Culinary Director

Culinary Director
The Nora Hotel

About STARR Restaurants

Founded by Stephen Starr, STARR Restaurants is one of the country’s most respected multi-concept hospitality groups, operating more than 40 distinctive dining destinations across five states. Our portfolio spans Michelin-starred fine dining, celebrated neighborhood brasseries, high-volume landmarks, and design-forward hotel partnerships.

With more than 4,500 employees, we are defined by culinary integrity, operational discipline, and a relentless commitment to hospitality. Every concept is built with intention, and every team is developed with long-term growth in mind.

STARR Restaurants x The Nora Hotel

STARR Restaurants will lead all food and beverage operations at The Nora, anchoring the property with the West Palm Beach debut of Pastis, the iconic New York brasserie, alongside rooftop dining, in-room service, and additional hotel concepts developed in close collaboration with BD Hotels and Sean MacPherson. Together, the partnership is designed to create more than a hotel stay. It is a seamless extension of the district itself, where guests and locals come together through dining, culture, and connection.

This landmark project will help shape the next chapter of hospitality in West Palm Beach and serve as the social anchor of the NORA District.

Position Overview

Reporting directly to the Director of Food and Beverage, the Culinary Director will oversee complex, multi-outlet kitchen operations including Pastis, hotel outlets, rooftop concepts, in-room dining, banquets and events, and bar food programming.

This senior property-level leadership role is intended for a proven multi-unit Executive Chef or Culinary Leader who has successfully built and scaled large teams. The Culinary Director will serve as the strategic and operational owner of culinary standards, financial performance, systems, and culture across all concepts.

Direct reports will include the Executive Chef of Pastis, Executive Chef of Hotel Outlets, Executive Pastry Chef, and additional culinary leaders as the property evolves.

What You Will Own

• Full culinary oversight of all food production across multiple outlets
• Menu strategy and concept integrity across distinct brands and service styles
• Food quality, consistency, and execution standards at volume
• BOH financial performance including labor management and food cost control
• Culinary hiring strategy, leadership development, and succession planning
• Regulatory compliance, sanitation standards, and operational risk management
• Pre-opening systems buildout including ordering platforms and production flow

Leadership

• Establish a high-performance culinary culture that is disciplined and growth-oriented
• Develop Executive Chefs into strong business leaders
• Align culinary leadership across outlets to operate as one cohesive platform
• Lead by presence during peak service and critical operational moments

Build the Business

• Ensure the highest quality food is produced consistently and executed to specification
• Drive adherence to all BOH protocols and health department requirements
• Collaborate on seasonal and strategic menu development
• Actively participate in P&L reviews and margin improvement planning

Build the Team

• Design and implement structured training systems across kitchen roles
• Maintain staffing levels to achieve budgeted labor targets
• Conduct performance evaluations and career development planning
• Develop internal pipelines and succession plans

Drive for Results

• Monitor labor reports and proactively manage overtime
• Maintain disciplined inventory systems and cost tracking
• Control food costs through smart sourcing and waste reduction
• Build scalable infrastructure to support seasonality and growth

What We’re Looking For

• 10+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience
• Experience leading multi-outlet or hotel culinary operations
• Strong financial acumen and P&L management experience
• Pre-opening experience preferred
• Ability to balance refinement with operational rigor