Food cost targetsStore audit scoresSuccessful new store openingsAdditional benefits availableWhy Tony’s TacosWe are not your average taco spot. We are building a fast-growing brand with high standards, strong culture, and serious expansion plans. This role is an opportunity to build something, not just manage it.