{"id":69643,"date":"2025-08-13T07:00:34","date_gmt":"2025-08-13T12:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/?p=69643"},"modified":"2025-08-29T07:58:13","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T12:58:13","slug":"the-one-skill-every-high-earning-chef-has","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/the-one-skill-every-high-earning-chef-has\/","title":{"rendered":"The One Skill Every High-Earning Chef Has (It&#8217;s Not What You Think)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em><strong>Listen to This Article:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"elevenlabs-audionative-widget\" data-height=\"90\" data-width=\"100%\" data-frameborder=\"no\" data-scrolling=\"no\" data-publicuserid=\"d443feec80bf8c8f2e009e26dafa4118e6eb9f14056a5516af577c77d4404c4e\" data-playerurl=\"https:\/\/elevenlabs.io\/player\/index.html\" data-projectid=\"gzdmcSx5ZY3QgZDsfaVp\">Loading the <a href=\"https:\/\/elevenlabs.io\/text-to-speech\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Elevenlabs Text to Speech<\/a> AudioNative Player&#8230;<\/div>\n<p><script src=\"https:\/\/elevenlabs.io\/player\/audioNativeHelper.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Many chefs enter the culinary world because they love food\u2014creating it, tasting it, and seeing people enjoy what they\u2019ve made. But while culinary talent is essential, it isn\u2019t always the skill that leads to the highest paychecks or top leadership roles in the industry.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou are not a chef,\u201d Executive Chef and restaurant owner <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/podcast\/69-tim-condon-investing-in-new-generation-of-culinarians\/\">Tim Condon<\/a> says, \u201cuntil you are able to monetize your field.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Cooking ability alone can get you in the door, but business acumen\u2014the ability to understand how your kitchen runs as a business and how to make decisions that help it succeed\u2014may help chefs advance in their careers.<\/p>\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll explore what business acumen really means for chefs, the skills it includes, and how it can open up opportunities for leadership roles, promotions, and income growth. Whether you\u2019re aiming to become an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/executive-chef-vs-head-chef-what-is-the-diference\/\">executive chef<\/a>, manage multiple units, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/food-entrepreneurship\/how-to-start-a-restaurant-with-little-to-no-money\/\">open your own restaurant<\/a>, building these skills alongside your culinary expertise may help distinguish you.<\/p>\n        <div class=\"tmm-table-of-contents\" tmm-table-of-contents>\n            <div class=\"tmm-table-of-contents__title\">Table of Contents<\/div>\n            <div class=\"tmm-table-of-contents__list\" tmm-table-of-contents__list><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n<div id=\"attachment_69646\" style=\"width: 778px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-69646\" class=\"wp-image-69646 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Four-chefs-in-a-commercial-kitchen-reviewing-a-recipe-together-with-two-chefs-applauding.-768.webp\" alt=\"Four chefs in a commercial kitchen reviewing a recipe together, with two chefs applauding.\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Four-chefs-in-a-commercial-kitchen-reviewing-a-recipe-together-with-two-chefs-applauding.-768.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Four-chefs-in-a-commercial-kitchen-reviewing-a-recipe-together-with-two-chefs-applauding.-768-300x200.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-69646\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">High-earning chefs combine culinary skills with teamwork, leadership, and strategic decision-making.<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Why Cooking Ability Alone Isn&#8217;t Enough<\/h2>\n<p>While a passion and a love for food may lead someone to a culinary career, it\u2019s often not enough to help them reach the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/the-highest-paying-culinary-jobs-and-positions\/\">highest earning<\/a> levels in the industry. Salary data comparing different culinary roles shows that chefs who take on leadership and business-focused responsibilities tend to earn significantly more than those who focus on cooking alone.<\/p>\n<p>According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/food-preparation-and-serving\/chefs-and-head-cooks.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a>, the median annual wage for chefs and head cooks is $60,990, with the top 10% <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/food-preparation-and-serving\/chefs-and-head-cooks.htm#tab-5:~:text=10%20percent%20earned-,more%20than%20%2496%2C030,-.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">earning over $96,030<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>So what makes the difference? Chefs who move into leadership and business-focused roles often see their earnings rise significantly. Executive Chefs may earn a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/executive-chef-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">median annual salary of $94,000<\/a>. These chefs are responsible for additional tasks like menu oversight, staffing, and operational leadership. Corporate Executive Chefs, who often oversee multiple locations, may have an average compensation of around <a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/corporate-executive-chef-salary-SRCH_KO0,24.