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executive chef

American  
[ig-zek-yuh-tiv shef] / ɪgˈzɛk yə tɪv ˈʃɛf /

noun

executive chefs plural
  1. a chef responsible for managing the staff, menu, and operation of a restaurant kitchen or group of restaurant kitchens.


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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As for the sandwich, Shake Shack’s executive chef, John Karangis, said in a statement that “we took inspiration from the American backyard BBQ.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026

Much like a CEO, the 44-year-old executive chef has his own management philosophy for running a business built on tight deadlines, impeccable service and perfect execution.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 13, 2025

Chetan Shetty is the executive chef at Passerine, a seasonal Indian restaurant in New York City’s fashionable Flatiron district.

From Salon • Jan. 16, 2025

Jahdea Gildin, the sommelier at New York’s Luthun, works on NA sips with the restaurant’s executive chef and spoke to the process, which, he said, takes a lot of time, effort, and passion.

From Slate • Jan. 16, 2025

Cris Comerford, the White House’s first female executive chef, was a mentor.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

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