executive chef

noun

plural executive chefs
: the head chef of a professional kitchen or of a group of professional kitchens
the restaurant's executive chef and owner
His résumé was filled with Connecticut restaurants …; at Le Coq Hardi Restaurant in Stamford, he was, variously, … first cook, sous chef, and finally executive chef.Michael Ruhlman
Bala Kumanan, a French-trained chef, oversees the quality of the food … as the executive chef of the high-end restaurants that span from Vancouver to Ottawa.John French
compare chef de cuisine

Examples of executive chef in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The Denver location of the TAG Restaurant Group steakhouse, led by founder and executive chef Troy Guard Denver location is Michelin recommended. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 17 Feb. 2026 The renowned chef was executive chef at Red Rooster in Overtown and his work at Eden Roc’s Ocean Social earned him a semifinalist nod for a James Beard Award. Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026 Soby’s executive chef and partner David Williams developed the recipe prior to the October 1997 event to help introduce the community to the restaurant a month before it was set to open. Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026 Two executive chefs ago, Georgie had a distinguishable French bent under the leadership of RJ Yoakum, who previously spent years working for Thomas Keller at The French Laundry. Claire Ballor staff Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for executive chef

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of executive chef was in 1902

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Cite this Entry

“Executive chef.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/executive%20chef. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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