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">$131,364 per year<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\t<div class=\"blog-quote\">\n\t\t<div class=\"the-quote\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"quotes\">\u201c<\/div>\n\t\t\t\u201cHaving a business degree is a huge part of who I am today. You need to understand business principles to be a chef, more so to have a restaurant.\u201d*\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"author \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Jesse-Ito-Featured-Image.jpg\"\n\t\t\t\t\t     alt=\"Jesse Ito\"\n\t\t\t\t\t     width=\"150\" height=\"150\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Jesse Ito<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tco-founder, Royal Sushi &amp; Izakaya\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<p><em>*Information may not reflect every student&#8217;s experience. Results and outcomes may be based on several factors, such as geographical region or previous experience.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re aspiring to be a chef or work your way up in your career, these aren\u2019t simply numbers. These salary differences tell an important story. The chefs who earn the most aren\u2019t just good cooks, they\u2019re business leaders who know how to lead their teams, manage costs, and make smart business decisions. They are the chefs who help keep kitchens running smoothly and run successful restaurants.<\/p>\n<h2>The One Skill That Sets High-Earning Chefs Apart: Business Acumen<\/h2>\n<p>When chefs hear \u201cbusiness acumen,\u201d it might sound intimidating or like something only restaurant owners need. But business acumen is simply the understanding of how your kitchen or operation works as a business and how to make decisions that improve its success.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some key components of business acumen for chefs:<\/p>\n<h3>Financial Management<\/h3>\n<p>Financial management for chefs means knowing exactly how money flows in and out of your kitchen. It involves:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Food cost control<\/strong>: Calculating <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/how-to-calculate-food-cost-percentage\/\">food cost percentages<\/a> for each dish to ensure menu pricing covers expenses and generates profit.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Inventory management<\/strong>: Keeping accurate inventory to reduce waste, prevent spoilage, and optimize ordering schedules.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Labor management<\/strong>: Scheduling staff efficiently to meet business needs without overspending on labor costs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vendor negotiations<\/strong>: Building relationships with suppliers to get better pricing, higher-quality products, or discounts on bulk orders.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Menu engineering<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/food-entrepreneurship\/how-to-price-a-menu-to-improve-profitability-for-your-restaurant\/\">Designing menus that maximize profitability<\/a> by featuring items with lower food costs and higher perceived value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u201cWhen you start by focusing on the intended use of a product in your kitchen, you can make smarter decisions about the level of quality you actually need,\u201d says Chef Instructor <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/about\/chef-instructors\/matt-kuerbis\/\">Matt Kuerbis<\/a>. \u201cAfter all, we don\u2019t reach for top-shelf liquor every time we mix a cocktail\u2014it&#8217;s about how the ingredient fits the final experience.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Example<\/strong>: Imagine you analyze your appetizer menu and realize one dish costs 40% of its selling price, while others are closer to 25%. Adjusting portion size, renegotiating ingredient prices, or reworking the recipe could increase your profit margins significantly across hundreds of orders each month.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_69647\" style=\"width: 778px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-69647\" class=\"wp-image-69647 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Chef-in-uniform-sitting-at-a-table-reviewing-financial-notes-and-costs-with-a-tablet.-768.webp\" alt=\"Chef in uniform sitting at a table reviewing financial notes and costs with a tablet.\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Chef-in-uniform-sitting-at-a-table-reviewing-financial-notes-and-costs-with-a-tablet.-768.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Chef-in-uniform-sitting-at-a-table-reviewing-financial-notes-and-costs-with-a-tablet.-768-300x200.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-69647\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tracking food costs and analyzing pricing are essential parts of financial management for chefs.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Why it matters<\/strong>: Chefs with strong financial management skills are often entrusted with higher-level roles managing budgets and operations. This can qualify them for executive chef positions with salaries over $90,000 a year, and it can also give them the confidence to open their own businesses.<\/p>\n<h3>People Management &amp; Leadership Skills<\/h3>\n<p>People management is about creating a positive, productive environment where your team thrives. It can involve:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Training and development<\/strong>: Teaching cooks proper techniques, efficiency, and consistency to maintain quality and reduce costly mistakes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Communication<\/strong>: Giving clear directions, feedback, and encouragement to build trust and teamwork.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Conflict resolution<\/strong>: Addressing issues calmly and fairly to keep morale high and staff focused.