Job Description: Culinary Director – Tommyknocker Brewery and Pub
Location: Idaho Springs, CO
Classification: Exempt
Type: Full-Time
Tommyknocker Brewery and Pub, a 30-year cornerstone of Idaho Springs just 18 miles west of Denver—is celebrated for its award-winning craft beers, mountain-inspired menus, and deep-rooted community involvement. Our bustling 300-seat brewpub and thriving catering operations exemplify Colorado’s unique hospitality. As we prepare to expand with a new location at Miner’s Point (Mighty Argo Cable Car), slated to open in late 2025/early 2026, we’re seeking a dynamic Culinary Director to drive our “Rock Solid, Colorado Craft” legacy forward.
As our new Culinary Director, you will lead all culinary operations in both our downtown Idaho Springs brewpub and our soon-to-open satellite location, each offering distinct opportunities. You will play a key role in the buildout and launch of the new site, collaborating with leadership and construction teams to shape kitchen design, workflows, and menu concepts. In this complex, multi-faceted, and growth-oriented environment, you’ll be responsible for cultivating a high-performing kitchen culture, ensuring the highest standards of food quality and guest experience across both locations. You’ll champion operational excellence, foster team collaboration, drive continuous improvement, and uphold Tommyknocker’s signature commitment to quality and hospitality in every aspect of the culinary operation.
The Culinary Director Reports to the President of Tommyknocker Brewery and Pub
Compensation: $75,000 – $90,000 annually
Additional Compensation: Additional compensation opportunities will be available with the launch of our second location in early 2026.
Pay Frequency: Bi-weekly
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Planning: As a key member of the leadership team, develop and implement strategic plans to drive business growth, maximize profitability, ensure financial stewardship and brand consistency across all operations.
- Kitchen Design & Project Leadership: Lead the kitchen design and oversee the buildout of the new location through all phases of development and service, managing the transition to full in-house service in a newly constructed commercial kitchen. Select suitable equipment and menu offerings.
- Oversee Operations: Oversee all BOH operations at both locations, ensuring efficient workflows, consistent standards, and exceptional kitchen performance.
- Risk Management & Safety Leadership: Champion a culture of safety and proactive risk management by enforcing strict adherence to all health, sanitation, and regulatory standards to ensure a safe environment for staff and guests.
- Hands-On Support:
Proactively jump in to assist on the line or expo during peak periods, providing direct support to the culinary team and ensuring smooth operations.
- Lead Financial Performance: Oversee P&L, inventory, purchasing, and cost control at both operations, ensuring budget goals are met and profitability is maximized.
- Culinary Innovation & Menu Development: Lead culinary innovation by collaborating with the team to create mountain-inspired menus that complement our beers and reinforce our brand.
- Build and Lead Teams: Hire, onboard, and train a cohesive culinary staff; support ongoing education for both BOH and FOH teams to foster a positive, high-performing, and collaborative work environment.
- Adaptability in Multi-Site Leadership/Logistics: Demonstrate adaptability by leading operations at the downtown Idaho Springs brewpub, then transitioning to oversee the successful launch of the new location, ensuring consistency and excellence across both operations.
- Community Representation: Represent Tommyknocker with professionalism and authority during public forums, industry meetings, and community functions.
- Enhance Guest Experiences: Deliver exceptional food and beverage service while creating memorable guest experiences that inspire loyalty and repeat business.
- Oversee Catering and Banquets: Oversee all aspects of catering operations—including profitability, menu design, production, and logistics to ensure exceptional service and brand consistency.
- Leverage Technology: Utilize technology (e.g., Toast POS) as a tool to streamline operations, reporting, and financial tracking to support data-driven decisions.
- Community Partnership Initiatives: Partner with local organizations to develop co-sponsored events and joint marketing initiatives that boost brand visibility, attract new audiences, and strengthen community ties.
Required Skills and Experience
- Proven Leader: Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience as a Culinary Director (or similar role) in a high-volume restaurant, with a demonstrated record of advancement and effective leadership.
- Commercial Kitchen Design Expert: Experience creating commercial kitchen layouts, equipment selection, and project coordination from concept through completion.
- Financial Steward: Advanced skill in P&L management, cost control, inventory, and budgeting to ensure kitchen profitability.
- Team Builder: Communicates clearly, mentors’ staff, and builds a positive, high-performing collaborative culture.
- Risk Manager: Proactively identifies and mitigates operational and safety risks to ensure a safe, compliant, and resilient workplace for staff and guests.
- Guest Experience Champion: Demonstrates a commitment to exceptional guest experiences by upholding high standards for food and service, actively seeking guest feedback, and continuously improving hospitality to ensure satisfaction and loyalty.
- Strategic and Adaptable: Thrives in dynamic environments and approaches challenges with proactive, strategic solutions.
- Brand Advocate: Professionally upholds and represents the Tommyknocker brand.
- Relationship Builder: Skilled in building partnerships with staff, vendors, community partners, and local leaders.
- Tech-Savvy: Comfortable with restaurant management systems and report creation.
Requirements
- Must pass background check and pre-employment drug screening.
- Valid ServSafe Manager Certification (or equivalent), or completion within 3 months of hire.
- Full-time availability, including nights, weekends, holidays as needed.
- Ability to stand up to 12 hours and lift up to 50 pounds.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Available to work full-time on-site in Idaho Springs, CO.
Preferred
- TIPS Certification for responsible alcohol service.
- Experience working in a brewery, brewpub, or beer-centric culinary environment.
- Experience in catering.
- Multi-location leadership in a hospitality environment.
Why Tommyknocker?
- Shape a Legacy: Lead a respected, 30-year-old brewpub, design the culinary program for our exciting new Miner’s Point (Mighty Argo Cable Car) satellite location, and help shape the future of Colorado craft beer and cuisine.
- Professional Growth & Benefits: Competitive compensation, 401k with company contributions, healthcare, and generous PTO.
- Team Culture: Family-like, collaborative workplace that encourages your vision for culinary excellence.
- Mountain Lifestyle: Enjoy working in Idaho Springs—hiking, skiing, biking, and the mountain life at your doorstep.
Benefits
- 70% Medical Paid
- 401k contribution
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Sick Time
- Flexible Schedule
How to Apply
Ready to help lead and elevate Tommyknocker’s Colorado craft tradition? Send your resume and a brief note on why you’re the ideal candidate to jolene@growthpointresources.com.
Applications accepted until September 1, 2025 or until a candidate is selected.
Learn more about our craft beers, menu, and our Rock Solid, Colorado Craft brand:
Website: www.tommyknocker.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tommyknockerbrewery/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tommyknockerbrewery/
Equal Opportunity Employer
Tommyknocker is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.