Ohio chef employment contract template

Ohio Chef Employment Contract

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

1. Position and Job Description

Option A: The Employee is hired as [Chef Title, e.g., Executive Chef].

Option B: The Employee is hired as Chef.

The Employee’s duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Menu planning and recipe development.
• Food preparation and cooking.
• Supervision of kitchen staff.
• Sourcing and ordering ingredients.
• Compliance with food safety and sanitation standards per Ohio Department of Health regulations.
• Cost control and inventory management.
• Kitchen cleanliness and maintenance.
• Participation in staff training.
• Development of daily specials.
• Interaction with patrons/customers.
• Other duties as assigned.

2. Qualifications and Certifications

Option A: The Employee represents and warrants that they possess the following qualifications:

• [List culinary qualifications, certifications (e.g., ServSafe), professional licenses, educational background, and experience].

Option B: The Employee must maintain a current ServSafe Food Manager Certification as required by the Ohio Department of Health throughout the term of employment.

3. Work Location

Option A: The Employee's primary work location will be at [Restaurant Address] in [City, Ohio].

Option B: The Employee may be required to travel to off-site events or catering locations as needed.

Option C: The Employee's work location may be subject to seasonal or location-based changes.

4. Work Hours and Overtime

Option A: The Employee is a full-time employee and will work approximately [Number] hours per week.

Option B: The Employee's shift schedule will be determined by the Employer and may include split shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Overtime will be paid at a rate of one and one-half (1.5) times the Employee's regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek, in accordance with the Ohio Minimum Fair Wage Standards.

The Employee will be provided with meal and rest breaks in accordance with Ohio law.

5. Compensation and Benefits

Option A: The Employee's annual salary will be [Dollar Amount], payable [Frequency, e.g., bi-weekly].

Option B: The Employee's hourly wage will be [Dollar Amount], payable [Frequency, e.g., weekly].

Tip-sharing and gratuities will be handled according to restaurant policy and applicable Ohio law.

Option C: The Employee may be eligible for bonuses or incentives based on [Criteria, e.g., kitchen profitability, guest reviews, food safety scores].

The Employee will be eligible for the following benefits, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans:

• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid vacation ([Number] days per year)
• Statutory sick leave
• Employee meals
• [Other benefits, e.g., 401(k), uniform allowance]

6. Reporting Structure

The Employee will report to [Supervisor Title, e.g., Head Chef, General Manager].

The Employee is expected to attend kitchen meetings, daily prep briefings, and collaborate on menu development.

7. Staff Conduct

The Employee is expected to maintain high standards of personal hygiene, adhere to the dress code, and comply with all food handling protocols.

The Employer maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, discrimination, and hostile work environment, in compliance with Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4112.

The Employee is prohibited from using or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on duty.

8. Confidentiality

The Employee acknowledges that proprietary recipes, menus, vendor contacts, and other information are confidential trade secrets of the Employer.

The Employee agrees not to disclose or use such information outside the Employer's business, even after employment ends.

9. Intellectual Property

All recipes, menus, food concepts, and related creative works developed during the Employee's employment belong to the Employer, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

10. Outside Employment

The Employee agrees not to engage in outside employment that competes with the Employer's business during their employment.

Option A: For a period of [Number] months after the termination of employment, the Employee agrees not to work for a competing restaurant within [Number] miles of the Employer's location.

11. Workplace Safety

The Employee must comply with all OSHA and Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation workplace safety rules.

The Employee must report any workplace accidents or injuries to the Employer immediately.

12. Food Safety Regulations

The Employee acknowledges and agrees to comply with all Ohio Board of Health food safety regulations, including OAC 3717-1.

The Employer may require the Employee to undergo health screenings or medical clearances as needed.

13. At-Will Employment

The Employee's employment is at-will, meaning that either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, subject to Ohio law.

The Employee agrees to provide [Number] weeks' written notice of resignation.

14. Termination

The Employer may terminate the Employee's employment for cause or without cause.

Upon termination, the Employee will receive a final paycheck in accordance with Ohio law.

The Employee must return all Employer property, including uniforms, knives, recipes, and keys.

15. Anti-Discrimination

The Employer is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity, in compliance with Ohio law.

16. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement will be resolved through good-faith negotiation.

Option A: If negotiation fails, the parties agree to attempt mediation before initiating litigation.

Option B: Any legal action must be filed in a court of competent jurisdiction in [Ohio County] County, Ohio.

17. Alcohol Service (If Applicable)

If the Employee is involved in alcohol service, they must comply with all applicable Ohio liquor laws and regulations.

18. Performance Reviews

The Employee's performance will be reviewed periodically, at least [Frequency, e.g., annually].

19. Modification

This Agreement may be modified or amended only in writing, signed by both parties.

20. Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings.

21. Public Health Emergency

In the event of a public health emergency, the Employer may temporarily adjust the Employee's schedule or implement additional health protocols as required by state or local directives.

22. Use of Likeness

The Employer may use the Employee's name and likeness in company marketing materials with the Employee's consent.

23. Compliance with Laws

The Employee must comply with all applicable state and local ordinances affecting food service workers.

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

[Restaurant Name]

By: [Employer Name]

Title: [Employer Title]

[Employee Name]

Signature: _________________________

Date: _________________________