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Scheduling and delegation<\/strong>: Placing the right people in the right roles each shift and empowering them to take ownership.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Example<\/strong>: If your prep cook is struggling to keep up, rather than criticizing them during a busy service, you could train them in better <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/recipes\/knife-cutting-techniques-for-professional-chefs\/\">knife techniques<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-arts\/what-is-mise-en-place-and-why-is-it-so-important-to-chefs\/\">prep organization<\/a>. This investment can improve their confidence and speed, benefiting the entire kitchen operation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why it matters<\/strong>: Managers who are good with people <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/value-of-culinary-education\/how-restaurant-owners-can-create-a-positive-team-culture\/\">build loyal teams<\/a> that result in reduced turnover, potentially saving the business thousands in hiring and training costs. They create kitchens that run smoothly without constant supervision. This is often why chefs who excel at managing people are promoted into executive or regional chef positions with higher salaries.<\/p>\n<h3>Operational Efficiency &amp; Problem Solving<\/h3>\n<p>Operational efficiency means running your kitchen smoothly and addressing issues before they become problems. It involves:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Workflow optimization<\/strong>: Setting up stations and prep processes for speed and consistency.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Time management<\/strong>: Prioritizing tasks to keep service flowing without delays.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Problem solving<\/strong>: Quickly finding solutions to unexpected challenges, such as equipment failures, staff call-outs, or delivery issues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Example<\/strong>: If your fryer breaks during dinner service, you immediately rework the ticket flow, adjusting the menu temporarily to focus on grill and saut\u00e9 items. This keeps orders moving, avoids long waits, and maintains guest satisfaction.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why it matters<\/strong>: Chefs who excel at operational efficiency can reduce waste, control labor costs, and keep customers happy even during challenges. These skills can demonstrate reliability and leadership, qualities that may be valued by owners and executives.<\/p>\n\n\t<div class=\"blog-quote\">\n\t\t<div class=\"the-quote\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"quotes\">\u201c<\/div>\n\t\t\t\u201cAnybody can say they are a chef. As far as the management portion, that is where Escoffier is really helping me actually run a restaurant, run a caf\u00e9, or run a business. And that&#8217;s what I want. I want my own restaurant.\u201d*\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"author \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Escoffier-Graduate-Tiffany-Moore.png\"\n\t\t\t\t\t     alt=\"Tiffany Moore\"\n\t\t\t\t\t     width=\"150\" height=\"150\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Tiffany Moore<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCo-Founder\/Chef, Event Hall @ Cascade, TBS \u201cRat In The Kitchen\u201d Contestant\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<p><em>*Information may not reflect every student&#8217;s experience. Results and outcomes may be based on several factors, such as geographical region or previous experience.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Innovation &amp; Market Adaptation<\/h3>\n<p>Innovation is about keeping your offerings fresh and adapting to trends and customer needs. It involves:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Menu development<\/strong>: Creating new dishes or reworking existing ones to maintain excitement and relevance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Trend awareness<\/strong>: Staying <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/how-chefs-keep-up-with-cooking-trends\/\">up to date on culinary trends<\/a>, dietary preferences, and emerging ingredients.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Business model adaptation<\/strong>: Adjusting services based on market changes, like adding takeout, meal kits, or private dining experiences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Example<\/strong>: You notice guests are asking for lighter, healthier lunch options. You develop a grain bowl with seasonal vegetables and a house-made vinaigrette, which quickly becomes one of your top-selling lunch items.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_69648\" style=\"width: 778px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-69648\" class=\"wp-image-69648 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Chef-plating-multiple-colorful-dishes-with-fresh-ingredients-in-a-professional-kitchen.-768.webp\" alt=\"Chef plating multiple colorful dishes with fresh ingredients in a professional kitchen.\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Chef-plating-multiple-colorful-dishes-with-fresh-ingredients-in-a-professional-kitchen.-768.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Chef-plating-multiple-colorful-dishes-with-fresh-ingredients-in-a-professional-kitchen.-768-300x200.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-69648\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Developing new dishes keeps your menu fresh and aligned with customer preferences.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Why it matters<\/strong>: Chefs who innovate and adapt can help their restaurants stay competitive and attract new guests. This may help increase revenue and can position them as forward-thinking leaders, opening opportunities for executive roles or entrepreneurship with higher income potential.