Pastry Chef

PASTRY CHEF – MAX’S OYSTER BAR, WEST HARTFORD, CT

Join the Max Hospitality Team!

Max’s Oyster Bar, located in the heart of West Hartford Center, is seeking a Pastry Chef with open availability to lead our pastry program and contribute to our dynamic culinary team. If you're passionate about creating exceptional desserts, have a strong attention to detail, and thrive in a high-energy, fine-dining environment, we’d love to meet you!

Max Hospitality has been a regional leader in dining for over 30 years, known for exceptional service, innovative cuisine, and a commitment to excellence. We are looking for individuals who are dedicated to growing in the hospitality industry and contributing to the continued success of our award-winning restaurant group.

Max’s Oyster Bar is one of the area’s most iconic seafood restaurants, offering a refined yet lively atmosphere and a commitment to excellence in every dish - from the raw bar to the dessert menu. The Pastry Chef will play a pivotal role in creating seasonal desserts that complement our sophisticated menu and provide guests with memorable dining experiences.

What We’re Looking For:

Experience:

• Proven experience as a Pastry Chef (3-5 years strongly preferred) in a fine-dining or upscale-casual kitchen
• Strong background in creating high-quality, visually appealing desserts with a focus on both traditional and modern pastry techniques
• Experience managing pastry production, including ordering, inventory, and ensuring consistency and quality
• Expertise in creating desserts that complement a seasonal menu and align with the restaurant's culinary vision
• Experience managing food and labor costs, maintaining budgets and par levels for ingredients
• Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation standards, and kitchen operations

Qualifications

Skills & Qualities:

• A passion for pastry with an eye for creativity, detail, and presentation
• Strong leadership abilities, with experience mentoring and guiding junior pastry staff
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to stay focused in a fast-paced environment
• A deep understanding of flavor combinations and how to balance desserts with the restaurant's menu
• The ability to collaborate with the Executive Chef and kitchen team to craft new seasonal desserts
• Strong communication skills and a commitment to teamwork and professionalism
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure, especially during high-volume service

Responsibilities:

• Lead the creation and execution of the dessert menu, ensuring every dish complements the restaurant's seafood and modern American fare
• Oversee daily pastry production, ensuring consistency, quality, and timely delivery of desserts
• Manage inventory, ordering, and tracking of pastry ingredients to ensure the kitchen’s needs are met
• Monitor labor and food costs to stay within budget while maintaining the quality and consistency of the dessert program
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and culinary team to develop seasonal dessert offerings that align with the restaurant’s concept
• Supervise and mentor pastry assistants and junior staff to ensure training and quality standards are met
• Maintain a clean and organized pastry station, ensuring adherence to sanitation and safety standards
• Participate in menu development, including special dessert features, to enhance guest satisfaction
• Stay current on pastry trends and techniques, bringing creative ideas to the team to enhance the guest experience

Diversity Creates a Healthy Atmosphere:

Max Hospitality is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic.

Applicants with criminal backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Benefits:

• Competitive Pay
• Employee Discount on Meals
• Flexible Scheduling
• Opportunities for Growth and Advancement
• 401(k) with matching up to 4%
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Paid Sick Time
• Referral Program
• Life, Accident, Critical Illness, & Pet Insurance
• Career Development within the Max Hospitality Group