Head Chef

Job Description

Job Description

Head Chef

Full-Time — Salary · $60,000 – $65,000 CAD / year (based on experience) · Upriver Landing · 9254 Nowell Street, Chilliwack BC

About Upriver Landing

Upriver Landing is a new upscale casual farm-to-table restaurant opening in downtown Chilliwack, BC at 9254 Nowell Street. We are built around a simple idea: buy the best ingredients from the Fraser Valley, and then get out of their way.

Our menu celebrates what grows, swims, and grazes within 200 kilometers of our kitchen — BC salmon, Fraser Valley lamb, Chilliwack berries, locally made burrata. We cook with intention and serve with genuine warmth.

Our name says it all. Going upriver means moving against the easy current — toward something wilder, truer, and more nourishing. That spirit lives in every plate we send out, and in every person who is part of this team.

Job Type Full-Time, Permanent — Salaried Start Date

Immediately — this is a founding role Schedule Tuesday–Sunday. Evenings + weekends required. Weekend brunch included. Location

9254 Nowell Street, Downtown Chilliwack, BC — in-person only Reports To Owner / Operator

THE ROLE

This is a founding position. The Head Chef of Upriver Landing will build the kitchen from the ground up — hiring the team, developing the menu with the owner, establishing all kitchen systems, and setting the standard for everything that comes out of the pass.

This is not a role for someone looking for a job. This is a role for someone looking for a home.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

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Lead all kitchen operations for 60-seat upscale casual service, Tuesday–Sunday, plus weekend brunch

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Develop and refine the seasonal menu alongside the owner — farm-to-table, Fraser Valley-sourced

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Hire, train, and mentor the full kitchen brigade (Sous Chef, Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, Kitchen Porters)

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Build and maintain relationships with Fraser Valley suppliers (Driediger Farms, Rocky Ridge Farm, Pacific Wild Seafood, and others)

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Own food cost and kitchen labor cost — target 28–32% food cost

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Write weekly prep lists, order guides, and mise en place standards

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Ensure full Fraser Health compliance at all times — HACCP logs, food safety, sanitation

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Create and maintain the kitchen recipe book and staff training materials

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Be the standard-bearer: cook with intention, taste constantly, take pride in every plate

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Head Chef

UPRIVER LANDING — WE ARE HIRING | 9254 Nowell Street, Chilliwack BC | Farm · River · Community

Upriver Landing is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive kitchen and dining room.

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5+ years of professional kitchen experience, with at least 2 years in a Head Chef or senior chef role

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Strong knowledge of Canadian seafood, particularly BC salmon, halibut, sablefish, and shellfish

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Experience with farm-to-table, seasonal, or locally sourced cooking concepts

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Proven ability to manage food cost, write prep lists, and run a clean, organized kitchen

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FOODSAFE Level 2 (or Level 1 + commitment to obtain Level 2 within 60 days)

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Experience with pasta making, butchery, or whole-animal cookery is a significant asset

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A genuine passion for the Fraser Valley and BC food culture

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Calm under pressure, kind to your team, direct with feedback

WHAT WE OFFER

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Competitive salary: $60,000 – $65,000 based on experience

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Founding team opportunity — you shape this kitchen from day one

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Creative freedom to evolve the menu with the seasons and your vision

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A dining room that respects the kitchen: no shortcuts, no compromises

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Staff meals, industry discounts, and a genuine community of people who care about food

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Potential equity / profit-sharing discussion for the right long-term candidate

HOW TO APPLY

We would love to hear from you. Send us:

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Your resume (PDF preferred)

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A brief note about why Upriver excites you — we read every one

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Any relevant certifications (FOODSAFE, Serving It Right, etc.)

We will contact shortlisted candidates within 1 week. Successful candidates will be invited for a paid working trial shift.

About Upriver Landing
Upriver Landing is a new upscale casual farm-to-table restaurant opening in downtown Chilliwack, BC at 9254 Nowell Street. We are built around a simple idea: buy the best ingredients from the Fraser Valley, and then get out of their way.
Our menu celebrates what grows, swims, and grazes within 200 kilometers of our kitchen — BC salmon, Fraser Valley lamb, Chilliwack berries, locally made burrata. We cook with intention and serve with genuine warmth.
Our name says it all. Going upriver means moving against the easy current — toward something wilder, truer, and more nourishing. That spirit lives in every plate we send out, and in every person who is part of this team.

Company Description

About Upriver Landing\rUpriver Landing is a new upscale casual farm-to-table restaurant opening in downtown Chilliwack, BC at 9254 Nowell Street. We are built around a simple idea: buy the best ingredients from the Fraser Valley, and then get out of their way.\rOur menu celebrates what grows, swims, and grazes within 200 kilometers of our kitchen — BC salmon, Fraser Valley lamb, Chilliwack berries, locally made burrata. We cook with intention and serve with genuine warmth.\rOur name says it all. Going upriver means moving against the easy current — toward something wilder, truer, and more nourishing. That spirit lives in every plate we send out, and in every person who is part of this team.