<\/p>\n<h3>Marketing &amp; Personal Branding<\/h3>\n<p>Marketing and branding involve promoting your food, your team, and yourself to build reputation and attract customers. It includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Guest engagement<\/strong>: Connecting with diners by sharing dish stories, checking in at tables, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/success-stories\/chef-rodney-smith-ratatouille-moment\/\">hosting chef\u2019s table experiences<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/food-entrepreneurship\/how-to-promote-your-restaurant-on-social-media\/\"><strong>Social media presence<\/strong><\/a>: Share photos of your menu items, behind-the-scenes prep, and your team\u2019s personality to create excitement and keep your restaurant visible online.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/5-important-networking-tips-for-all-chefs\/\"><strong>Networking<\/strong><\/a>: Connect with local media, fellow chefs, and community organizations to build relationships that can lead to collaborations and more exposure for your work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Example<\/strong>: Imagine you\u2019re getting ready to launch a new brunch menu. You build excitement with customers by sharing photos and stories about the new dishes on Instagram throughout the week leading up to the launch. The excitement helps fill the dining room for the first weekend.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why it matters<\/strong>: Chefs with strong marketing and branding skills can grow their personal reputation and the restaurant\u2019s brand, attracting more customers and creating new opportunities. This visibility may lead to opportunities such as promotions, media features, consulting offers, and business partnerships that could increase income.<\/p>\n<p>Understanding the business side of the kitchen can help transform your career, possibly opening doors to leadership roles, higher earnings, and the chance to make a lasting impact on your team and restaurant.<\/p>\n<h2>How You Can Start Building Business Acumen Today<\/h2>\n<p>Building business acumen doesn\u2019t happen overnight, but every chef can explore ways to strengthen these skills right where they are.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe triple threat of a chef: culinary skills, leadership, and financial acumen,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/podcast\/126-career-boosting-tips\/\">Evan Kaplan<\/a>, a recruiter at Gecko Hospitality. \u201cIf you\u2019re missing one, your foundation isn\u2019t solid.\u201d*<\/p>\n<p><em>*Information may not reflect every student&#8217;s experience. Results and outcomes may be based on several factors, such as geographical region or previous experience.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>In other words, even if you\u2019re a talented cook, building your leadership and business skills is what can create a solid foundation for your career. The good news is, whether you\u2019re a line cook or a sous chef, there are practical ways to keep growing these skills and preparing for higher-paying leadership roles.<\/p>\n<p>Here are ways you can continue growing your career, moving up the ladder, and increasing your income:<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_69649\" style=\"width: 778px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-69649\" class=\"wp-image-69649 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Chef-mentoring-a-cook-while-preparing-food-together-in-a-commercial-kitchen.-768.webp\" alt=\"Chef mentoring a cook while preparing food together in a commercial kitchen.\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Chef-mentoring-a-cook-while-preparing-food-together-in-a-commercial-kitchen.-768.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Chef-mentoring-a-cook-while-preparing-food-together-in-a-commercial-kitchen.-768-300x200.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-69649\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Learning from mentors in the kitchen helps chefs build leadership and business skills.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3>Learn on the Job<\/h3>\n<p>Understanding the business side of a kitchen starts with paying attention to what\u2019s happening around you each day. This goes beyond prepping and plating\u2014it includes observing how decisions are made about ordering, scheduling, menu pricing, and daily operations.<\/p>\n<p>Chefs who understand these decisions can be better prepared to move into leadership roles. For example, noticing why your executive chef chooses one vendor over another or how your kitchen manager schedules staff to control labor costs can teach you practical business strategies you won\u2019t find in a recipe book. These insights can help build your confidence to manage costs, lead teams, and even to run your own kitchen or restaurant.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Action step:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Tomorrow, ask your executive chef or kitchen manager about one non-culinary decision they make daily, such as how they choose which supplier to order from. Listen and learn how that decision impacts the restaurant\u2019s success.<\/p>\n<h3>Seek Mentorship<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/how-to-find-a-mentor-to-help-you-in-your-culinary-career\/\">Mentorship<\/a> is one of the fastest ways to build business acumen because you\u2019re learning directly from someone with real-world experience. A mentor can help you understand financial decisions, leadership challenges, and operational strategies. This guidance can shorten your learning curve and give you confidence to take on more responsibility.