Head Chef

PILGRIM'S INN

20 Main Street

Head Chef Full-Time In Season (April–Early November)

Pilgrim’s Inn, in the heart of Deer Isle, Maine, is under new ownership for the 2025 season. With overnight accommodations in the main building, which dates back to 1793, and three cottages across 2+ acres of waterfront land, the inn offers guests an inviting retreat.

Our on-site restaurant is an integral part of the experience, offering breakfast for inn guests, dinner to the public five nights a week, and a potential new lunch or brunch service. Indoor dining includes 56 seats spread across the dining room and tavern, with an additional 40 outdoor seats on the deck and landscaped grounds. This is the only restaurant and bar in the village of Deer Isle, and it plays an important role in the island’s culture and identity.

As stewards of this historic property, the new owners are committed to honoring its legacy while building deeper connections to the things that make Deer Isle special. Our values center on community, sustainability, and creativity, and they influence every aspect of the inn, including the dining experience. Deer Isle’s breathtaking natural beauty, diverse arts scene, and abundance of local farms, bakers, and producers inspire us, and we strive to celebrate these elements through our food and beverage offerings.

To bring an inspired perspective to coastal New England cuisine that is centered on inventive, flavorful, ingredient-driven menus. And to oversee a highly efficient kitchen that operates with a culture of respect and a shared drive to deliver the highest quality guest experience.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead the culinary program at Pilgrim’s Inn for the 2025 season and beyond. The ideal candidate will share our dedication to community, sustainability, and creativity, crafting humble and delicious cuisine that celebrates the region’s bounty. Our focus will be on ingredient-driven dishes that may have roots in the past but are inventive and approachable—the kind of food that nourishes and draws guests back multiple times a week.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the culinary identity of a longstanding establishment as we set the tone for the next chapter of this beloved property. You’ll have the chance to develop meaningful relationships with local farms and producers, support our sustainability efforts, and enrich the island community while delivering exceptional dining experiences that draw guests from near and far.

Create, execute, and evolve seasonal menus for dinner service that highlight local and sustainable ingredients. Ensure the menu is approachable, inventive, and reflective of Deer Isle’s culture and resources. Consider distinct dinner menus for two distinct spaces. Explore menus for breakfast service (served to overnight guests only) and brunch or lunch service that are easy to execute while also being noteworthy.

Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, presentation, and quality, ensuring consistency and the highest standards. Recruit, train, and manage a small seasonal team, fostering a collaborative and professional environment. Maintain a pipeline of talent and be able to efficiently fill roles and/or find creative solutions if turnover occurs. Oversee labor costs and prioritize efficiency without sacrificing team wellness, food standards, or the guest experience.

Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen environment.

Develop a culture for the back-of-house team that is rooted in Pilgrim's Inn's mission and values. Act as a coach and mentor to staff, developing their skills and encouraging them to contribute creatively to the guest experience. Initiate opportunities for individual growth, including your own, as well as for team learning and bonding.

Build and maintain relationships with local farmers, bakers, fishers, and other producers, sourcing ingredients and strengthening ties with the broader community.

Collaborate…