Omakase Chef

Job Type: Location Type: On-site

 

Situated in Downtown’s 2nd Street District, Austin Proper Hotel and Residences offers an artful immersion in lifestyle and wellbeing. With an emphasis on collaboration, Austin Proper features both inspired interiors by acclaimed designer Kelly Wearstler and is guided by the culinary creativity of Austin tastemaker MML Hospitality. Essentials include 238 rooms and suites; 99 branded residences; four unique settings for dining and drink; a focus on wellness with a dedicated spa and fitness center; and a variety of atmospheric event spaces. And it wouldn’t be Proper without a 5th floor pool deck offering small-batch tequilas and sunset views.

A new, intimate tasting menu restaurant is set to open at Austin Proper Hotel later this year. This chef-driven project will focus on precision and storytelling through food, offering a highly personalized and immersive dining experience. The culinary team brings international acclaim, and a philosophy rooted in discipline, creativity, and innovation. The concept will be rooted in French and Japanese styles.

The Omakase Chef is a core member of the culinary team, responsible for preparing, executing, and supporting all aspects of station service during omakase or kappo-style experiences. This position is uniquely hybrid, requiring both culinary expertise and front-facing guest interaction in a refined, high-touch environment. The Omakase Chef must be capable of maintaining precise standards of plating, hygiene, portioning, and timing while supporting the broader hospitality flow of the restaurant.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute designated station prep and service with precision
• Rotate between hot, cold, steamed, and plating stations as needed
• Present and explain dishes to guests seated at the counter
• Support guest-facing duties including handing plates and clearing during peak
• Assist FOH staff when necessary to maintain pace and guest satisfaction
• Maintain allergen awareness and ensure updates to allergen chart
• Assist with daily delivery inspection and storage organization
• Monitor and record food cooling and sanitizing processes
• Participate in kitchen cleaning and station reset between services
• Portion control for all menu items according to SOP
• Support omiyage preparation and coordination during service
• Maintain proper mise-en-place, label rotation, and station restocking
• Support waste minimization efforts and update wastage reports
• Contribute to team training and support new cooks during onboarding
• Ensure kitchen tidiness and personal hygiene meet operational standards
• Maintain direct reporting line to the Head Chef

Additional Functions:

• Pour drinks or assist FOH with beverage service if needed
• Communicate clearly with chef team during pickup and transitions
• Participate in guest interaction and pacing awareness at counter
• Maintain temperature logs and sanitation tracking per shift
• Support service adjustments and guest requests when prompted

Requirements:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a fine dining or omakase-style kitchen
• Strong plating skills, station discipline, and cleanliness
• Knowledge in Japanese/french cooking techniques
• Basic ability to explain dishes and interact professionally with guests
• Comfortable with Japanese ingredients, seafood, knife handling, and portioning
• Valid food handler certification and knowledge of food safety practices
• Punctual, organized, and attentive to detail in a high-pressure setting

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a guest-facing open kitchen or chef’s counter setting
• Basic knowledge of sake, Japanese tea, or beverage pairing concepts
• Familiarity with prep tracking systems, labels, and HACCP procedures
• Flexible mindset and willingness to rotate tasks across departments

Company Overview

Proper Hospitality is made up of a diverse group of passionate individuals who share a common love for hotels and the art of hospitality. Our philosophy is simple: There is a right way to do things and anything less just isn’t proper. We are seeking out the best of the best from inside and outside of the industry to work alongside us as we grow a new kind of lifestyle Hospitality Company inspired by a centuries-old tradition. The work is challenging and fast-paced but rewarding above all.

Proper Hospitality provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federal/state protected category.

Proper Hospitality will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.