<\/p>\n<p>Chefs who actively seek mentorship show they\u2019re committed to growth, which can stand out to owners and managers when leadership opportunities arise. It can also help you grow your network, opening doors to future job offers, recommendations, or partnerships.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re attending culinary school, like Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, mentorship is built into your education through your interaction with professors who have industry expertise, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/value-of-culinary-education\/why-its-important-to-find-a-peer-mentor-in-culinary-school\/\">peers sharing different kitchen experiences<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/value-of-culinary-education\/what-is-an-externship-and-are-they-paid\/\">industry externships<\/a> that can connect you with working professionals who can guide you as you develop your skills.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Action step:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Identify one person in your kitchen or professional network who manages budgets, leads teams, or runs operations effectively. Ask them if they\u2019d be willing to share insights or allow you to shadow them for an hour on a prep day.<\/p>\n<h3>Take on Small Leadership Opportunities<\/h3>\n<p>Leadership experience isn\u2019t just about running an entire kitchen\u2014it\u2019s built through small, everyday opportunities that prove you can take initiative and responsibility. This might look like training a new line cook, overseeing inventory for a shift, or creating the prep list for the day.<\/p>\n<p>These tasks may demonstrate to managers that you can handle more than your assigned duties and that you\u2019re ready to support the team at a higher level. Chefs who build leadership skills in small ways may become strong candidates for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-pastry-careers\/what-makes-a-good-sous-chef\/\">sous chef<\/a> or chef de cuisine promotions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Action step:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Volunteer to train a new line cook on a station you know well, or ask your chef if you can create the prep list for an upcoming shift.<\/p>\n<h3>Stay Aware of Industry Trends<\/h3>\n<p>Understanding what guests want and where the industry is headed can help you keep your skills and menus relevant. This could include learning about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/success-stories\/former-photographer-bree-chumley-stays-creative-with-vegan-food\/\">plant-based trends<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/culinary-arts\/the-difference-between-organic-and-sustainable-agriculture\/\">sustainable sourcing<\/a>, or shifts in dining preferences like meal kits and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/world-food-drink\/consumer-dining-trend-statistics\/\">takeout innovations<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Chefs who stay aware of trends can suggest menu changes or operational adjustments that increase customer satisfaction and revenue. This strategic thinking is highly valued in executive roles and can set you apart as someone who can drive the business forward.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Action step:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This week, read one industry article or follow a leading culinary publication on social media. Note a trend you see and think about how it could apply to your current menu or service.<\/p>\n<h3>Invest in Your Education<\/h3>\n<p>Formal education can combine business knowledge with culinary technique, equipping you with the skills employers are looking for in leaders. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/about\/campuses\/online-programs\/\">Programs<\/a> at Escoffier can help you explore food cost control, menu design, leadership, and marketing alongside culinary arts.<\/p>\n<p>Chefs who invest in their education may have opportunities to advance their careers because they bring both kitchen skills and business acumen to the table. This combination may help increase your earning potential and prepare you for roles like executive chef, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/success-stories\/chris-puga-turns-baking-passion-into-career\/\">food and beverage director<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/success-stories\/geno-vento-redefining-genos-steaks\/\">restaurant owner<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Action step:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Explore <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/about\/campuses\/online-programs\/\">Escoffier\u2019s culinary and hospitality programs<\/a> to see how you can build these skills to support your career goals.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_69650\" style=\"width: 778px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-69650\" class=\"wp-image-69650 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Culinary-student-in-chef-uniform-studying-on-a-laptop-in-a-professional-kitchen.-768.webp\" alt=\"Culinary student in chef uniform studying on a laptop in a professional kitchen.\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Culinary-student-in-chef-uniform-studying-on-a-laptop-in-a-professional-kitchen.-768.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Culinary-student-in-chef-uniform-studying-on-a-laptop-in-a-professional-kitchen.-768-300x200.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-69650\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Formal education can help chefs build both culinary skills and business knowledge.