Wisconsin chef employment contract template

Wisconsin Chef Employment Contract

This Wisconsin Chef Employment Contract (the "Agreement") is made and effective as of [Date] by and between:

• [Employer Legal Name], located at [Employer Address], hereinafter referred to as "Employer,"
• and
• [Chef Legal Name], residing at [Chef Address], hereinafter referred to as "Chef."

1. Position and Responsibilities:

• [Position Title, e.g., Executive Chef, Sous Chef]
• Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
  • Menu planning and recipe development.
  • Food preparation and cooking.
  • Supervising kitchen staff.
  • Inventory and supply management.
  • Food cost control.
  • Kitchen equipment maintenance.
  • Compliance with Wisconsin food safety and sanitation laws (Wis. Stat. ch. 97 and DATCP regulations).
  • Staff scheduling.
  • Vendor relations.
  • Staff training.
  • Allergy and special dietary accommodations.
  • Overseeing daily kitchen operations.
  • Events catering.
  • Supervision of culinary apprentices or kitchen trainees.

2. Location of Work:

• [Restaurant/Venue Name and Address] in Wisconsin.
• Options:
  • Option A: The Chef may be required to work at other locations owned or operated by the Employer within [City/County, Wisconsin].
  • Option B: The Chef may be required to travel for special events, with reasonable notice provided.

3. Employment Type and Work Hours:

• Full-time employment.
• The Chef's regular work schedule will be [Number] hours per week.
• Options:
  • Option A: The Chef will work [Days of the week] from [Start Time] to [End Time].
  • Option B: The Chef’s schedule may vary and will be determined by the Employer based on business needs.
• Overtime:
  • The Chef's eligibility for overtime compensation will be determined in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 103.025.
• Meal and Rest Breaks:
  • The Chef is entitled to meal and rest breaks as required by Wisconsin law.
• Shift Work:
  • The Chef may be required to work night, weekend, or holiday shifts as needed.

4. Compensation:

• [Annual Salary or Hourly Rate].
• Payment Schedule: [e.g., Bi-weekly, Monthly].
• Method of Payment: [e.g., Direct Deposit, Check].
• Overtime Calculation: Overtime will be paid at a rate of 1.5 times the Chef’s regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek, in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Wisconsin wage law.
• Options:
  • Option A: Tips/Service Charges: The Chef [will/will not] participate in tip pooling or service charge distribution in accordance with Wis. Admin. Code DWD 272.03. Details: [Details of tip/service charge distribution].
  • Option B: Bonuses: The Chef may be eligible for bonuses based on [Performance criteria, e.g., food cost control, customer reviews, menu innovation].
• Expense Reimbursement:
  • The Employer will reimburse the Chef for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, including [list of expenses, e.g., uniforms, continuing education, tools, professional memberships], subject to the Employer’s expense reimbursement policy.

5. Benefits:

• The Chef will be eligible for the following benefits, subject to the terms and conditions of the Employer’s benefit plans:
  • Health insurance.
  • Dental insurance.
  • Vision insurance.
  • Paid vacation.
  • Sick leave.
  • Statutory holidays recognized in Wisconsin.
• Options:
  • Option A: Professional Development: The Employer will [provide/not provide] professional development opportunities, such as chef seminars and culinary conferences. The Employer will [pay for/reimburse] the costs of mandatory ServSafe or Wisconsin food safety certifications (DATCP licensing).
  • Option B: Staff Meals: The Chef will be provided with staff meals during work hours.
  • Option C: Other: [Specify any other benefits, e.g., Transportation allowances, Accommodation/relocation assistance].

6. Reporting Structure:

• The Chef will report directly to [Direct Supervisor Title, e.g., General Manager, Food & Beverage Director, Owner].
• The Chef is expected to collaborate with other chefs, kitchen staff, front-of-house teams, and management.
• The Chef is expected to attend [specify meetings, e.g., management meetings, kitchen leadership forums].

7. Legal Compliance:

• The Chef is responsible for maintaining all required Wisconsin occupational licenses and certifications, including a valid alcohol service permit or bartender license if relevant.
• The Chef will participate in mandatory training, such as food allergen awareness.
• The Chef may be subject to background checks in compliance with Wisconsin employment laws.
• The Chef may be required to undergo health screenings as required for food handlers.

