California chef employment contract template

California Chef Employment Contract

This Full-Time Chef Employment Contract (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of [Date], by and between [Employer Legal Name], a [State] [Business Type, e.g., Corporation], with its principal place of business at [Employer Address] (“Employer”), and [Chef Full Legal Name], residing at [Chef Address] (“Chef”).

• WHEREAS, Employer desires to employ Chef as a [Job Title, e.g., Executive Chef, Sous Chef]; and
• WHEREAS, Chef desires to be employed by Employer in such capacity.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. Employment

• Employer hereby employs Chef, and Chef hereby accepts employment with Employer, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

2. Job Title and Duties

• The Chef’s job title shall be [Job Title, e.g., Executive Chef, Sous Chef].
• Chef shall perform the following duties:
  • Menu planning and development compliant with local and health regulations.
  • Preparation and presentation of food items.
  • Supervision and training of kitchen staff.
  • Management of food inventory and ordering.
  • Compliance with food safety and sanitation standards per California Retail Food Code (CalCode).
  • Allergen management.
  • Creation and standardization of recipes and portion controls.
  • Collaboration with management on cost control and sourcing from approved vendors.
  • Adaptation to seasonal ingredient availability.
  • Supervision of cleaning and maintenance procedures.
  • Use of professional kitchen equipment.
• Option A: Other duties as assigned by Employer.
• Option B: No other duties beyond those listed above.

3. Work Location

• The Chef’s primary work location shall be [Address of Restaurant/Workplace], located in [City, CA].
• Option A: Chef may be required to work at other locations as needed, including event-based settings and catering venues within [County/Region].
• Option B: This position requires travel [Frequency, e.g., Rarely, Occasionally, Frequently] to [Destination/Purpose].
• Option C: Chef will work exclusively at the location specified above.

4. Full-Time Employment

• Chef’s employment shall be full-time.
• The regular work schedule shall be [Number] days per week, [Days of the week, e.g., Monday-Friday], from [Start Time] to [End Time].
• Chef is entitled to meal and rest breaks in compliance with California wage and hour laws.
• Option A: Split shifts or staggered schedules may be required as necessary.
• Option B: The schedule is fixed and will not change without prior written notice.
• Overtime will be compensated in accordance with California law (daily over 8 hours, weekly over 40 hours, and double-time for shifts exceeding 12 hours).
• Chef is entitled to mandatory uninterrupted meal and rest breaks.
• Option A: Chef may voluntarily waive their meal break, but this must be documented in writing and in compliance with state law.
• Option B: Waiver of meal breaks is not permitted.

5. Compensation

• Chef shall be compensated at a rate of [Dollar Amount] per [Hour/Year]. This rate is at least equal to the California minimum wage for all hours worked, or if annual salary, above the exempt threshold.
• Wages shall be paid [Frequency, e.g., Bi-weekly, Semi-monthly] via [Method, e.g., Direct deposit, Check].
• Option A: Chef is eligible for tip pooling as per the Employer's policy, which complies with CA Labor Code.
• Option B: Tip pooling does not apply to this position.
• Option C: Chef may receive a performance-based bonus, the criteria for which are detailed in Exhibit A.
• Option D: Chef may be eligible for holiday pay as described in Section 6.
• Option E: Chef is eligible for a profit-sharing bonus based on the success of [signature dishes/menu items] as defined in Exhibit B.
• Option F: Chef will receive the following non-monetary perks: free meals during shifts.

6. Benefits

• Employer shall provide health insurance coverage as mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), if applicable.
• Option A: Employer offers dental and vision insurance. Details are provided in the employee handbook.
• Option B: Dental and vision insurance are not offered.
• Chef is entitled to paid sick leave in accordance with the California Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act.
• Chef is eligible for [Number] days of paid vacation per year, accruing at a rate of [Accrual Rate].
• Chef is entitled to statutory holidays. Refer to the employee handbook for details on holiday pay and overtime.
• Chef is eligible for family and medical leave per the California Family Rights Act (CFRA).
• Option A: Chef will receive a meal stipend of [Dollar Amount] per shift.
• Option B: Chef will receive a commuting stipend of [Dollar Amount] per month.
• Option C: Employer will provide uniforms and equipment allowances of [Dollar Amount] per [Month/Year].
• Employer shall reimburse Chef for all reasonable work-related expenses per California Labor Code Section 2802.
• Bereavement Leave will be provided in accordance with California law.