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3>Start Tracking Your Growth<\/h3>\n<p>Building business acumen is a journey, and tracking your learning can help you stay motivated. Reflecting on what you\u2019re discovering about business and leadership each week can show you where you\u2019re improving and where you can focus next.<\/p>\n<p>Chefs who track their growth can build confidence and demonstrate to themselves and others that they\u2019re serious about their career development.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cVisualize where you want to be in 10 years,\u201d says Chef Matt. \u201cLook at job descriptions for roles with the salary you\u2019re aiming for, and identify the skills they require. Then talk to your chef about how you can start developing those skills now.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Action step:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>At the end of your week, write down one thing you learned about business, leadership, or operations and one area you want to learn more about next week.<br \/>\n\t\n\t<div class=\"blog-article-callout-wrap\">\n\t\t<div class=\"blog-article-callout-text\">\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center\">Key Business Acumen Skills for Chefs<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-wrap\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Skill<\/th>\n<th>What It Includes<\/th>\n<th>Why It Matters<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>Financial Management<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Food cost control, inventory, labor management, vendor negotiations, menu engineering<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Drives profitability, qualifies chefs for higher-level roles, and builds confidence to run their own business<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>People Management &amp; Leadership<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Training, communication, conflict resolution, scheduling, delegation<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Builds strong teams, reduces turnover, and prepares chefs for promotions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>Operational Efficiency &amp; Problem Solving<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Workflow optimization, time management, quick decision-making<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Keeps kitchens running smoothly, saves money, and demonstrates leadership reliability<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>Innovation &amp; Market Adaptation<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Menu development, trend awareness, adapting services<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Keeps the restaurant relevant, drives revenue, and positions chefs for executive or entrepreneurial roles<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>Marketing &amp; Personal Branding<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Guest engagement, social media, networking<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Attracts customers and opportunities, builds professional reputation, and increases income potential<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<h2>Why Business Acumen Can be the Key to a High-Earning Chef Career<\/h2>\n<p>Business acumen is a key skill that can separate chefs who stay on the line from those who lead teams, influence decisions, and earn top salaries. While culinary talent opens doors, it\u2019s your ability to manage finances, lead people, solve problems, adapt to trends, and market yourself that can truly help you build a thriving career.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDon\u2019t avoid the hard work, because you will be a better chef for it,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/podcast\/57-andre-natera-chefs-psa\/\">Chef Andr\u00e9 Natera<\/a>, award-winning chef, author, and culinary consultant. \u201cIf you don\u2019t push yourself, and you continue on with your normal routine, the good thing is probably nothing bad will happen to you. You\u2019ll be nice and safe. But on the contrary, nothing good will happen to you either. You\u2019re going to be stuck because at a certain point in your career you\u2019re going to have to walk through fire to get to that coveted executive chef position.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Escoffier\u2019s programs can combine hands-on culinary training with the business and leadership education today\u2019s industry demands. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/contact-us\/\">Contact us<\/a> to explore how our culinary and hospitality programs may help you build skills that could support your career goals.<\/p>\n\t\n\t<h3 class=\"additional-articles-heading\">CHECK OUT THESE ARTICLES NEXT!<\/h3>\n\n\t\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/value-of-culinary-education\/is-culinary-school-necessary-to-be-a-chef\/\">Is Culinary School Necessary to Be a Chef?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/success-stories\/chris-puga-turns-baking-passion-into-career\/\">Cooking Up Success: How Chris Puga Turned His Baking Passion into a Thriving Career<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/hospitality-careers\/what-is-food-and-beverage-management\/\">What Is Hospitality &amp; Restaurant Operations Management?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the skill that high-earning chefs can use to lead kitchens, boost income, and enhance their culinary careers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":69644,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1298],"tags":[1299,60],"class_list":["post-69643","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-culinary-pastry-careers","tag-career-advancement","tag-executive-chef"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.6 - 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