Executive Chef / Culinary Partner

About this position

Black Walnut is seeking a talented, creative, and hands-on Executive Chef to lead the culinary program at our intimate, farm-to-table restaurant in the picturesque countryside of the Western Catskills.

This is a unique opportunity for a chef looking for more than their next kitchen position. We welcome experienced Executive Chefs as well as ambitious Chefs de Cuisine and Executive Sous Chefs who are ready to take the next step in their careers and lead a culinary program of their own.

We are seeking someone who can build upon the foundation of an established and highly regarded restaurant while bringing their own culinary perspective, creativity, and leadership to its next chapter.

Since opening, Black Walnut has developed a loyal following and a reputation for thoughtful, seasonal cooking, warm hospitality, and a distinctive dining experience. As a young, independently owned restaurant, we see tremendous opportunity ahead and are looking for a chef who is excited to grow alongside us.

For the right individual, this role also offers the potential for long-term growth, including future co-ownership and involvement in additional hospitality projects as our company continues to evolve.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a chef who understands and respects what Black Walnut has become but is equally excited by the opportunity to make the culinary program their own.

Our next Executive Chef will have significant creative freedom to develop seasonal menus, explore new dishes, build relationships with farmers and purveyors, and bring their individual point of view to the restaurant while remaining grounded in our commitment to seasonality, sustainability, quality, and thoughtful hospitality.

At Black Walnut, the ingredients and the seasons guide the menu. We believe in simple, beautiful food prepared with intention, allowing exceptional ingredients to speak for themselves.

This is a hands-on position for someone who genuinely loves to cook. Our intimate kitchen offers the opportunity to be directly involved in every aspect of the culinary experience, from sourcing ingredients and developing menus to cooking alongside the team and leading service.

We are not looking for someone simply to maintain an existing menu. We want a creative culinary leader who can take ownership of the kitchen, inspire a team, and help shape the next chapter of Black Walnut.

The ideal candidate is a passionate and talented chef with a strong culinary foundation, a creative point of view, and a genuine appreciation for seasonal, ingredient-driven cooking.

Our ideal chef is equally comfortable creating a beautiful plate, managing food and labor costs, mentoring a young cook, working directly with a farmer, and leading a busy service.

Just as important as culinary talent is how you lead and connect with people. We value someone who is warm, grounded, collaborative, and generous in their leadership—someone who communicates with respect, inspires their team, and creates a kitchen culture where people are excited to learn and do their best work.

Black Walnut is an intimate and highly personal restaurant, and we value a chef who enjoys being part of the guest experience. The ideal candidate should be comfortable stepping into the dining room, speaking with guests, sharing the story behind a dish or ingredient, and developing genuine relationships with our regulars and community.

Experience in fine dining or a highly regarded independent restaurant is strongly preferred, along with a solid understanding of kitchen operations, seasonal menu development, and financial responsibility.

Above all, we are looking for someone with creativity, curiosity, humility, consistency, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Someone who wants to become deeply invested in the restaurant, the team, and the community, and who sees hospitality as extending beyond the plate.

Growth & Partnership

For the right candidate, this position offers meaningful long-term potential.

Black Walnut is part of the larger vision of The Farmhouse Project, with plans to explore additional hospitality concepts and projects within the region. As our company grows, there may be opportunities for the Executive Chef to play an important role in developing future projects.

For an exceptional candidate who shares our vision, values, and commitment to Black Walnut, the position may also provide a path toward becoming a co-owner and long-term business partner.

Ultimately, we're looking for someone who wants to build something lasting with us—not simply take the next job, but become part of the future of Black Walnut.

Location and commute

13 River Rd, Callicoon, NY 12723.

Plan your route with Google Maps. Travel times and transportation options vary; confirm the work location with the employer before commuting.

How to apply

Review the vacancy and complete the application on the employer or recruitment partner’s website. Requisition ID: WJ-3274842123.