Executive Chef
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_on2888, Marconi Street, Ybor City, Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida, 33605, United States
About the Company and Project
For more than 131 years and four generations, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. has handcrafted the world's finest cigars in the heart of Tampa's historic Ybor City. Our factory, El Reloj, is the last operating hand-rolled cigar factory in the United States—a living landmark where more than 25,000 guests from around the world visit each year to experience Tampa's cigar heritage.
In late 2026, we will open three new hospitality experiences inside a beautifully restored 1910 building across the street from El Reloj: Elaine's, a classic American restaurant with continental and local influences serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Stanford's Cigar Club, a premium cigar lounge with barrel-aged spirits and an exclusive cigar program; and The Inn at El Reloj, an eleven-room boutique hotel. Together, they form the El Reloj District—a hospitality destination unlike anything else in Tampa.
We are seeking an Executive Chef to build and lead the culinary program across the property from the ground up. This is an exceptional opportunity to define the culinary identity of a brand-new operation—developing the menus, assembling the team, establishing the standards, and shaping the culture from day one—within one of Tampa's most significant historic properties.
The Role and Environment
As the Executive Chef, you will serve as the culinary leader across all food and beverage operations on the property, including Elaine's Restaurant, inn amenities, room service, and private events for up to 200 guests. You will work in a state-of-the-art kitchen designed by a nationally recognized kitchen design firm with dedicated restaurant, event, and prep lines.
You will collaborate closely with the General Manager and service team to maintain seamless front-of-house and heart-of-house alignment as one unified operation. Your leadership will be pivotal in fostering a culture of excellence, professionalism, and continuous development within a family business that values craftsmanship, heritage, and doing things the right way.
How to Apply
If you are a culinary leader with the experience and vision to build an exceptional program from the ground up, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you. Please submit your resume and a brief note about your culinary background to hr@jcnewman.com or apply online at www.jcnewman.com/careers.
Equal Opportunity Employer
J.C. Newman Cigar Co. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment drug screening.
Work location
Work model: On-site
2888, Marconi Street, Ybor City, Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida, 33605, United States
Tampa, Florida
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleDefine and execute culinary identity and menu concepts for the restaurant, inn, and private events
- check_circleBuild, train, and lead the kitchen team from the ground up to foster a culture of excellence
- check_circleOversee daily kitchen operations across restaurant, event, and prep lines
- check_circleManage purchasing, vendor relationships, inventory, and food cost controls to drive profitability
- check_circleEnsure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations
- check_circleOversee inn amenities including daily breakfast service and complimentary food and beverage offerings
- check_circleCollaborate with the General Manager to maintain seamless front-of-house and heart-of-house alignment
Requirements
- verifiedMinimum of five years of culinary leadership experience in upscale, fine dining, or boutique hotel environments
- verifiedTwo years in Executive Chef role
- verifiedProficiency in English required
- verifiedSpanish fluency preferred
Nice to Have
Spanish fluency
Benefits & Perks
check_circleFull medical, vision, and dental insurancecheck_circle401(k) savings plan with company matchcheck_circleCompany-paid life insurance and short-term disabilitycheck_circleCompany-sponsored long-term disabilityPaid time off
Similar Job Opportunities
Frequently asked questions about Executive Chef at J.C. Newman Cigar Co
What does a Executive Chef at J.C. Newman Cigar Co do?expand_more
Day-to-day, the Executive Chef at J.C. Newman Cigar Co will define and execute culinary identity and menu concepts for the restaurant, inn, and private events; build, train, and lead the kitchen team from the ground up to foster a culture of excellence; oversee daily kitchen operations across restaurant, event, and prep lines; and manage purchasing, vendor relationships, inventory, and food cost controls to drive profitability.
What are the requirements for this Executive Chef role?expand_more
J.C. Newman Cigar Co is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: Minimum of five years of culinary leadership experience in upscale, fine dining, or boutique hotel environments; Two years in Executive Chef role; Proficiency in English required; and Spanish fluency preferred.
Where is the Executive Chef role at J.C. Newman Cigar Co located?expand_more
Executive Chef at J.C. Newman Cigar Co is based in 2888, Marconi Street, Ybor City, Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida, 33605, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Executive Chef job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
J.C. Newman Cigar Co has listed this Executive Chef role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Executive Chef role?expand_more
Executive Chef at J.C. Newman Cigar Co typically requires 5+ years of relevant experience at the executive level.
What skills do you need for the Executive Chef role at J.C. Newman Cigar Co?expand_more
Key skills for Executive Chef at J.C. Newman Cigar Co include English; and Spanish.
What category does the Executive Chef role belong to?expand_more
Executive Chef at J.C. Newman Cigar Co is part of the hospitality & catering job category on Recrutus.
About J.C. Newman Cigar Co
J.C. Newman Cigar Co operates within the tobacco manufacturing industry, with its headquarters located in Tampa, Florida. Established in 1895 by Julius Caeser Newman, the company stands as the oldest family-owned premium cigar maker in the United States. The organization maintains a significant global footprint through production facilities in the United States, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. Hand-operated, vintage machines at the historic Tampa factory produce the El Reloj, Factory Throwouts, and Trader Jacks lines. Additional hand-rolling operations occur at the PENSA facility in Esteli, Nicaragua, for brands including Brick House, Perla del Mar, El Baton, and Quorum. Further partnerships with Tabacalera A. Fuente in the Dominican Republic result in the handmade production of Diamond Crown, MAXIMUS, Julius Caeser, and Black Diamond cigars. Beyond manufacturing, the company collaborates with the Fuente family to support the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation. This initiative provides education, health care, vocational training, and clean water access to low-income families in the Dominican Republic, reflecting a long-standing commitment to community development alongside its production of premium tobacco products.
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