Difference Between Head Chef and Executive Chef

You may have ordered the services of an executive chef or a head chef at some point. Or chosen cuisines that are prepared by the head chef and sometimes the executive chef. But, do you know the difference between the two terms? Let’s start by defining a chef. This is a tradesman or a professional cook who prides themselves in the proficiency of all aspects of food preparation. Most often, chefs focus on a particular cuisine. There are different terms used to refer to chefs. In this article, we will look at the difference between head chef and executive chef. 

Who is Head Chef?

This is a chef who has full control in the running of the whole kitchen. Among his or duties include managing the kitchen workers, creating of menus, managing supplies and controlling the costs incurred in the kitchen. In most cases., the head chefs can delegate their duties to junior staff. For instance, even in the presence of a head chef, tasks such as the preparation of cooking ingredients are often delegated to staff who are lower in the hierarchy. 

Who is Executive Chef?

An executive is a chef who carries out the managerial tasks in an establishment. He or she tops in the kitchen management structure. And because of this, you will barely find an executive in small establishments. Rather, they are available in large kitchen establishments. Their main role is to provide management services in an establishment. They are also responsible for managing the operations in multiple outlets in an establishment. Other roles involve costing and planning and revising menus. Executive chefs rarely cook in any establishment.

Similarities between Head chef and Executive chef

• Both are involved in the running of a kitchen

Differences between Head chef and Executive chef

Definition

A head chef is a chef who has full control in the running of the whole kitchen establishment. On the other hand, an executive chef is a chef who carries out the managerial tasks in an establishment. 

Rank

While a head chef comes second in the kitchen hierarchy in an establishment, an executive chef tops in the kitchen management structure. 

Roles

The roles of a head chef involve managing the kitchen workers, creating of menus, managing supplies and controlling the costs incurred in the kitchen. On the other hand, the roles of an executive chef include the provision of management services, the management of operations in multiple outlets as well as costing, planning and revising menus. 

Cooking roles

While a head chef may undertake cooking duties, an executive chef does not cook. 

Head chef vs. Executive chef: Comparison Table

Summary of Head chef vs. Executive chef

A head chef is a chef who has full control in the running of the whole kitchen establishment. He or she comes second in the kitchen hierarchy in an establishment. Also, head chefs are sometimes involved in cooking duties. On the other hand, an executive chef is a chef who carries out the managerial tasks in an establishment. This is the top-most persona in the kitchen management structure and does not cook. 

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