Connecticut chef employment contract template

Connecticut Chef Employment Contract

This Connecticut Chef Employment Contract (the "Agreement") is made and effective as of [Date], by and between [Employer Name], located at [Employer Address] ("Employer") and [Employee Name], residing at [Employee Address] ("Employee").

1. Position:

• Option A: Chef. Specific Type: [Specific Chef Type, e.g., Executive Chef, Sous Chef].
• Option B: Chef. Without specific type.

2. Job Description:

• Core Responsibilities:
  • Menu planning and development
  • Ingredient sourcing and ordering
  • Food preparation and presentation
  • Inventory and cost control
  • Staff supervision and scheduling
  • Food safety and sanitation enforcement
  • Compliance with Connecticut Department of Public Health requirements, the Connecticut Uniform Food Safety Code, and local health ordinances.
  • Allergen management
  • Kitchen equipment maintenance
  • Event menu customization
  • Collaboration with front-of-house managers
  • Handling customer dietary requests

3. Qualifications and Certifications:

• Required Culinary Qualifications: [List Qualifications]
• Certifications: ServSafe Food Handler/Manager (or equivalent). Additional certifications as required by the Connecticut Department of Public Health and local municipalities: [List Additional Certifications].
• Minimum Experience Level: [Number] years.
• Physical Requirements: [List Physical Requirements, e.g., standing for long periods, lifting weights].

4. Reporting Structure:

• Option A: Reports to General Manager.
• Option B: Reports to Owner.
• Option C: Reports to [Other Position].

5. Work Location:

• Primary Work Location: [Restaurant Name], [Restaurant Address].
• Secondary Job Sites/Catering Venues: Subject to Connecticut regulations and Employer policies.
  • Working at private homes or unique venues may require additional permits and is subject to Employer approval and Connecticut law.

6. Employment Status and Schedule:

• Full-time employment (minimum 35-40 hours per week as per Connecticut labor law).
• Schedule/Shift Expectations: [Specify Schedule, including weeknight, weekend, and holiday work].
  • Option A: Rotation or split shifts may be required.
  • Option B: No rotation or split shifts.

7. Meal and Rest Breaks:

Connecticut-compliant meal and rest breaks will be provided.

8. Overtime:

• Overtime eligible as per Connecticut rules (over 40 hours/week).
• Overtime pay calculated at least time-and-a-half.
• Work hour tracking as required by Connecticut wage and hour regulations.

9. Compensation:

• Option A: Annual Salary: [Dollar Amount].
• Option B: Hourly Wage: [Dollar Amount].
• Payment Cycle: [Weekly/Bi-weekly] as per Connecticut law.
• Method of Payment: [Direct Deposit/Check].
• Tip-Out/Gratuity Policy: [Describe Policy or State "N/A"]; must comply with Connecticut’s Tip Protection law. Employer will make up for credit card fees on gratuities as required by state regulations.
• Bonus: [Describe any commission, performance, or holiday bonuses, or state "N/A"].

10. Benefits:

• Health Insurance: [Describe Coverage].
• Vision Insurance: [Describe Coverage].
• Dental Insurance: [Describe Coverage].
• Life Insurance: [Describe Coverage].
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick Days): [Number] days.
• Paid Connecticut State Holidays: [List Holidays].
• Maternity/Paternity Leave: Subject to Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFMLA) compliance.
• Retirement Plan/401(k): [Describe Plan or State "N/A"].
• Meal Allowance/Staff Meals: [Describe Policy].
• Uniform/Laundering Stipend: [Describe Stipend or State "N/A"].
• Professional Development: [Describe Opportunities or State "N/A"].
• Kitchen Skills/Safety Certification Reimbursement: [Describe Reimbursement Policy or State "N/A"].
• Commuter/Parking Benefits: [Describe Benefits or State "N/A"].

11. Confidentiality:

Employee agrees to maintain strict confidentiality with respect to proprietary recipes, operational processes, vendor lists, competitive business strategies, and customer information.

12. Intellectual Property:

Any recipes, menus, or techniques created during employment become the Employer’s property unless otherwise agreed in writing.

13. Standards of Conduct:

• Compliance with Connecticut anti-discrimination, equal opportunity, and workplace harassment laws.
• Strict prohibition of on-the-job alcohol or drug consumption (Connecticut Drug Testing Law).
• Prompt reporting of workplace accidents per Connecticut Workers’ Compensation rules.
• Adherence to kitchen etiquette, dress code, and personal hygiene/grooming standards.
• Adherence to tobacco-free policies.

14. Non-Solicitation and Non-Disclosure:

• Employee agrees not to solicit employees or clients of the Employer during and after employment.
• Employee agrees to maintain the confidentiality of Employer's proprietary information.

15. Non-Compete (If Applicable):

Non-Compete Clause: [Include specific and narrowly tailored non-compete clause, compliant with Connecticut law, specifying geographical scope, time, and activity. If not applicable, state "N/A"].

16. Probationary Period (If Applicable):

• Probationary Period: [Number] days/months.
• During the probationary period, the Employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason not prohibited by law.

17. At-Will Employment:

Employment is at-will, meaning either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason not prohibited by law, with or without cause or notice.

18. Termination:

• Reasons for Immediate Dismissal: Gross misconduct, food safety violation, insubordination, theft, or any other action that violates Connecticut law or Employer policy.
• Required Notice Period: [Number] days/weeks (Employer's required notice to Employee).
• Final Pay: Will be made no later than the next business day after separation in case of involuntary discharge, per Connecticut law.
• Return of Property: Employee must return all uniforms, keys, equipment, and Employer property upon termination.
• Enforcement of Post-Termination Obligations: Non-solicitation, non-disclosure, and non-compete (if applicable) will be enforced.

19. Performance Reviews:

Annual performance reviews will be conducted.

20. Dispute Resolution:

• First, negotiation. Then, mediation or arbitration before court litigation.
• Governing Law: Connecticut law.
• Venue: [County Name] County, Connecticut.
• Consideration for the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) for workplace claims.

21. Collective Bargaining Agreement (If Applicable):

This agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of any applicable Connecticut collective bargaining agreement for culinary workers.

22. Health and Safety:

• Compliance with Connecticut OSHA requirements.
• Reporting of workplace injuries/illnesses.
• Mandatory employee training and periodic certification renewal (HACCP, allergen protocols).

23. Customer Complaints/Health Department Inspections:

Immediate reporting and cooperation obligations in addressing customer complaints, foodborne illnesses, or health department inspections.

24. Equipment Use:

• Ownership and permitted outside use of Employer-provided equipment (knives, uniforms, footwear): [Describe Policy].
• Restrictions on side catering, private chef, or teaching activities for other entities during employment: [Describe Restrictions].

25. COVID-19 Workplace Safety:

Adherence to COVID-19 workplace safety protocols consistent with Connecticut Department of Public Health advisories.

26. Compliance with Law:

All employment practices comply with Connecticut’s minimum wage (as may be updated), wage theft protections, and any town-level living wage ordinances.

27. Amendments:

• Any variable provisions (wages, holidays, benefits) may be adjusted according to business needs and Connecticut law.
• This contract is individually tailored for chef roles in the state of Connecticut.

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

____________________________
[Employer Name]

By: ____________________________
[Employer Representative Name]
[Employer Representative Title]

____________________________
[Employee Name]