Culinary Specialists for Restaurant and Foodservice

Founded in 1967, we are a boutique firm with over 55 years of executive search experience. The retained recruitment service Bristol offers includes sourcing, screening, qualified candidate submissions, interview scheduling, and negotiating employment and compensation packages of selected finalists.

Bristol Associates’ Restaurant and Foodservice practice recruits within the Culinary segment of the industry. Our recruiters in this division place top candidates in a variety of key culinary functions. We specialize in senior, executive, and management positions.

Simply put, placing top executives is what we do, and we know what makes a great leader. Below are just some of the qualities and skill sets in this discipline that we look for:

  • Understands consumer trends and develops strategies that enhance revenue and control expense
  • Strong management skills and motivates and inspires staff
  • Track record of imagination, vision, passion, and energy
  • Prioritizes quality of ingredients and food while respecting cost efficiency
  • Creative and versatile food design for diverse concepts and cuisines

Are you looking to hire exceptional talent with the skills listed above? Submit an employer inquiry and one of our consultants will be in touch with you soon!

Do these qualities describe you? Submit your resume today to be considered for our current openings.

Join the Many Restaurant and Foodservice Companies That Have Filled Their Roles with Bristol Associates

Our Satisfied Clients Love to Share Their Experiences Working with Bristol Associates

“Bristol Associates helped us to fill over ten positions in a very short amount of time when our company moved corporate offices to its new location. Our Consultant was able to identify strong candidates for even the most hard-to-fill positions. The firm’s customized approach, responsiveness, and extensive network in the field made them an invaluable partner.”

Peter Watson

Executive Director, Talent Acquisition, Dine Equity, Inc. (IHOP and Applebee's)

“I highly recommend Bristol Associates recruiting services to elevate your career! The recruiters possess a people-centric approach that goes beyond just matching skills and experience to a job description. With their constant encouragement and guidance throughout the process I was able to land my dream job!”

Betty Hui

Sr. Purchasing Manager, Panda Restaurant Group

Why Work with Bristol Associates?

Over 55 Years in Business

We have specialized in executive search since 1967, and are now in our 3rd generation of family ownership.

Specialized

We have unrivaled industry knowledge in the areas in which we focus.

Individualized Service

We provide consultative, individualized service to our client companies. We pride ourselves in conducting our processes confidentially when necessary.

Network of Candidates

With over 1M+ relevant candidates in our private database, and growing every day, we have a strong network of senior-level talent across the board.

Responsiveness

Our recruiters value a communicative relationship with our select client companies and candidates, providing updates throughout the search.

Experienced

Our exceptional lead recruiters each have at least 15 years’ of experience in executive search.

Partner with Bristol Associates

Our Successful Restaurant and Foodservice Culinary Searches Keep Our Clients Coming Back

Vice President of Culinary Innovation

This company’s flagship brand is a leader in the restaurant industry and focused on family dining. The Vice President of Culinary Innovation is responsible for collaborating with cross-functional teams to strategically develop innovative ideas and successfully launch new products and concepts. Our placed candidate heads a team of professionals that assist in brand marketing, and they also work with Marketing and Consumer insights to test, train, and deploy new menu items for promotions.

Executive Brand Chef

We were retained by a growing regional restaurant company seeking a professional chef to fill this newly created role. The Executive Brand Chef oversees multiple units in the company’s Pub and Grill division. Our placed candidate has a full understanding of menu costing, menu development, and culinary direction.

Sushi Chef

We made a placement for an established and prestigious organization. The Sushi Chef is responsible for the production, ordering and receiving, merchandising, inventory, sanitation, and safety of the restaurant. Our placed candidate is experienced in various sushi types and contemporary sushi style recipes.

We Can Fill Your Culinary Roles in the Restaurant and Foodservice Industry

  • Catering Chef
  • Chef de Cuisine
  • Corporate Chef
  • Director of Culinary Innovation
  • Director of Culinary Operations
  • Director of Culinary Research
  • Director of Culinary Services
  • Director of Food and Beverage
  • Executive Chef
  • Executive Sous Chef
  • Head Chef
  • Innovation Chef
  • Vice President of Culinary Innovation
  • Vice President of Culinary Operations
  • Vice President of Culinary Research
  • Vice President of Culinary Strategy
  • Vice President of Food and Beverage
  • Wine Director