8. Intellectual Property:

• [Option A: Employer Ownership] All original recipes, menu concepts, techniques, and promotional content created by the Chef during employment shall be the property of the Employer.
• [Option B: Chef Ownership, with restrictions] The Chef shall own original recipes, menu concepts, techniques, and promotional content created during employment, but the Employer shall have the right to use them for [specific purpose/duration].
• The Chef is responsible for protecting proprietary business information, supplier contacts, and trade secrets.

9. Confidentiality:

• The Chef agrees to maintain the confidentiality of business operations, supplier pricing, unreleased menu items, customer lists, guest preferences, and event details.
• The Chef shall protect customer privacy and proprietary client event information.

10. Outside Employment and Non-Competition:

• The Chef agrees not to engage in outside employment as a chef, catering, or consulting for competing restaurants in [specified geographic area, e.g., Milwaukee County, Wisconsin] during the term of employment. This restriction is limited to [duration, e.g., one year] after the termination of employment.
• Non-Solicitation: Chef agrees not to solicit employees or customers of Employer for [duration, e.g., one year] following termination of employment.
• Non-Disparagement: Chef agrees not to make disparaging statements about Employer.

11. Behavioral Standards:

• The Chef agrees to adhere to the Employer’s code of conduct, anti-harassment, and anti-discrimination policies compliant with Wisconsin Fair Employment Law and federal law.
• The Chef agrees to maintain professional appearance and hygiene standards.
• The Chef agrees to use equipment safely and adhere to a zero-tolerance policy for workplace substance abuse.
• The Chef commits to positive customer and coworker relationships.

12. Kitchen Incidents and Safety:

• The Chef will follow established procedures for handling kitchen incidents, food safety breaches, or customer complaints.
• The Chef will participate in safety and emergency drills.
• The Chef will adhere to OSHA and Wisconsin Department of Health Services kitchen safety standards.

13. Termination:

• Employment is at-will.
• The Employer may terminate this Agreement for reasons including, but not limited to, misconduct, gross negligence, violation of food safety laws, business downturn, or at the Employer’s discretion.
• Notice Requirements:
  • Option A: Either party may terminate this Agreement with [Number] days written notice.
  • Option B: Employer may terminate employment at any time without notice.
• Upon termination, the Chef will return all kitchen tools or employer property and complete any transitional duties as directed by the Employer.
• Severance:
  • Option A: The Chef will be entitled to severance pay in accordance with Wisconsin law.
  • Option B: The Chef is not entitled to severance pay.

14. Dispute Resolution:

• The parties agree to attempt to resolve any disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement through good faith negotiation.
• Options:
  • Option A: Mediation: If negotiation fails, the parties agree to submit to mediation in [City, Wisconsin].
  • Option B: Arbitration: Any unresolved dispute shall be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.
• This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin. The state courts of Wisconsin shall have jurisdiction over any claims arising out of this Agreement.

15. Worker’s Compensation:

• The Employer will maintain worker’s compensation insurance as required by Wisconsin law. The Chef will report workplace accidents and injuries promptly and follow established procedures for accessing medical care and returning to work.

16. Wage Notices and Deductions:

• The Employer will provide wage notices and pay disclosures as required by Wisconsin law. Wage deductions will be made only in accordance with Wis. Admin. Code DWD 274.03.
• The Chef's tips are protected from employer appropriation as required by Wisconsin law.

17. Anti-Retaliation:

• The Employer prohibits retaliation against employees for reporting workplace violations or unsafe conditions.

18. Equal Employment Opportunity:

• The Employer is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, or other protected classes.

19. Optional/Adjustable Elements:

• Probationary Period:
  • Option A: The Chef will be subject to a probationary period of [Number] days.
  • Option B: There is no probationary period.
• Advancement Pathways: [Outline any potential advancement pathways, e.g., Sous Chef to Executive Chef].
• Sign-on/Retention Bonus: [Specify terms of any sign-on or retention bonus].
• Additional Compensation: [Specify any additional compensation for teaching or special culinary events].
• Culinary Competitions: [Specify any company-sponsored culinary competitions].

20. Entire Agreement:

• This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether oral or written, 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 Legal Name]

Signature: ____________________________