Chef

What chefs do

Chefs design menus, source ingredients, manage kitchen brigades, train cooks, develop recipes, and maintain quality and consistency from prep through service. Executive chefs oversee multiple outlets and run budgets, while head chefs lead a single kitchen.

Training path

Many US chefs attend culinary schools such as the CIA or Johnson & Wales, then work line cook positions for years to develop technique and speed. Others rise through apprenticeships in restaurant kitchens without formal schooling. ServSafe certification is common.

Settings

Chefs work in independent restaurants, hotel and resort kitchens, country clubs, catering companies, private homes, cruise ships, corporate dining, and military and institutional food service. Many open their own restaurants or food businesses.