7. Intellectual Property and Recipe Ownership

• All menus, recipes, signature dishes, plating techniques, and training manuals developed during Chef’s employment shall be the sole property of Employer.
• Option A: Chef retains ownership of pre-existing recipes and culinary techniques disclosed in Exhibit C.
• Chef shall not publish, share on social media, or otherwise disclose any proprietary information without Employer’s prior written consent.

8. Confidentiality and Trade Secrets

• Chef acknowledges that recipes, supplier pricing, business plans, new menu launches, unique techniques, and customer information are confidential trade secrets of Employer.
• Chef shall not disclose any confidential information to any third party during or after the term of this Agreement.
• This obligation continues indefinitely, even after the termination of employment.

9. Behavior and Performance Standards

• Chef shall maintain professional conduct, practice strict food safety and hygiene, and adhere to all state and local health codes.
• Chef shall maintain a professional appearance at all times.
• Chef shall maintain accurate food safety and temperature logs.
• Chef shall promptly report all incidents, accidents, and health code violations.
• Chef shall participate in quarterly food safety training and inspections.

10. Anti-Harassment, Non-Discrimination, and Equal Opportunity

• Employer is committed to providing a workplace free of harassment and discrimination.
• Employer prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by California law.
• Employer has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment, bullying, and substance abuse in the workplace.

11. At-Will Employment

• Chef’s employment is at-will, meaning either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice, subject to the provisions below.
• Option A: Chef may resign by providing [Number] days written notice.
• Option B: Employer may terminate Chef's employment for any lawful reason.
• Employer may terminate Chef’s employment immediately for gross misconduct, health code violations, theft, or violence.
• Upon termination, Chef shall receive a final paycheck and accrued benefits within the timeframes required by California law.
• Upon termination, Chef shall return all Employer-owned equipment, uniforms, and documents.

12. Restrictive Covenants

• This Agreement shall not include any non-compete clause, which is unenforceable in California.
• Option A: Chef agrees not to solicit Employer’s clients or employees for a period of [Number] months following termination.
• Chef shall not use or disclose Employer’s trade secrets or recipes, as protected by the California Uniform Trade Secrets Act, at any time.

13. Occupational Health and Safety

• Employer shall comply with all California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) standards.
• Chef shall immediately report all workplace injuries and accidents.
• Employer shall provide necessary safety equipment, including cut-resistant gloves and first aid kits.
• Option A: Employer will provide ergonomic assessments and accommodations as needed.
• Employer supports mental health and provides assistance for on-the-job injury recovery.

14. Workers’ Compensation

• Employer maintains workers’ compensation insurance as required by California law.
• Chef shall follow Employer’s procedures for reporting workplace injuries, seeking medical treatment, and returning to work.

15. Dispute Resolution

• Any disputes arising from this Agreement shall be resolved through the following steps: first, internal complaint handling; second, mediation; and third, arbitration, if necessary.
• This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.
• The forum for any legal action shall be [County] County, California.

16. Workplace Privacy

• Option A: Employer may conduct video monitoring in food preparation areas. Notice of audio or video surveillance is posted in accordance with California law.
• Option B: No video or audio monitoring will be conducted.

17. Performance Reviews

• Chef’s performance will be reviewed [Frequency, e.g., Annually, Semi-annually].
• Merit increases and advancement opportunities will be based on performance.
• All critiques and disciplinary actions will be documented in writing.

18. Immigration Compliance

• Chef must provide documentation of eligibility to work in the United States.
• Employer shall maintain records of Chef’s immigration documentation as required by California law.

19. Language Access

• Employer will provide language-access support or accommodations for non-English-speaking chefs, as needed.

20. Amendments

• This Agreement may be amended to comply with changes in California law and local county or municipal health regulations.

21. Entire Agreement

• This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

[Employer Legal Name]

By: [Employer Representative Name]

Title: [Employer Representative Title]

[Chef Full Legal Name]

Signature: ____________________________

Date: ____________________________